Alex Hall Releases New Song Featuring Vince Gill “Never Seen The World”

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Alex Hall teams up with Vince Gill to deliver a gentle new track titled, “Never Seen the World”, which will be featured on the singer’s upcoming debut EP titled ‘Six Strings’.

Alex Hall

Rising singer-songwriter Alex Hall is gearing up to release his debut EP titled ‘Six Strings’ in February 2021. The EP is set to feature a range of Nashville favorites, including John Osborne (of Brothers Osborne), Brad Paisley, Tenille Townes, Kassi Ashton, Brad Tursi (of Old Dominion), and Vince Gill.  Leading up to the February release, Hall is sharing several teaser songs off the EP, beginning with “Jealous Love” (feat. John Osborne) last month. Hall followed the first single with a melodic love song titled “Never Seen the World”, feat. country music megastar, Vince Gill. This is a gorgeous song that makes you feel at ease and after just one listens, evokes all-encompassing emotions of love.

“Never Seen the World” features a soothing rhythm and soul-stirring guitar twangs, creating an instant warmth. Hall’s authentically country vocals with Gill on the harmony adds to the gentleness of the song. This song describes a love that alters the way one views the world and makes the mundane parts of life special. In the first verse, the artist sings of a newfound appreciation for life after finding someone special.

“I’ve been down this road a thousand times / I’ve never seen it like this… I can see for miles like I never could / I don’t need to look back.”

The lyrics are simple yet sincere, detailing the emotional shift that occurs during the blossoming of a new relationship.

The chorus is both powerful and soft, with Hall passionately balancing strong notes and a slow tempo. He sings about all of the simple moments he longs to share with his lover and acknowledges the effortlessness of true love.

“Why don’t we just stay awhile and waste a little time? / Listen to the radio and hold each other tight / Talk about whatever, everything under the moon / I’ve never seen the world, I’ve never seen the world / the way I see it with you”

The storytelling is sweet, sincere, and full of authentic country references. The bridge paints a picture with a metaphor, artfully expressing that everything is more beautiful with someone special by your side.

“You’re rose-colored glasses / that I love looking through”

Fans are beginning to see the range of music and lyrical diversity that is to come on the ‘Six Strings’ EP and we look forward to hearing the rest of the songs.

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

To keep up with Alex Hall, follow him on, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

“Never Seen The World” 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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The Hero Collectionby 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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Who Is Andrew Jannakos? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Who Is Andrew Jannakos? Talented new country SONY Nashville recording artist, whose debut song “Gone Too Soon” went viral.

Andrew Jannakos

This week’s Swag Spotlight artist, Andrew Jannakos is a newly signed recording artist that we are super excited about. Fans may recognize his name from NBC’s The Voice or from social media, especially TikTok, but we are positive that you are going to remember his name because of his incredible talent. We chatted with the singer-songwriter about his journey and his passion for music.

A Georgia-native, Jannakos expressed his gratitude for his upbringing and his supportive family throughout the entire interview. Growing up north of Atlanta, the singer found an interest in music through his parents and grandfather. “Music was always there. Music was always a part of my life. My grandfather was a musician and had a bluegrass band and my mom has a great voice,” he shared with us, even adding later that he would listen to The Carpenters and scores from musicals with his mother in the car.

However, growing up as a 90s kid, Jannakos was all about being outside. At as young as five years old, he would go hunting with his father, and of course, country music was the soundtrack to their adventures. “I was always raised on country music and raised on southern rock like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Journey, The Eagles, and all those southern rock bands. So country was always the forefront of what I did.”

Of course, Jannakos also credits more current artists, especially Brad Paisley for his passion for the craft. “Brad Paisley is a huge inspiration to my music and just the way that I look at country music. You know he writes- his older stuff, his 90s stuff growing up, just told such a great story, and it got me through a lot of dark times in my life,” adding, “I have a different level of respect just because it got me through so much stuff.”

 

 

When high school ended, the singer pursued a career in hospitality, working at restaurants and bartending, honing his craft as a chef as well. “I never thought that I would pursue music as a career, I never thought that that would be an option,” he shared with us, later coming to a different realization, “It took me a long time to figure out that music was the thing that I wanted, it was the thing that I wanted to do with the rest of my life”.

That notion changed when he met his now wife and her young son. “She’s my biggest supporter,” he declared, “She saw me before I was even me […] She believed in me the moment she heard me sing.” With the support of his wife and her son, Jannakos took the little bit of momentum he got from The Voice, and continued to use social media as a platform for his music.

With some doors opening, Jannakos headed to a writer’s retreat in Chattanooga, Tennesee to write with some talented songwriters at the beginning of this year. It was at that retreat that he wrote his breakout single “Gone Too Soon” with Jason Afable and Joshua Clements Bricker. “We wrote the song in January,” he began, “I held it for a while, thinking about pitching it to some people, and I was finally like ya know what, why don’t I just cut it, and my wife was like ‘I’ve been telling you that for 5 months.’”

Once the entertainer finally received the final master back for the track, his wife encouraged him to post a Tiktok of him singing along to the song while cooking. After some hesitation on his part, he agreed, and the song went viral overnight, which eventually led to his record deal with SONY Nashville.

The track depicts the story of a long-distance relationship for Jannakos, but he acknowledges that others may connect to the song differently. “I just love country music. I just love music,” shared the singer, “So many people can connect to a song just through lyrics and it’s really inspiring to just want to continue to make good music.”

Jannakos is sure to continue to make waves with his original music. He anticipates a lot of new music coming down the pipeline next year, and fans can even get glimpses of unreleased tunes on his social media now. Jannakos is definitely one of the first on our list to see live when he is able to head out on the road to celebrate his accomplishments and of course “Gone Too Soon!”

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

To keep up with Andrew Jannakos, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Gone Too Soon” 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.

Carly Pearce Releases Tribute to busbee “Show Me Around”

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Carly Pearce just released a touching new song “Show Me Around”, a tribute to her late friend, producer, and collaborator, busbee.

Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, this song and Carly Pearce’s delivery will certainly bring up some deep emotions. Michael Busbee, known in the music industry as ‘busbee’ has had a hand in incredible achievements for artists like Maren Morris, Pink, Florida Georiga Line, and of course Pearce. He lost his battle to Glioblastoma in September of 2019 and the hit songwriter and producer is missed by so many.

In “Show Me Around” the songstress is talking directly to the person who has passed on and relays the sentiment that those here left earthside can’t wait until they meet again.

“I bet you’re up there right now / Making plans and writing out / All your favorite places / That you just can’t wait to take us / And we’ll get to spend forever talking ‘bout whatever / When I get there, promise you’ll track me down / And show me around”

Carly Pearce new song Show Me Around Busbee

Carly Pearce, “Show Me Around”, Available Now

“As my mentor and friend, busbee helped me share the parts of my own life that I could only explain through music. He holds such a sweet place in my heart, and I truly hope ‘Show Me Around’ brings comfort to his wife Jess and their three little girls. At his funeral, a songwriter that all of us in Nashville love named Barry Dean gave a speech that painted the most beautiful picture of Heaven. There is no way to ease the pain of losing someone you love, this felt like a really hopeful way to look at our loved ones meeting us again one day and showing us around,” Pearce shared in a press release.

Coming off her first CMA Award win with Lee Brice for Musical Event of the Year for their hit song, “I Hope You’re Happy Now”, Pearce is ready to move past her divorce and shuffle into a great new era in her music.

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

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

“Show Me Around” 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!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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Chuck Wicks Releases Romantic New Song “Old With You”

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Chuck Wicks’ new song “Old With You” is available now, December 4th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Chuck Wicks is one of those country artists and industry people that just never gets the recognition he deserves for his music. Songs like “Stealing Cinderella” and “Better Than Flowers” are just a couple of examples of his promising talent and mesmerizing vocals. Earlier this year, the singer-songwriter released “Solid Gold,” and he is now following up that track with a brand new love song entitled “Old With You.”

Written by the singer with Seth Ennis and Joe Fox, “Old With You” has ‘future wedding song’ written all over it. With a sound similar to Russell Dickerson’s smash hit “Yours,” and Wicks’ own hit “Stealing Cinderella, “Old With You” is a ballad that will have you swooning with all the romantic notions. The song is a humble track about being so thankful for the one you love. With country lyrics laced throughout and piercing vocals, the new song may be one of our favorites by the singer.

“Cause I ain’t ever been a lucky one / I ain’t a bet on a horse on Kentucky one / If it’s a fish or a break nah I can’t catch it / How I got ya girl I still don’t get it so,” sings Wicks before declaring in the catchy chorus, “Now I’m the luckiest guy in the room / Cause I’m the one, who gets to get old with you.”

If you have ever been in love or hope to find true love in a special someone someday, this song is for you. It gives hope to those looking for love and solidifies feelings for those who were lucky enough to find their person. “Old With You” should definitely nail down a spot on your music rotation!

Chuck Wicks, "Old With You", Available Now December 4th

Chuck Wicks, “Old With You”, Available Now

To keep up with Chuck Wicks, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

“Old With You” 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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Kalie Shorr ‘Open Book: Unabridged’ – Album Review

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The New York Times’ 7th best album of 2019 has been brought back to life for Kalie Shorr’s latest release, Open Book: Unabridged, available now, December 4th. Take a look below as we uncover her new project.

Kalie Shorr, 'Open Book: Unabridged" Available Now.

Kalie Shorr, ‘Open Book: Unabridged” Available Now.

To be a woman in Nashville making country music is notoriously difficult. Now? That’s old news. Few artists have worked harder than Song Suffragette’s founding member, Kalie Shorr. For nearly a decade, Shorr has been honing her craft and paying her dues, and creating her own opportunities. After signing with New York-based- TMWRK record label, Kalie Shorr decided to re-release her critically acclaimed debut, Open Book. Throwing genre out the window and colors at the wall is Open Book: Unabridged.

The previously 13-track record is now 17 tracks long, and the opener “My Voice” is one of the new four. It’s direct and empowering, the perfect anthem for anyone out there who has felt boxed in and has now found themselves. It’s gutsy, twangy, and anthemic. “Guess what, I can’t change / It’s not my voice / So get used to the sound of my voice,” she sings unapologetically on the chorus. It’s the perfect opening to a record.

The previously released song “Escape,” is about Shorr’s family that lyrically and vocally will give you complete chills. She’s country for a reason: this song is the epitome of three chords and the truth, no matter how hard that truth is to hear sometimes. This song tackles everything from childhood, addiction, an eating disorder, and mental health. “Everybody’s got a star where all their wishes go/And if those stars ain’t lucky, then you’ve gotta hang your own/Getting out of bed is hard if you don’t have a reason/Everybody needs an escape, and mine was leaving.”

Another new track, “Eighteen” is a gut-puncher. Even when it hurts, Shorr isn’t afraid to go there. This song tackles a toxic relationship with an older boy she dated at 18 years old. “I see you out with younger versions of me/While I’m tryna find who I used to be/I’m terrified that you and I will always be/Chasing 18,” she sings reflectively on the bridge. What’s particularly special about Shorr’s music is that in many songs, it’s like you’re hearing a therapy session, hence Open Book. It must be cathartic for her to write and then release these messages into the world, but it’s also cathartic for the listener. She is able to say what many can’t yet, and that’s rare.

Another favorite from the original release of Open Book is “The One”, a song where the production buildup really mirrors the story and it makes it that much better. What makes it such an outstanding moment is the way Shorr cuts to the heart of the lyric. In the verses, you can hear her frustration, anger, and resentment on this relationship gone wrong, but in the chorus, she’s just heartbroken. Plain and simple. Despite everything they went through, “you were supposed to be the one”. In its composition, there’s also something timeless about it. It’s such a universal feeling, and it’s conveyed perfectly.

The third newly released track is “Out of It” is a really interesting vocal contrast to the rest of the project. Shorr has a really powerful lower register that she doesn’t always use, but it’s really prominent here. It’s a smartly written song about an ex who always calls when they shouldn’t. “You come knocking on closed doors/When you’re lonely or you’re bored/Next time you’re out of it/leave me out of it.”

Kalie Shorr’s evolution as a writer, artist, and producer is evident on all 17 tracks. She didn’t make music for radio; she made music for her. And that doesn’t happen often in Nashville. Modern country can sometimes shy away from the most important music, but Kalie Shorr has found a way to incorporate her pop sensibilities into songs with meaning. She used to be the “only one awake”, but it’s about time everyone hears her story, or moreover, the first chapter of her book.

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

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

Open Book: Unabridged 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.

OPEN BOOK: UNABRIDGED TRACKLISTING:

My Voice
Too Much To Say
Escape
Messy
The One
F U Forever
Alice in Wonderland
Eighteen
The World Keeps Spinning
Big Houses
Out of It
Gatsby
Thank God You’re A Man
Lying to Myself
Vices
Lullaby
Angry Butterfly

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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:

 

Russell Dickerson: ‘Southern Symphony’ – Album Review

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Russell Dickerson’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Southern Symphony is here! Showcasing his one of a kind talent, his undying love for his family, and plenty of fun, this album has it all. To celebrate the release, Dickerson debuted an incredible album experience like no other. Check it out in the video below as the ten-minute project takes you on a cinematic journey sharing the story of the songs through the album.

The album kicks off with a bang with previously released “Never Get Old”.  Written by Dickerson, Parker Welling, Corey Crowder, and Steven Olsen, this track is upbeat and the perfect sing-along for when live music returns. It also reminds us that no matter how many times you go to your favorite bar or repeatedly have a chill night in with your significant other, those moments never get old.

We know from the singer-songwriter’s double-platinum song “Yours” how much he loves his wife, Kailey, but this album showcases his love and appreciation for her on a whole other level starting with previously released “Home Sweet” and already two-week consecutive number one “Love You Like I Used To”. These two upbeat tracks show us the maturity of their relationship and remind us that through the struggles there’s always a silver lining.

His strong love for his wife is once again showcased throughout the album but stands out in the tracks “Come To Jesus” and “Waiting For You”. With a bit of a slower tempo, “Come to Jesus” shows off Dickerson’s vocal range as he shares his appreciation for having Kailey be his voice of reason and continuing to keep him in check. In “Waiting For You” the Tennessee native shares that he had been waiting his whole life to find the type of love he has with his wife. With the gospel feel and beautiful addition of the saxophone, this song blew us away.

In the title track “Southern Symphony”, Dickerson’s vocals are outstanding and laced with an acoustic guitar playing in the background, he takes us back to his hometown painting a picture of all the sounds he remembers including a magnolia breeze, bug zapper, and fight song sharing the message of when you find your person you feel the sensation of home.

The very first artist that NYCountry Swag ever worked with back in 2016 is known for bringing the energy and what better way to do that than with his good friends, award-winning duo Florida Georgia Line? “It’s ’s About Time” is the perfect party anthem and will have you filling up a drink in no time!

In a recent press release, Dickerson shared what he hopes listeners get out of the album. “When you hear this, I hope you feel the excitement, hope, and happiness in life. I want to be a good steward in these songs. There’s joy all around. I’m trying to spread a little bit of that. It’s exactly what the world needs right now and always.”

It’s been three years since Dickerson’s debut album Yours and the new dad’s evolution as an artist is incredible. We can’t wait to see this album performed live! In the meantime, check out the incredible full album experience in the video here.

Russell Dickerson's 'Southern Symphony' is out now, December 4th

Russell Dickerson’s ‘Southern Symphony’ is out now, December 4th

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, Facebook, and Twitter.

Southern Sympathy 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.

Carrie Underwood Duets with David Bisbal on “Tears of Gold”

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The singer who taught us how to cry pretty is now showing off her tears of gold. Multi-platinum country superstar Carrie Underwood has another genre to add to her discography, Latin Pop. The songstress joined Spanish pop powerhouse David Bisbal for his new bilingual single, “Tears of Gold”, available now. 

David Bisbal Carrie Underwood

Underwood and Bisbal have something besides their love of music in common – they both emerged from popular fan-voted television competitions, American Idol and Operación Triunfo. The two trade off verses and harmonize on the chorus of the song, and in a surprise to most Underwood fans, the Oklahoma native even sings a few lines in Spanish herself, proving once again that there is absolutely nothing this singer-songwriter, producer, author, entrepreneur, and mom of two can’t do.

The accompanying music video, which premiered on YouTube this morning to their combined 5 million followers, shows the epic duo dressed in gold and singing from different spots in Los Angeles.

The release is the biggest global collaboration ever across the Latin pop and country genres, and with established and devoted fan bases around the world, there is no question that it will expand the already massive international reach of both artists. 

“I am very proud of our first collaboration,” said David Bisbal in a press release earlier this month. “It was very special because I love Carrie and truly admire her courage. She has shown a profound admiration for the Spanish language with her wonderful vocals on the track and I am honored to collaborate with Carrie on her first bilingual Spanish song.” 

It’s a big week for Underwood, who in addition to the release of  “Tears of Gold” is premiering her Christmas special on HBO Max, as well as making appearances on several day-time and late-night talk shows to promote her holiday album, My Gift.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming Carrie Underwood release.

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

“Tears of Gold”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!

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:

Country Stars Support ‘We Won’t Stop’ Campaign for St. Jude

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St. Jude, located in Memphis, Tennessee is a research hospital for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Perhaps the most special part about the organization is, thanks to very generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Families receive the best care in the country, at no cost, making the worst and darkest days of their lives a little bit brighter – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

NYCountry Swag's Christina Bosch & Stephanie Wagner rocking St. Jude's "We Won't Stop" Tees

NYCountry Swag’s Christina Bosch & Stephanie Wagner rocking St. Jude’s “We Won’t Stop” Tees

Not only is St. Jude currently taking care of patients within its own doors but its research facility and labs are open 24/7 and freely share their findings with hospitals and doctors across the country. They are working towards a world where no family ever has to hear the words “you have cancer”.

We Won't Stop Reba

Launched more than 30 years ago, Randy Owen from the band Alabama stood up during Country Radio Seminar in Nashville and asked his friends, colleagues, and radio partners to join together to help St. Jude and the children they serve, and so, “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” was born. The program unites more than 200 radio stations and dozens of country music artists annually to raise awareness and support for St. Jude kids.

Tim McGraw We Won't Stop

In addition, Owen, who has been an example of compassion and support since the beginning, kick-started the beloved tradition of giving the “Angels Among Us” award to others who have shown his spirit and exceptional dedication to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

St. Jude We Won't Stop Tee

This year, following the St. Jude “This Shirt Saves Lives” campaign, the organization introduces the “We Won’t Stop” tee. For a monthly donation of just $19, you can get the exclusive tee and help support this incredible program. It costs over a million dollars daily to operate St. Jude each and every day. Donations are what keeps them able to help children suffering. To donate and get your own “We Won’t Stop” t-shirt head to www.stjude.org.

To learn more about Country Cares and Jessica Turri, a main component in their story recently, check out our Woman of the Month feature. 

 

St. Jude This Shirt Saves Lives

NYCountry Swag’s Christina Bosch & Stephanie Wagner, 2019

 

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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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“My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood” – The Full Recap

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The holidays are officially here. “My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood” premiered today on HBO Max and it was more than worth the wait. For fans who anxiously counted down the days to the release of My Gift back in September, Underwood’s first ever Christmas album, this full length streaming concert provides a new way to experience the music and the joy of the season. 

My Gift Carrie Underwood

Accompanied by a full orchestra and choir, a festive wardrobe, and a holiday set straight out of a dream, the singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, author, and mom of two performed every song from the album including Christmas classics and original material, plus previous hit singles, ‘Jesus Take the Wheel’ and ‘Something in the Water’. John Legend also joined her for a gorgeous duet of their song “Hallelujah”, which has already climbed to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In a full-circle moment for OG fans, American Idol conductor Ricky Minor led the orchestra. 

Underwood was flawless with her vocals, but it was her eldest son Isaiah who stole the show during the 45-minute program. After commenting on how special it was to record a duet with her five-year-old for the album, viewers got a behind the scenes glimpse into the two recording together over the summer. Isaiah can be seen in the studio and singing his little heart out while his proud mama cheers him on. Underwood’s mother Carole also made an appearance in a packaged segment, sharing pictures, video clips, and stories about Carrie’s love of Christmas growing up and performing locally in Oklahoma.

My Gift the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country, Christian, and Holiday charts. The project, which was arranged and produced by Greg Wells was Underwood’s eighth straight album to debut in the top spot. 

The event was directed by Sandra Restrepo and produced by Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks for Playtone. “My Gift: a Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood” is available now on HBO Max.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming Carrie Underwood release.

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

My Gift 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.

—————

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:

The 88th Annual Rockefeller Tree Lighting – Full Recap

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Last night, the 88th annual Rockefeller Tree Lighting took place and aired on NBC. Artists of all genres including, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Tori Kelly, Jimmy Fallon, Leslie Odom Jr., Megan Trainor, Pentatonix, Goo Goo Dolls, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Radio City Rockettes and several entertainers from Broadway’s “Ain’t Too Proud” performed. Dolly Parton, Brett Eldredge and Dan + Shay represented country music. Keep reading below for a more in-depth review.

Brett Eldredge Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Normally, this event would bring thousands of people from all over the world and pack the streets of New York City. However, this is no normal year. Instead, we got to watch the tree lighting from the comfort and safety of our own homes. NBC’s Craig Melvin, Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker hosted this magical night.

Kelly Clarkson kicked off the special with a performance of her original song, “Underneath the Tree” from Los Angeles. Right after, Dolly Parton sang a duet with Tonight Show Host, Jimmy Fallon for their rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” This pre-recorded skit took place in Parton’s Nashville room, while she sang with Fallon via video chat. Throughout the song, Fallon was slowly putting on his Santa suit, and at the end, he jumped into his chimney on set and dropped down into the room Parton was singing in. Later in the show, Parton gave a powerful performance of “Mary, Did You Know?” Both these songs (including the Fallon feature) are on her latest album A Holly Dolly Christmas.

Brett Eldredge was the next performer. No country artist has quite embodied the holiday season like Eldredge has over the past few years. It seems he releases a new holiday track every year, and in 2016 he put out a full-length album titled Glow, which was followed by a deluxe version in 2018. The past two years, he has gone on holiday tours, stopping at Beacon Theater both years. Before his performance of “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,” he delivered a Christmas wreath made from actual branches from the tree in Rockefeller Center to medical professionals at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Eldredge came on again later in the show, delivering an emotional performance of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in front of the frontline health workers.

Dan + Shay took the stage in front of the Prometheus statue twice last night, performing both their new Christmas songs, the upbeat “Take Me Home For Christmas” and the slower “Christmas Isn’t Christmas.” As usual, Shay Mooney’s dominant lead vocals were on full display.

Due to her recent engagement to country superstar, Blake Shelton, we have to give a holla to Gwen Stefani (see what we did there?). She performed two original songs from her new holiday album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, “Here This Christmas” and the title track. Although he did not sing with her last night, Shelton features on the title track.

The final performance of the night was a pre-recorded duet of Brett Eldredge and Kelly Clarkson singing their new, original holiday song “Under the Mistletoe.” Finally, after a short countdown from the hosts, the giant tree was lit, officially beginning the 2020 Christmas season.

 

Still need help getting in the spirit? Listen to our NYCS Christmas Playlist and check out our favorite, new holiday songs by our favorite country artists in our latest blog post.

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

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