NYCS First Impression: Delta Rae ‘The Light’

/in /by

By Micheal Pietrzak

Detla Rae THe Light

The Light is Delta Rae’s first independent album which was funded by the Kickstarter campaign. The band managed to raise $450K with $30K coming in 30 minutes. Formed in 2009 as a four-piece around the talents of siblings Ian, Eric and Brittany Holljes, along with Elizabeth Hopkins, the North Carolina-based band expanded to a sextet the following year with the additions of Mike McKee and Grant Emerson. For more about the way the band formed, head to our Swag Spotlight from 2018, here.

“We started Delta Rae ten years ago to create magic through our music and story-telling. We are a band of six best friends, with four singers and three siblings. After five years of waiting to release a studio album, we wanted our next project to fully capture both our joyful, gospel-inflicted anthems but also the mysterious, southern gothic dreamscapes that have always characterized our sound”, they explain on their website.

Delta Rae’s album The Light is like a warm breeze in the spring, the drop of water during a drought, the light that shines bright in dark times. Especially now the world needs such a positive-sounding album. If you have 40 minutes of free time, spend them on listening to The Light. The whole record has positive melodies and rhythms but some songs have melancholic lyrics, it leaves you with mixed emotion because you don’t whether you should be sad or happy. “Take Me There” is a great example of positive tones and rhythms but the lyrics tell the story of longing and frustration. “No One Will Miss Me” is about a loss and end of a relationship but tunes pass along a ray of hope for better tomorrow. The project also features songs that spread joy. “Any Better Than This” is simply an ode to joy and “Back To The Garden” is about the places that make us feel good and happy. 

Everything has an ending, even such a unique and excellent album. It ends with the calm tracks that make you want to listen to more Delta Rae songs but unfortunately, you have to wait a year for The Dark album a mysterious, witchy and raw sister record.  

Concluding, The Light is something different and refreshing and the band’s exceptional harmonies bring optimism to the darkest of times. 

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

The Light is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our “New Country Music” playlist. Be sure to 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 First Impression Kelsea Ballerini Releases ‘kelsea’

/in /by

kelsea

Some might say a debut album is most important; it’s the introduction. Some might say the sophomore album is most crucial; it’s where you prove you survived the “slump”. But perhaps an artists’ third album is the most prominent. It’s where an artist really comes into themselves and their sound. Kelsea Ballerini’s new album, kelsea, proves to be just that: self-aware.

“I had to get to know myself at 26 and realize that I’m not the same person who wrote the first or second albums,” Ballerini told The Washington Post. “I still have bits of that confidence and that swagger in this album. But it’s definitely paired with a lot more truth-telling.”

The opener is “overshare”, where Ballerini sings, “Momma says, that I never met a stranger/Strange thing is everybody’s strangers”. All about sharing a little too much, it takes on a similar approach to Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes”. She paints the picture with humorous anecdotes and is sure not to take herself too seriously. Ballerini wrote the track with Jesse Frasure (a writer on “Life Changes”), Josh Osborne and Tayla Parx. As she explains all of this, she continues to overshare, even if it’s “TMI”.

Insecurity and reflection anchor both sides of the record. On songs like “needy” and “love me like a girl”, she dives into the feeling of being secure enough as an individual to need her significant other. “You’ve never needed anybody, but now you need me/I was the same/But things have changed/I’m needy.” She has established boundaries, and she knows when she wants to change them. The previously released “homecoming queen” served as the lead single and is a refreshing and beautifully simple take on self-worth.

A standout on the record is the heart-wrenching ballad “love and hate”. Penned by Ballerini, Ross Copperman, and Ed Sheeran, the track is about how humans walk the line between love and hate. Her vocals are stunning, and the harmonic strings soar throughout, making for a pixelating experience.

Ballerini has two collaborations on kelsea, one with indie-popstar Halsey and the other with legendary country superstar Kenny Chesney. “the other girl” is a glitzy and ominous story about two girls figuring out which one is the “other girl” in their shared partner’s mind. “I bet you’re bold/I bet that’s why/You seem to occupy his mind/I bet you’re smart/But do you know about me?” Ballerini sings on the first verse. What’s special about it is that neither girl blames the other, and neither is bitter – it’s simply introspective. Ballerini and Halsey’s voices blend well together, creating a sound that is equal parts curious and hurt.

“half of my hometown” is the moment on kelsea. It’s an ode to Ballerini’s hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, and and pays homage to those who are as lost as they are found about where they stand as they grow up. In both “la” and “half of my hometown”, Ballerini seems to be pulled in two different directions. It was written in Florida with the incredible Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins (the fivesome now calls their writing group The Wet Dandelions, according to Ballerini’s live stream). Chesney, a Knoxville-native as well, appeared on Ballerini’s live stream March 19th to discuss his connection to the song. “It spoke to me in a lot of ways… [reminded me] of how I grew up, the streets I drove down, because, when I listened to that song and it just reminded me so much of my own family, the struggles I experienced when I first left,” Chesney explained. This reflects perfectly in the slow, nostalgic guitar-driven tune. “The other half of my hometown/They all got out/Some went north/Some went south/Still lookin’ for a feelin’ half of us ain’t found/So stay or leave/Part of me will always be/Half of my hometown”. Regardless if this becomes a single, this will always be a pivotal part of Ballerini’s catalog in years to come.

“la” wraps the album up, which is a deeply personal poem-set-to-music that Ballerini wrote herself. What’s special about Ballerini as a songwriter is that everyone can find their story within hers. It extends beyond universality – she is just like the rest of us. In a song like “la”, you can hear her struggle, and it’s so easy to empathize with.

Ballerini notes several times throughout the album that she always has something to say. Sometimes it’s to the wrong people at the right time. But often, it’s coming straight from her heart and it needs to be said. She’s as glittery and envelope-pushing as she is transparent and sincere creating the perfect balance. She’s found her way, and now she wants to re-introduce herself to you. On that note, it’s nice to meet you again, Kelsea.

kelsea by Kelsea Ballerini Tracklist:

overshare
club
homecoming queen?
the other girl (with Halsey)
love me like a girl
love and hate
bragger
hole in the bottle
half of my hometown (feat. Kenny Chesney)
the way I used to
needy
a country song
la

NYCS Staff Picks:

love and hate
half of my hometown
the way i used to
needy

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

kelsea 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!

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

#WeTheFANS: Your Dream Country Music Tour Line-up

/in /by

We believe that the country music genre has the best fans in the world. Being a New York based outlet, we love representing all things country music in the big apple, but last week, we asked YOU, the fans, what country artists would make up your dream tour line-up.

Russell Dickerson

Check out our round-up of some of your answers below!

  1. Eric Church with, well, pretty much anyone.

Our Twitter followers were pretty loyal to The Chief himself, Mr. Eric Church. It seems fans like Lori (@Metsgal313) and Dana C. (@DanaAC82) would put Church as the headliner of their dream concert line-up! Lori would include Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett, Miranda Lambert, and Ashley McBryde in her perfect line-up, while Dana prefers the likes of Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and Brothers Osborne.

 

  1. Your dream concert line-up is festival style!

Some of our fans surprised us by basically creating their own festival line-up when asked who would make up their dream tour line-up. Nicole S. shared that her festival would include artists like Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion, ZBB, and Brantley Gilbert, among some others! For Joanne C., narrowing down her line-up was a difficult task, but she finally chose Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, ZBB, Dustin Lynch, Morgan Wallen, and more. We are here for both these line-ups!

 

  1. Kicking it old-school with modern-day artists.

For fans who prefer the traditional country sound, but want to support the rising artists, look no further than Matthew S.’s dream line-up. He chose Jon Pardi, William Michael Morgan, and one of our Swag Spotlights, Tara Thompson as his must-see crew of talented artists.

 

  1. A modern-day country fan’s dream line-up.

For fans, who prefer the more country-pop spectrum of country music, then Margaret W’s dream line-up would be the concert for you. She picked three of the most entertaining and enthusiastic entertainers in the business for her pick, including our day one, Russell Dickerson, Florida Georgia Line, and Thomas Rhett. Now that sounds like a summer Jones Beach Concert in the making!

Keep on the look-out for our next question this week on our social media platforms, and let us know what you think! You just might be featured in our next post!

Want to support NY Country Swag? Purchase a t-shirt here to help our small business in these trying times. Thank you!

—————

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:

Kindness Isn’t Canceled Spotlight: IGC Hospitality Family Meal

/in , /by

It has been a tough few weeks for Nashville, for the country, and for the world. Small businesses are struggling to stay afloat, people are trying to rebuild their homes, many Americans are losing their jobs, and we are all forced to stay in as we fight through this pandemic. Despite all this turmoil, beauty and kindness have remained.

We decided to flip the script and shine our spotlight, while we can, on some of the kindness that we have witnessed from others because Kindness Isn’t Canceled.

One of the supreme hospitality groups in New York City, IGC Hospitality has shown kindness through these tough times. In the spirit of hospitality and their four core values, (human, hospitable, hungry, and humble) IGC launched “Family Meal”, a relief program for the NYC restaurant community.

The program provides free meals to the employees who work in the industry and their families. This initiative not only provides meals for restaurant workers and their loved ones, but allows some employees to keep working, which in turn allows them to keep earning a much-needed paycheck through these uncertain times.

This selfless effort by IGC is one that is deserving of accolades. Friends, families, employees, and employers alike have all pitched in to donate to the cause. It costs just $6 to donate a meal. So far an astonishing, $23,519 has been raised by over 150 donors in just a few short days. The ultimate goal currently stands at $40,000.

We are so proud to be able to share IGC Hospitality’s story, and we hope it touched your heart, as it has ours. If you feel inclined to donate, you can do so here. If you are unable to contribute financially, we encourage you to share the link.

Know somebody spreading incredible acts of kindness during these difficult times? E-mail us at: [email protected].

We look forward to continuing to keep bringing you more stories that remind us that Kindness Isn’t Canceled. Join us in our campaign, and buy yourself a t-shirt here. As always, we appreciate your support of  NYCountry Swag.

 

 

—————

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 First Impression: Dan Smalley ‘If I’m Being Honest’

/in , , /by

Dan Smalley - If I'm Being Honest

At NYCountry Swag, we pride ourselves on bringing you the freshest and newest voices in country music. Today, one of Big Machine Label Group’s newest signees, Dan Smalley released his debut EP entitled If I’m Being Honest. The singer has written songs for the likes of Ashley McBryde and Dillon Carmichael, but today fans get to see exactly what Smalley is made of as a solo artist.

The four-song EP is an impressive collection of songs that truly gives fans and country lovers some insight into Smalley’s voice and style. The new EP is a confessional record that focuses on story-telling and song-writing, two qualities we look for in any country record.

The record opens up with “Till Country Comes Back.” The lyrics are accompanied by both banjos and steel guitar, making the song feel both familiar and nostalgic. Smalley’s smooth vocals are easy to listen to as he sings about love.

According to the singer, the song is about, “a guy who’s willing to put his life on hold and wait for the love of his life.” Happily married, Smalley admits that he would “wait [his] whole life” for his wife.

“Lucky” is next up. The song begins with an impactful vocal and simple instrumentation. Written by the singer with talented songwriter, Brian Kolb, the rising artist sings about going through hardships, only to find his way back to his love. The happenstances can only be attributed to one thing, luck. It is a true confession in song form.

“I was some kind of crazy, wild out, and out of my mind /
Til you came and saved me from spinning off the end of the line /
I was livin’ like I didn’t have nothin’ to lose /
‘Cause I only knew what livin’ was like without you /
Now here you are lovin’ on me / Yeah, talk about lucky”

Continuing to bare his heart through song, the title track is the stand-out tune off the project. Smalley reveals his truth and his demons in this story-telling song, which he shares was written as a confession to his wife, his confidant. With an Eric Church feel and honesty that feels instantly country, the singer nails it with this song.

“Truth is I’m most of the time just shootin’ from the hip / So I tell folks I’ve moved on from the bones locked in why closet / Truth is it’s just easier to lie / If I’m being honest”

Rounding out the project is the song “Rich and Famous.” Smalley shows off his funky, country-rock side in the mid-tempo jam. Once again, the singer’s wife remains his muse for this song, as well as for the overall project.

Smalley’s debut project is a smash. He delivers a little bit of everything to country fans, while showing country lovers exactly who he is, which is a hard feat to accomplish through only four songs. The singer is the full package, and we are excited to continue championing his career, as he navigates the ever-evolving country music industry.

To keep up with Dan Smalley, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

If I’m Being Honest is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our “New Country Music” playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

If I’m Being Honest Track List:

  1. “Till Country Comes Back”
  2. “Lucky”
  3. “If I’m Being Honest”
  4. “Rich and Famous”

 

 

—————

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:

Teddy Robb Releases Brand New Track, “Me On You”

/in , /by

Teddy Robb, a NYCountry Swag  2019 Artist to Watch, dropped his latest track “Me on You” following his previous releases “Tell Me How”, “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” and his debut song, “Lead Me On”. In the midst of these funky, uncertain times right now, new music from the rising star is perhaps exactly what country music fans need.

Written by Ryan Beaver and Deric Ruttan, the singer-songwriter opens the track painting a picture of what looks like a bothered soul in a dark place causing some small-town speculation as to what could be going on. As the verse builds, listeners come to learn Robb is not speaking of a specific drug, but the power of love.

“This up all night // Ain’t a habit I’m tryin’ to kick // I may be high //
but it ain’t like what they think // all this need a hit, can’t quit, lookin’ for the next fix //
fool I’ve turned into // That’s just me, girl // Me On You”

Back in October 2019, the Akron, Ohio native joined NYCountry Swag for a Country Brunch at IGC Hospitality’s The Boogie Room located inside the Mondrian Park Avenue Hotel. Singing some songs and stellar covers, Robb kept the New York country music fans entertained all afternoon long. Check out some clips from the awesome time below.

Additionally, Robb was featured in one of our NYCS Swag Sessions where he played his then single “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” and also premiered glimpses of a few other songs. Check it out in the video below.

To keep up with Teddy Robb follow him on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

“Me on 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!

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

New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 3/20/20

/in /by

New Music Friday! This week we get new music from Kelsea Ballerini, Teddy Robb, Delta Rae, country newcomer Dan Smalley and more!

Check out all the new music and more on our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:

 

 

—————————-

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 Session: Chris Bandi

/in , /by

Just before his opening slot on the Everywhere But On Tour with Ray Fulcher and Matt Stell, Chris Bandi stopped by NYCountry Swag to perform his current radio single “Man Enough Now” as well as a brand new, unreleased song, “They Make Whiskey”. In the interview, he told our Managing Editor, Christina about his EP that is coming and about growing up in St. Louis and about all of the incredible firsts he got to experience so far this year, like making his Grand Ole Opry debut.

Watch the full performance and interview below.

To keep up with Chris Bandi follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

For more music from artists we’ve featured during our LIVE Swag Sessions, check out our Sessions Playlist below and give it a follow for updates.

 

 

—————

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:

Throwback Thursday – Lori McKenna Songs You May Have Forgotten

/in /by

By Michal Pietrzak

Lori McKenna

Lori McKenna is an amazing songwriter, storyteller, and performer and one of our NYCS Swag Spotlights. She is one of the most prestigious artists in the country music industry. Over the last three decades, as she became a wife and mother, she has also emerged as one of the most respected, prolific singer-songwriter in popular music. 

What makes her special is a passion for storytelling as she admits in her bio “Every single person in the world has such awesome stories. I love to write songs that just shine a little light on that for a second. Maybe our stories remind us of our families and what they give us. It’s beautiful, and sometimes we take it for granted” 

McKenna has written songs for Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim Mcgraw, and George Strait. She performed such great songs as “The Time I’ve Wasted”, “People Get Old”, “A Mother Never Rests”, “Stealing Kisses” and “Two Soldiers Coming Home”

These 10 lesser-known Lori McKenna songs, slow tunes, soft and calming voice of Lori will help you smoothly sail through current bad times. 

  1. What’s One More Time – Really, what is really one more time? Is it too much or too little? Breaking someone’s heart whether it’s intentional or unintentional leaves damage but where is this thin invisible line when you say enough is enough? Maybe not directly but McKenna asks these questions in this slow tempo song. “I have cried your name so many times/ What’s one more time?/ I have cried these tears for you/ So many times/ What’s one more time?”

 

  1. It’s Easy When You Smile – There may not be any scientific evidence but a smile has healing powers. A genuine smile that comes from the heart is for a soul like the first breeze of the spring. It brightens your mood, eases all pains and navigates you to happiness. That’s why: “It’s easy when you lough/ Troubles cut in half/ Where I will go without you?/ I don’t know/ Outside the night is breezing by/ Don’t cry/ And everything will be alright”

 

  1. Fireflies – Dreams, sweet dreams help us stay sane. Being dreamy isn’t bad, it drives you to better tomorrow. Dreamers change the world and the way you perceive it. The lesson is: Think outside the box, let your imagination run wild from time to time. “Because I was taught to dream/ I found mayonnaise bottles/ And poked holes on top to capture Tinkerbell/ And they were just fireflies to the untrained eye/ But I could always tell”

 

  1. Unfinished Song #57 – Definitely one of the most creative song titles but the song is actually finished. The sorrow in McKenna’s voice is sensible and it makes lyrics even more real and relatable. “Well I don’t wanna forget you/ Even if I could/ The reason that I met you/ Is cause God thought I should”

 

  1. Afternoons – 10 minutes and 55 seconds of pure joy. Relaxing slow melody and great lyrics. It’s actually two songs in one with a little intermission between. During the interlude, you can hear noises of the living house, plates and glasses making noises, people chatting, it makes this song even more unique. “And this loneliness can be such a curse/ I never thought you’d be the one to go first/ What am I to do now that I wait for you/ And you are the one who’s off somewhere/ Wait for me, wait for me/ What if I can’t find you when I get up there”

 

  1. The Most – What matters the most in life? It’s a great question and the answer is not easy. To some, little things are the most important, to others are the material goods or memories trapped in these things. Everyone has a different answer but we all can agree the most important are the people you love, not the money and what you acquire. “In my life/ Don’t know why the little things make us/ and sometimes it takes us/ too damn long to figure out what matters the most”

 

  1. Rocket Science – It’s supposed to be easy, you meet somebody, fall in love and live happily ever after but it’s far more complicated than that. Everyone looks for love but not everybody truly experiences it, that’s why love may be rocket science after all. “Love is rocket science/ What comes up it must come down/ In burning pieces on the ground/ We watch it fall/ Maybe love is rocket science after all”

 

  1. All I Ever Do – A love that never fades is such a rare thing these days. Love that lasts through ups and downs. “All I ever do is work/ All I ever do is pray/ But I do know that I have for you/ A love that never fades/ And it’s ok/ If It’s all I ever do”

 

  1. Witness To Your Life – The chorus perfectly describes what the song is about. “All You really need is someone to be here/ Someone who never lets you disappear/ And I will be that witness to your life/ This may be just a softer place to fall/ But somebody will answer when you call/ And I will be that witness to your life”

 

  1. Pieces of Me – Everybody’s life is like a jigsaw puzzle, each and every one piece must fit with others to create a full picture. There are sometimes pieces that are a little bit used, scratched, or broken and you have to replace them with new ones that will make your image complete again. “My life is written down on papers in my room/ And yours is bottled up somewhere/ So I’ll send you letters from half across the moon/ And it will cross your mind but you won’t dare”

Lori McKenna’s passion for storytelling and delightful and calming voice and slow tunes make you drift away from shaky and rough reality to harmonious and state of mind. She’s the kind of artist that you can’t stop listening to once you start.   

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

—————

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:

What We’re Listening To: March Picks

/in , /by

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 March picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

MARCH PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Man Enough Now” – Chris Bandi
Songwriters: Jason Allen Duke, Jason Massey

After seeing Chris perform this song live for a Swag Session earlier this month, I loved it even more than I had originally. The lyrics depict a story that everyone who has been in a relationship can relate to. I’m really looking forward to seeing this song take country radio by storm.

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Janice at the Hotel Bar” – Hailey Whitters
Songwriters: Lori McKenna, Hailey Whitters

This was always going to be my pick for March but the words to “make a good life” ring true even more as we face these scary times with COVID-19. The thing I love about this song most is I have been following Living with Landyn on Instagram for over 5 years and I remember her telling a story about a woman that she met in a hotel bar in NYC and one of my all-time favorite songwriters, Lori McKenna heard the story and teamed up with Hailey to write the song.

We all have a ‘Janice’ in our life, someone who has great advice and who has lived a life to admire. The words in this song resonate so clearly to not take anything for granted and to remember what truly matters in life.

“Make good love, good company / Drink good wine, make good coffee / Keep your chin up, but every once in a while / Have a good cry / Well, go on and make a good living, girl, don’t forget / To make a good life”

 

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Small Town Hypocrite” – Caylee Hammack
Songwriters: Caylee Hammack, Jared Scott

I’ve liked all of Caylee Hammack’s previously released singles, but when I heard her new song, “Small Town Hypocrite”, I was instantly stopped in my tracks. The delicate guitar is stunning, and the lyrics are evocative and cut you right to your core. “And that scholarship was a ship that sailed/When I chose you and daddy gave me hell”, she sings on the second verse, telling the story of a girl who’s dreams were bigger than her town but had succumbed to what she described as a small town hypocrite: everything she used to hate. It’s clear that Hammack is on her way to becoming one of country’s best songwriter-artists. Her voice soars on the chorus, where she sings with everything in her, “And I’m staring at a picket fence/Wondering where the hell time went/I should’ve been running, running, running by now/But I just hang around.” It’s a powerful song that is very autobiographical but manages to still be universal.

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: Pretty Heart” – Parker McCollum
Songwriters: Parker McCollum, Randy Montana

This song is getting a lot of airtime on Sirius XM and for good reason. This track is extremely catchy and Parker’s distinctive vocals give it that uniqueness that will make this a smash-hit for him. I never heard of McCollum before this song. I thought he was a new, up-and-coming artist but after looking him up, I discovered he has two full-length albums. I guess I have something to do during the quarantine.

 

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Thinking ‘Bout You” – Dustin Lynch
Songwriters: Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly 

This album has been out for more than two months and I’m still playing it on repeat. The mix of Dustin Lynch’s smooth, southern twang and Lauren Alaina’s powerhouse vocals gives me a chill every time. The concept is simple as Lynch sings about an old love interest calling him and immediately all these memories come to mind.

“I was just thinkin’ ’bout that weekend out on Cumberland Lake // And that one time in Baton Rouge when we made out in the rain // Where we went chasin’ fallin’ stars on a hill at your daddy’s farm // Don’t be sorry for callin’ me up out of the blue // I was was just thinkin’ ’bout you”

I think almost everyone can relate to a song like this and Lynch, as a songwriter and a singer, is so good at bringing out those nostalgic moments.

 

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Ain’t Lookin’ Back” – Mo Pitney
Songwriters: Derek George, Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley

Mo Pitney’s back with new music this year, baby! His latest release, “Ain’t Lookin’ Back,” reflects on his decision to not let the past define his future while acknowledging the undeniable impact past events have in shaping his life. I think this aspect and two-way thought really resonates with me because, again, of the recent changes and happenings in my life. His sentiment on this encouraging tune comes out at a timely point in my life. “I spend enough time watching the sunset / All the way down into the darkness / Now I just wanna drive every day / Right into the sunrise,” he sings, almost as if he’s lived through these questions, doubts and resolution. Hell, maybe he has– and that’s what makes this delivery special. (side-note: excited about Mo’s sophomore record, due for release later this year! “A Music Man” will hit home for many.)

 

Erin Crosby, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Halfway Home” – Carly Pearce
Songwriters: Carly Pearce, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz

Carly Pearce lays down her soul with a freeing yet guilty revelation in a new track, from her sophomore self-titled album, “Halfway Home”. It sets the stage to annotate a halfway-out-the-door type of relationship that is preserved solely out of the fear and reluctance in breaking a heart.

The lyrics are magic and take on a more conversational route than what one might be used to. This couplet introduces the humble goodbye to a love grown out of itself which immediately grabs the listeners’ attention and gives Pearce the chance to tell the rest of her story:

“Blame it on me, I’m an actor, I’m a fake / Blame it on me, I broke your heart but by mistake”

The production involves guilt, but somehow the heartbreaker is seen as an innocent. It’s all in the delivery and this singer-songwriter delivered well.

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “God Whispered Your Name” – Keith Urban
Songwriters: Chris August, James Slater, Micah Carter, Shy Carter

“God Whispered Your Name” is Keith Urban’s newest music release since his single “We Were” alongside Eric Church. The song sets the somber mood of a lost soul looking for its way in the world. It was not until God whispered a name that the world suddenly began to make sense again. Whether it was a person that came into your life or a realization you had, everyone can relate to going through a journey of being lost and found again. I personally can relate to that in so many areas of my life and the lyrics really hit me upon first listen.

“Suddenly I wanna live / More than I ever did / I’m never gonna be the same / When God whispered your name”

 

Briana Lopez, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Giving You Up” – Kameron Marlowe
Songwriters: Kameron Marlowe

Kameron Marlowe is an artist that I recently came across. His song “Giving You Up” is a somber story of growing from a heartbreak.

The lyrics and melody tell a story that I feel like everyone can relate to. Everyone loves a good heartbreak song and this one hits every major point. Marlowe begins the song by telling the person who crushed his heart not to come around anymore after how the relationship ended.

“Don’t you dare try and reappear after you already got me standing here/ I can’t believe you would come at me looking for a little bit of sympathy/ Like I wasn’t the one you left all alone crying/ Looking like a hot mess/ Don’t show your face’ round here any more honey/ This is something you better get through your head”

For me, the best part of the song is the chorus because it shows the transition from hurting to realizing what is actually happening in his life.

“And I’m giving you up/ The same way I did the whiskey on ice/ And it’s all so tough/ You turned me into a man I don’t even recognize/ I’m giving you up/ The same way you did me out in the moonlight”

This is definitely the ultimate bounce back from a break-up song. Showing that there is hope in the heartache and hope in rebuilding your heart after someone does you wrong.

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “If The World Was Ending” – Hannah Ellis & Nick Wayne
Songwriters: JP Saxe, Julia Michaels

Even before all of the madness that is COVID-19 and social distancing, I was hooked on the song “If the World Was Ending” by Nick Wayne and Hannah Ellis. The song tells the story of two ill-fated lovers, as he asks if she’d come over if the world was ending. The pair may not be meant for each other long term, but there’s love there that they need to express upon the end of the world. On the mostly-acoustic duet, the pair harmonize mournfully over Wayne’s guitar strumming. “But if the world was ending/ You’d come over right?”, they implore each other, and this song has never felt more timely than in these uncertain times. Sometimes you just need a sad song, and “If the World Was Ending” is the perfect one, especially now.

 

Michal Pietrzak, Contributing Writer

Pick: “I’ll Be The Sad Song” – Brandy Clark
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Chase McGill, Jessie Jo Dillon

I don’t know if it’s her storytelling or voice but she’s simply wonderful. I guess I love sad songs because I can’t stop listening to it since it had been released. This record has all the features I adore, beautiful melody, true to the core lyrics, delightful voice, and amazing performance. So far Brandy Clark’s Your Life is a Record album is my favorite album of the year.

“If your life is a record/ People and places are the songs/ I’ll be your sad song/ Your “what we almost had” song/ Your “might’ve been but wasn’t meant to be”/ Couldn’t be your happy song/ But at least we had a song/ So I’ll be the sad song you sing/ ‘ Cause you’ll always be that song to me”

Pick: “One Margarita”- Luke Bryan
Songwriters: Josh Thompson, Matt Dragstrem, Michael Carter

My song for March is “One Margarita” by Luke Bryan. Times are crazy right now, one thing getting shutdown after another. This song came out at the perfect time to remind us to live in the moment, relax and enjoy a margarita, even if at the moment this has to all be done from home. We can’t stop enjoying life just because we’re stuck inside. The world will hopefully return to normalcy soon.

Pick: “What Are You Gonna Tell Her” – Mickey Guyton
Songwriters: Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski, Mickey Guyton, Victoria Banks

I can’t remember the last time a song gave me chills from the first verse through the final note but the timely ballad from Mickey Guyton absolutely blew me away. The new song, which she premiered during Country Radio Seminar in Nashville last month, got a standing ovation from the crowd for its haunting reminder of the inequities women face in our society. One of the things that make country music so powerful is the honesty with which artists write, and you can tell from listening to this track that Guyton feels incredibly passionate about this topic. The verses describe an innocent young girl with the world at her fingertips and the hard truth that the deck is stacked against her.

“But what are you gonna tell her when she’s wrong? / Will you just shrug and say it’s been that way all along? / What are you gonna tell her when she figures out / That all this time you’ve built her up / Just so the world could let her down? / Yeah what will you tell her?”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “White Lightning” – The Cadillac Three

Songwriters: Jaren Johnston

This month I’m throwing it back to a song from five years ago, “White Lightning” by The Cadillac Three. After recently seeing the incredible trio perform in New York City, and falling in love with their newest album, I rediscovered how much I enjoy this particular song. Although different than their typical ‘rough around their edges’ tunes, I truly believe the song was one of the first to really show how versatile and musical the band can be.

“Faster than number three breaking every record / Faster than a tree dies in the desert / Faster than a bug splattered on my windshield / Faster than you die when you take too many pills / Ooh, I saw white lightning / Ooh, I saw white lightning”

Additionally, I love that it’s a love song because it’s unexpected. The vulnerability in the song is both endearing and believable, and I especially love how pretty, yet strong the vocals are. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the song is a solo-write by Jaren Johnston, which to me, makes it that more special. So in the midst of all the new and great music that is constantly being released, I encourage you to add this old-school jam back to your playlist!

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.

—————

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: