Who Is Matt Ferranti? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Who is Matt Ferranti? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Matt Ferranti

The Beginning:

This week’s Swag Spotlight might be a new solo-artist, but Matt Ferranti has been performing and grinding in the music industry for over a decade. The singer-songwriter has been a staple in superstar, Brett Young’s band, as his guitarist, for a few years now but he is finally embracing stepping out on his own. We spoke with Ferranti about everything from how he got his start in the music industry to where he hopes his solo-career will take him over the next year, and everything in between.

Growing up in Bay City, Michigan, music was a huge part of his upbringing. Ferranti’s father worked as a minister and his mother was a worship leader, so contemporary Christian music was his first introduction to music. As his taste developed, the singer became interested in all different types of artistry from John Mayer to Steven Curtis Chapman to Warped Tour bands, and even boy bands. “I am a hell of boy band fan,” laughed Ferranti, “Justin Timberlake is my jam. I grew up singing that all the time too.” Early fans of Ferranti might know that he often throws an *NSYNC cover into his longer sets.

After playing in many bands all through school, Ferranti found himself in a band that leaned more towards the contemporary country sound. The Detroit-based band found success, opening up for groups like Thompson Square and Gloriana. On a whim and a suggestion from Gloriana, Ferranti and his band finally picked up and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, with hopes of furthering their careers.

The Turning Point:

Knowing virtually no one in Music City, the rising artist found himself humbly working as a bar-back in downtown Nashville and working on improving his songwriting skills. He soaked up as much of the Nashville scene as he could, all while trying to hone his craft.

“I just kinda loved being in Music City. I just like being around it. It’s always kinda popping around. It’s crazy I use to want to be a writer at first,” he explained, “ Nashville humbles you real quick […] I had to bust my tail to really improve so that, basically it’s what they say when preparation meets opportunity […] realizing how damn prepared I have to be.”

For the next five years, Ferranti worked playing every gig and writer’s round that he could, even adding that he would write over 125 songs a year at times. Recognizing his talent and passion for music, his friend and bandmate, Brett Young told him that he was going to help him introduce fans to his own music.

Today:

This catapulted Ferranti into writing five songs he called “the best songs I’ve written in my life,” all in one weekend, and getting to work with Jimmie Robbins to help produce his debut self-titled EP. Out of the six songs on the project, “Make It to the Bedroom,” featuring Hannah Ellis is the only song he didn’t write. According to the singer, it was written by Ellis, with Nick Wayne and Josh Kerr. Ferranti loved the song so much that he knew he had to put it on his EP almost instantly; despite, almost losing it to another artist.

When it comes to the other five songs, he shared, “…I just wrote love songs about my wife. We’ve been together nine years and basically, it’s like, when I wrote these songs, I finally had a vibe.” Ferranti went on to conclude, “I feel like the whole record has a vibe and once we kinda curated that vibe, the lyrics just start coming. We had a story to tell, we had something to say.”

Currently, Ferranti is not only playing in Young’s band still, but he is also the opening act for him on ‘The Chapters Tour.’ We caught the singer last month in New York City, and it’s safe to say that fans resonated with him and his sound. As he continues to garner more and more fans, the artist hopes to work his way towards earning a record deal and hopefully playing shows with other artists or his own shows, in between shows with Young. He even mentioned that he would love to play with his good buddy and fellow singer-songwriter, Filmore.

Additionally, Ferranti hopes to deliver a full-length project sometime in 2020. “I felt like that was the perfect little click before the record comes out of who I am and what I have to say,” he says about the EP, “ And I can’t wait to finish the record. I think the whole story is going to be dope,” he added mentioning that he has seven more songs to record.

It’s clear from his debut record that Ferranti is the real deal. With just six songs, he has cultivated a clear voice and message for fans to get on board with. The passion that he has for music simply rivals that of any established artists in the industry, and we’re excited to see where that passion and talent takes him.

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

Matt Ferranti EP 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.

 

Mickey Guyton Releases Emotional Single “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”

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Mickey Guyton

“What are you gonna tell her when she figures out that all this time you built her up just so the world could let her down / Yeah what do you tell her? / What are you gonna tell her?”

That’s a question Mickey Guyton implores and beckons we question ourselves in this fast-paced environment and sometimes, a society of unequal opportunities. It’s all good when we get comfortable with what’s not supposed to be comfortable, and it’s her harsh invitation to move out of the status quo that makes this a standout song.

If you’re an avid country music fan, you probably did not miss the hype in the genre surrounding her performance at this year’s Country Radio Seminar(CRS), an annual three-day gathering of industry members across all sectors in the business to learn about best practices, career development and, for the labels— to showcase new music and their emerging young artists. Guyton took the stage at her label home’s annual #TeamUMG Luncheon at the Ryman Auditorium.

With the song having been written less than three weeks ago and unrecorded, she graced the Mother Church of Country Music and wowed an entire room of industry members to their feet with a stirring live rendition of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her.” In fact, with a stellar lineup of performances from label mates Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Sam Hunt and more, she was the only artist that got that roaring applause and a standing ovation. It was back in 2015, that the singer got a standing ovation for her performance of debut single “Better Than You Left Me.”

2 weeks later, today, the Texas native has released the studio cut of this vulnerable song. Still very much piano-driven and stripped down, the studio version doesn’t lose the one thing Guyton was able to convey at CRS: the emotion in her voice. With songs getting so easily overproduced sometimes, producer Karen Kosowski really nailed it in capturing the essence of her aching plea in this narrative.

“This song came from the very depths of my heart. Every word is all of our story,” shared Guyton on a social media post. She later thanked fellow writers Kosowski, Victoria Banks and Emma-Lee for going to that emotional and raw place with her, and for “pouring out [their] hearts with [her] and creating a song that represents so many. ✊🏾💜”

This song’s future on country radio is promising too, with several Program Directors and DJs requesting for the studio cut on the day of her CRS performance. Over the last two weeks, too, some started to add it to their station’s playlist, long before the song goes for official radio adds. All this is despite the fact that it is a ballad and song by women; what some may think of as ’two strikes’ and two reasons why it probably won’t work on radio — whatever that means. But with all the positive reactions and buzz surrounding this gut-wrenching tune, we at NYCountry Swag are hopeful and very optimistic about the doors it’ll knockdown. (Hey, Song Of The Year contender too, maybe?!)

Country fans, men and women alike, let’s rise up and support this tune. Show your local stations you want it. Request, tweet, download, stream. This song deserves a spot in the country charts, and needless to say, the “Best of” list at the end of 2020.

Guyton’s debut record is expected to drop this summer.

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

“What Are You Gonna Tell Her” is available now 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.

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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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Women Who Inspire Us: Nashville Edition

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March is the month dedicated to women, and it’s a month with so much to celebrate within the country music community. Right now, two solo women occupy spots in the top 10 on radio, which is a rare feat in this genre; Kelsea Ballerini, Ingrid Andress, and more are set to release highly anticipated LPs in the coming weeks; and on March 8th, which is International Women’s Day, NYCountry Swag is hosting its Babes, Booze & Brunch event featuring Songs & Daughters’ Madison Kozak, an event for women celebrating women. In honor of all of the amazing women making waves in country music, we compiled a list of our favorite women who are ruling Nashville and beyond from center stage and backstage.

 

  1. Leslie Fram

Leslie Fram, senior VP of Music Strategy at CMT is one of the most influential and incredible women in country music. She has dedicated her career to promoting all artists, no matter their gender, race, or sexuality and help them to succeed in this genre. She has helped initiatives like CMT Next Women of Country, Change the Conversation and #EqualPlay launch and is continuing to introduce change so great music can be heard. Read more about Leslie Fram and her initiatives in our Woman of the Month feature and find her here on Instagram and Twitter.

 

  1. Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton is not only one of the best singer-songwriters to come out of Nashville, but she has also made it her mission to use her platform to help people. She is a woman of color and is actively helping country music become more diverse. She makes sure to post her #WCWs and incredible clips of songs written/sung by black women, using the hashtag #blackgirlsrock, every week. Her new single, “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” is a stunning, gut-wrenching plea to society that all women can relate to, and it’s a song so good radio should be lined up ready to play it. Guyton is proving that it’s her time to shine and that 2020 is the year of women. Keep up with her on Instagram and Twitter.

Kelly Ford Women

  1. Kelly Ford

Kelly Ford is one of the morning radio hosts at NY’s Country 94.7 and is not only so fun to listen to on-air, but she has used her platform to do incredible things. In February, she spearheaded a campaign to get Valentine’s Day Cards to the troops, helped host a radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, where they raised over $400,000 and has been vocal about increasing airplay for women on country radio. She is one of the voices of the tri-state area, but she uses it to help the world beyond New York. Read more about Kelly Ford and her journey into radio in our Woman of the Month feature, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter here.

 

  1. Savana Santos

Savana Santos is a part of the girl-trio Avenue Beat, and the three girls have created a fresh take on country-pop, using the lyrics to be relatable and the production to get the songs stuck in your head forever. Not only does Santos have a hand in writing all of their songs, but she is responsible for the production of all of them too. There are very few women who sit in the producer’s chair right now, and it’s inspiring to see that a new generation is taking charge. You can find Santos on Instagram, and you can find Avenue Beat here.

  1. Hailey Whitters

Hailey Whitters is one of Nashville’s brightest rising stars. She just finished touring with Maren Morris and is currently touring with Jordan Davis in support of her debut album The Dream, which she helped produce, and is making singer-songwriter leaning country in a genre that’s very pop-leaning currently. She does all of this while being unsigned, which is rare in a radio-driven genre. She is an incredible songwriter and has a beautiful voice, and it’s about time people start to remember her name. To keep up with Whitters, follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

 

  1. Laura Veltz

When you look at the CMA Triple Play award recipients this year, you will find that each winner has something in common: they are all men. It’s crazy to see that list, because there are so many amazing women making ground-breaking music, and one of them is Laura Veltz. She is the writer behind songs like “Speechless” (Dan + Shay) and “The Bones” (Maren Morris) to name a few and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-out songwriters in town. Next year without a doubt her name be up on that list where it belongs. You can find her here on Instagram.

 

  1. Kelsea Ballerini

Who has time to headline arenas, be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, write amazing songs and still make sure her voice is heard in country music? That would be Kelsea Ballerini, who is about to release her third album, kelsea, on March 20th. She has been one of the genre’s most prominent stars in the last few years, and she has been making history and great records while fighting for equal play and learning how to get involved with current issues that are important to her, like the fires in Australia or stricter gun laws in America. She’s using her voice for herself and those who feel silenced. Make sure you’re following Ballerini on Instagram and Twitter.

 

  1. Nicolle Galyon

Last but certainly not least on this list is Nicolle Galyon. She is an award-winning and chart-topping singer-songwriter, responsible for hits like “Tequila” (Dan + Shay) and “Automatic” (Miranda Lambert); she has a three-song EP, featuring songs like Lady Antebellum’s “It Ain’t Pretty”; and Galyon is also a label executive for her all-female record label Songs & Daughters. She discovered and signed Madison Kozak, who will be performing at NY Country Swag’s Babes, Booze & Brunch event this Sunday. She is soon launching her own podcast, and without a doubt holds the title for Instagram Mom of the Year. She is the definition of an inspiring woman ruling country music. Follow her on Instagram to keep up with all things songwriting and Songs & Daughters.

Tickets are still available for  Babes, Booze & Brunch and we’d love to celebrate International Women’s Day with you!

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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

New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 3/6/20

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New Music Friday! This week we get new music from Dixie Chicks, Ashley McBryde, Lauren Alaina, Brandy Clark, Jaden Hamilton, Mickey Guyton, Renee Blair, Gone West 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:

 

 

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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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NYCS First Impression: Jaden Hamilton Self Titled EP

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Jaden Hamilton

Louisiana native, country newcomer Jaden Hamilton is unveiling himself to the world with his newly released self-titled EP Jaden Hamilton. This is the singer’s first mainstream release coming a long way from solely posting covers on social media.

“Ride it Out” is the introduction to the singer + songwriter’s country music birth. A full resonant instrumentation inaugurates the track before the vocal line takes over. It’s recognizable from the start that this track seizes the presentation of a perfect, night of lust underneath the stars. As the chorus begins, he sings: “I just want to take it real slow // Let these old wheels roll // Baby we can ride it out // After when the moon hangs high // And the stars catch fire // And the whole world is burning on down // Yeah we got a good thing, don’t wanna rush it // And girl your mood ring is saying you love it // And where the blacktop ends and the night begins // Baby, we can ride it, Baby we can ride it out”

“Thing About Me” begins with temperamental, labyrinthine fretwork as Hamilton institutes statements about his personality, comparing himself to an outlaw rebel on the run and reckless like a loaded gun. He admits that he never did think he was going to find someone. “Slip On Back” broadcasts feel-good summer vibes applicable for rolling-down-the-highway or chillin’ on a backroad.

Prior to the EP, Hamilton has been releasing reduced clips of his songs via Tik Tok. Hamilton announced the exciting news on his socials on February 26th affirming, “March 6th I’m releasing 3 songs on all platforms!! Super excited to get y’all some music, can’t wait for y’all to hear it. Y’all be sure to share the news with your friends! Thank y’all!”

To keep up with Jaden Hamilton follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Jaden Hamilton 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.

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Ride It Out”
  2. “Slip On Back”

 

 

—————

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: Brandy Clark ‘Your Life Is A Record’

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Brandy Clark Your LIfe Is A Record

In 2014, singer-songwriter Brandy Clark burst onto the music scene with the release of her incredible debut album, 12 Stories. Since then, she has been one of the genre’s most critically lauded, yet commercially underappreciated artists. Clark is seemingly the type of artist who thrives on making art, rather than seeking the approval of the mainstream. She makes music because she has to, and nowhere is this more evident than on Your Life Is A Record, out today (March 6). It’s truly a work of art that we, as music fans, should be thankful for.

What Clark has always done best, as both a writer and an artist, is tell stories, and Your Life Is A Record is truly a collection of those such stories. Unfortunately for Clark, most of the stories here tell the tale of a breakup. Speaking to NPR, Clark revealed that much of the album was inspired by the ending of her own long-term relationship, a case of art imitating life. “I went through a breakup of a 15-year relationship. And my therapy on an everyday basis is to go in and write songs, so I couldn’t help but write songs about that, even if they were somebody else’s idea.”

The album was produced by super-producer Jay Joyce and veers far away from the trappings of the trendy bombastic Nashville sound. Instead, the record has an organic, acoustic sound. With only a handful of musicians joined occasionally by the Memphis Strings & Horns, the songs have the freedom to breathe within the music, taking on a life of their own as they’re stripped bare to the listeners.

As mentioned, the album is very much a breakup album, ebbing and flowing through the different emotions that accompany the dissolution of a relationship. On the heartbreaking “Can We Be Strangers,” Clark laments, “I don’t want to want you/ I don’t want to love you/ I don’t want to hate you/ Or even care enough to/ We struck out as lovers/ We struck out as friends/ Is it too much to ask/ Could we be strangers again?”

There’s “Pawn Shop,” which hooks you immediately, as Clark opens with, “She pushed her wedding ring across the counter/ And said, ‘tell me it’s worth more than I think?'” The song then tells the tale of a wedding ring pawned at a shop, in order for its previous owner to begin her new life.

“Bigger Boat” featuring Randy Newman offers a moment of levity on the album, tackling politics, the news, and the constant scares that seem to infiltrate daily life. “You can’t eat this/ You can’t eat that,” They muse. “Is there anything that ain’t giving cancer to rats?” Of the song, Clark told NPR, “I think you can get away with a lot with humor. I think you can say a lot of really serious things. If you do it with a little bit of humor, I think, at least for me, I can often get the point across better and not divide.” And as the 2020 election nears closer, this song couldn’t be more timely, as the pair snarkily sings, “We can’t agree on who should be captain, so we can’t keep this thing afloat.”

Offering a similar levity is “Long Walk,” telling the tale of a “middle age mean girl” who Clark would like to see “take a long walk off a real short pier.” The song is the perfect kiss-off song to that annoying busybody who just can’t seem to mind her own business. The lyrics here are brilliant, as Clark remarks, “I hear it’s cold as you/ At the bottom of the ocean.”

Other highlights include the album’s first single, “I’ll Be The Sad Song,” “Bad Car,” and “Who You Thought I Was.” On the latter, Clark tells of all the things she wants to be now that she’s no longer in a relationship, in comparison to the things she wanted before. “I used to want to be Elvis,” She admits longingly as the song segues through the protagonist’s character growth. “Now I want to be honest/ I want to be better/ Now I want to be the me I should’ve been when we were together/ I want to be at least almost close to worth your love/ I want to be who you thought I was.”

Meanwhile, “Bad Car” tells the sad story of a car that’s bound for the junkyard. “I know it’s a bad car, I know it’s a piece of junk,” Clark sings before recalling the car’s finer moments and its role as a trusty companion through the harder moments of life. “It witnessed all those tears nobody ever saw me cry/ When I broke the law through Arkansas to tell my dad goodbye/ Didn’t get there pretty, but it got me there that day/ So I’m a little sad to see it roll away.”

That bittersweet emotion found on “Bad Car” is a theme that truly permeates this album, and no one does bittersweet better than Brandy Clark. While each of her records have truly been masterful, there’s something truly next level on Your Life Is A Record.

Clark will hit the road in support of Your Life is a Record, with a stop at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom on April 28. See a full list of tour dates here.

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

NYCS Picks:

1. Pawn Shop
2. Can We Be Strangers
3. Who You Thought I Was

Your Life Is A Record 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.

 

 

Your Life Is A Record Track List
1. I’ll Be the Sad Song
2. Long Walk
3. Love is a Fire
4. Pawn Shop
5. Who You Thought I Was
6. Apologies
7. Bigger Boat (feat. Randy Newman)
8. Bad Car
9. Who Broke Whose Heart
10. Can We Be Strangers
11. The Past is the Past

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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:

NYCS First Impression: Lauren Alaina ‘Getting Good’ EP

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Lauren Alaina Getting Good

Fans of Lauren Alaina have been waiting three long years for the follow-up project to the talented songstress’ elite record Road Less Traveled. The wait is finally over! Today Alaina released her EP, Getting Good featuring six well-rounded songs to hold fans over until a full-length project is announced.

The EP begins with a daring ode to her country roots. The song is entitled “In My Veins.” Alaina, a Georgia native, is proud to be a country singer but is even prouder of how she grew up and how she was raised. The first track embodies that sentiment. The singer reminds fans of her country roots, yet again in “Country In Me,” but in this case, Alaina is singing about a new love interest, rather than her hometown. The fun and flirty song depicts a relationship, where somehow the guy brings out the down-home, countryside out of her.

Of course, Alaina included three previously released songs on her project, including “Getting Good” and “Ladies In The ‘90s.” The first is her current radio single. It is an honest song about trying to slow time down and stay in the present. Alaina opens up about anxious feelings in this song, which is a feeling many people can relate to in this day and age. She sings the impactful sentiment, “I’m thinking once I learn to grow right where I’m planted / Maybe that’s when life starts getting good.”

On the other hand, “Ladies In The ‘90s,” the first single to go to country radio off this record, is a complete jam. Co-written by Alaina, with Amy Wadge and Jesse Frasure, the nostalgic track celebrates female artists of the ‘90s across all genres of music and the time where female artists ruled the country genre. She is the perfect vocalist to deliver this sassy and fun song.

Track number three off the EP, “Somebody Else’s Problem,” is a brand new song that fans have gravitated towards, during live shows. The song is an empowering breakup anthem, similar to Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.” Alaina declares that a man is now “somebody else’s problem,” after dealing with his baggage for far too long. The song adds some dimension topically, as well as, to Alaina’s typical sound.

Finally, the record closes with arguably the best song on the whole project, “The Other Side.” Written for her late stepfather, Sam, Alaina poetically expresses the great loss she endured and the story of her stepfather seeing heaven before he passed away. Watch the tearful clip from her NYC headlining show below. “The Other Side” goes out to anyone who has ever experienced a loss, and although emotional, the song is spiritual, profound, and impactful. Ultimately, it was the perfect way to end the record.

The record as a whole embodies Alaina. She sings her truth in each and every song on the EP. From nostalgia to heartbreak to empowerment, the singer covers the gamut of experiences we all go through in such a way that is personal for her, but yet relatable to fans.

Getting Good Track List:
1. “In My Veins”
2. “Getting Good”
3. “Somebody Else’s Problem”
4. “Ladies In The ‘90s”
5. “Country In Me”
6. “The Other Side”

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

NYCountry Swag Picks:
1. “The Other Side”
2. “Ladies In The ‘90s”

Getting Good is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take 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.

 

 

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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:

NYCS Swag Session: Levi Hummon

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Levi Hummon stopped by NYCountry Swag to perform his new song “Wedding Dress” and “Stupid” and to discuss growing up with his father being a Grammy Award winning songwriter. He also talked all about asking Runaway June to collaborate on a cover of one of the songs his father wrote, “Cowboy Take Me Away”.

Watch the full performance and interview below.

To keep up with Levi Hummon 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.

 

 

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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:

Throwback Thursday – 10 Trace Adkins Songs You May Have Forgotten

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By Michal Pietrzak

Trace Adkins

Photo Courtesy of Trace Adkins on Facebook

Trace Adkins is a well-recognized country music figure but did you know that he lost his pinky finger on the left hand and he made doctors reattach in such matter that he could still play guitar. He’s a big guy but deep down he’s hopeless romantic as he admits in his biography. His songs range from comedic like “Marry For Money” to serious like “Arlington” or “You’re Gonna Miss This” which but the way was recorded because he wanted to sing it on his daughter’s wedding and at the end, the song became one of his greatest hits.

Recently Adkins announced his 2020 “The Way I Wanna Go” tour which starts on the 5th of March and lasts until the 21st of August. For more information go to his site www.traceadkins.com

Adkins has recorded 12 studio albums and delivered many hits like “Every Light in The House”, “Ladies Love Country Boys”, “Than They Do”, “I Got My Game On’ or “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”. He also has dropped some amazing songs that somehow didn’t become great hits. 

Before we get to the list here’s an Adkins quote from the story behind the song “I hope this is not chiseled on my headstone when I pass away but so far I haven’t recorded anything that’s drawn more attention than this one and maybe for a good reason, everyone loves honky tonk badonkadonk” 

Let’s take a look at some great songs you may still have to discover.

  1. Dreamin’ Out Loud – Sometimes we lose somebody but we wish we could take them back that’s why we sometimes dream out loud.  “Well I’d better be goin’/Got someplace to be/ I know she’s somewhere in this town/ And until I find her, and she comes back to me/ I’ll be dreamin’ out loud”

 

  1. It Was You – It’s not about the looks, it’s about what’s inside. The beauty within is all that matters and makes you truly fall in love. “It wasn’t the stars in the sky, that got to me that night/ Or the music that we were dancin’ to/ It wasn’t the moon up above, that had me fallin’ in love/ It was more than all those things alone could do/ It was you”

 

  1. Every One of You – Nothing describes this song better than the first verse.  “You’re Sleeping Beauty when I wake you with a kiss / And you’re Scarlet O’Hara when your hands are on your hips / You’re Marilyn Monroe when the wind blows your dress / And you’re I Love lucy, when your hair is all a mess / You’re Thelma and Lousie when you’re behind the wheel / You’re a Paris runway model when you’re walking in high heels / And when I feel like Romeo, you’re my Juliet / Even if there’s some of you I haven’t met yet/ I love every one of you.”

 

  1. She’s Still There – The most heart-wrenching, emotional, and tearful Trace Adkins song. It’s about death and not being able to live a long and decent life. We are convinced this one will make you tear up. “Lord, I know I’ll never see her/ With silver in her hair/ I know she’s really gone/ But in my heart, I’d swear/ That she’s still there in Oklahoma/ And she’s still seventeen/ She’s livin’ with her Mama”   

 

  1. Every Other Friday at Five Divorce is a huge emotional burden not only for kids but parents too. The song highlights the biggest obstacle that every divorced dad has to face. He can only see his children every other weekend. Soft and slow sounds and deep calming voice of the singer make you dive into the lyrics. It definitely makes you think. “He counts the days and then the hours / Till he can hold his babies in his arms/ And they’ll be watchin’ out the window/ When he pulls up in the drive/ On every other Friday, at five/ For forty-eight hours, they’re with him again/ But on Sunday afternoon he’s out of time/ Some folks call him a deserter, but his kids know he’ll arrive/ On every other Friday at Five”

 

  1. Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow – There are so many things we take for granted so every now and then we should stop and appreciate everything we have. Life is not about material goods but about the love of your parents, husband or wife, kids, friends and a sense of peace within.  “I hope, we live forever/ And that day will never, come darlin’/ I know, if it ever happens/ I couldn’t imagine, not being in your arms/ There’s so much, we take for granted in life/ So love me, baby, like we’re runnin’ out of time” 

 

  1. Untamed  – If you feel overwhelmed by the city listen to this song and be free and be untamed. “I only want what I’ve got comin’/ I’ll take the credit and the blame/ Even when I’m bent and broken/ I pray my spirit always stays, untamed” 

 

  1. I Learned How To Love From You The hardest lesson in life is how to learn to love somebody. Especially today, in a world of quick deliveries, news, love, and marriages, finding a soulmate is very important. True love does not only come from the heart, but it also comes from the soul. “ You loved like there never was a risk/ Shared your heart with every tender kiss/ Now I know how much I have to give/ ‘Cause I learned how to love from you”

 

  1. The Stubborn One Lots of people come and go in our lives but only a few will come and stay forever. Grandparents, parents and close friends are the ones that will stick with us for a little longer than a while. “You’re the stubborn one/ My great-granddaddy’s son/ The one who drank his whiskey from a coffee cup/ Time has stripped you of/ So many things you love/ But you keep fighting on/ Because you’re the stubborn one”

 

  1. I Can Only Love You Like a Man – From a very young age, every girl hears stories about prince charming and knights in shining armor but they’re really hard to find in real life. The main point of these stories is to find Mr right guy who will show his appreciation and dedication.  “Now Heaven knows I’m no angel/ Just flesh and bone like all the rest/ I never claimed to have a halo/ All I can give you is my best/ But I will never try to hurt you/ Or even give you cause to doubt/ That my heart is yours forever/ Ain’t that what true love’s all about”

The best thing about Trace Adkins is that he only records songs that he believes in and can sing with conviction. It makes this list a little more special, more personal. 

To keep up with Trace Adkins follow him on Instagram Facebook Twitter

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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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5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss Our Babes, Booze, and Brunch Event

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Our annual Babes, Booze, and Brunch event is finally happening this Sunday, March 8th at Refinery Rooftop in Manhattan, and you don’t want to miss it! Still thinking about purchasing a ticket? Here are 5 reasons you don’t want to miss our brunch below!

1. We’re partnering with Nicolle Gaylon of Songs and Daughters/Big Loud Records.
If you know us, you know we love Nicolle Gaylon! She is an extraordinary and award-winning songwriter, as well as, the president of an all-female record later Songs and Daughters, which is an imprint of Big Loud Records. She is as humble as they come, and she will be at our event, supporting her artist and having a blast with all of you! To learn more about Nicolle, check our Woman of the Month feature here.

2. Madison Kozak is performing.
Madison Kozak is a name you are going to want to remember.  When she hits it big on the charts and starts playing to larger audiences, you can say you were one of the first New York fans to see her perform, up close, and personal at our brunch! Madison brings so much energy and love to the stage, and her set is full of heartfelt originals, like “Click” and “OMG ILY,” and fun-loving covers.

Babes Booze & Brunch

3. Sunshine and a rooftop, do we need to say more?!
Refinery Rooftop is one of the prettiest venues in Manhattan. The rooftop views are a perfect spot for your Instagram pictures, and of course, to take in the sun, on what is suppose to be a beautiful 60 degree day! Not to mention, the location is an easy walk from Penn Station, in case you are coming from the train station.

Brunch

4. Mimosas, mimosas, mimosas and bloody marys of course.
We will have a build-your-own mimosa and bloody mary station, as well as, a full bar available. Every ticket even comes with one free mimosa. The station was a hit last year at our event, and it is sure to be this year too!

Babes Booze & Brunch

5. Be part of a day celebrating and empowering women.
Most importantly, be a part of the movement in country music. Come to the brunch, and support a rising female country artist, a female-run business, and of course, each other! Take pictures with your friends in our photobooth or come solo, and make some new friends! Together, we can dance like no one’s watching to all different types of music, have fun, and celebrate the strength of being a woman!

Find tickets for our event here. We will see you there!

—————

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: