Kelsea Ballerini Speaks Out About Lack of Women Played on Country Radio

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Song Suffragettes, an all-girls songwriting circle and group has been asking country radio the same thing for years: “Let The Girls Play”. It doesn’t seem like a hard request; women have always added flavor to country music, and radio should reflect the talent coming out of the genre. But it’s been a struggle.

A part of the second-ever Song Suffragettes show back in 2014 was country superstar Kelsea Ballerini. She sat alongside four other girls on stage, singing her then-unknown debut title track “The First Time”: a girl and a guitar with something to say.

Five years later, however, little has changed. On Monday, Chris Willman tweeted that he heard an LA radio station play a Gabby Barrett song followed by a Ballerini song with no interruption. “Can’t they get fined for that?” He said as a joke, clearly excited but shocked that two female artists were played one right after another. Michigan radio station 98 KCQ tweeted Willman back in response. “We cannot play two females back to back. Not even Lady Antebellum or Little Big Town against other female. I applaud their courage.”

 

The tweet reached Ballerini, and she was appalled. “I’m really sorry that in 2020, after YEARS of conversation of equal play, there are still some companies that make their stations play by these rules. It’s unfair and it’s incredibly disappointing.” There were thousands of responses to her post, ranging from artists and songwriters to radio stations and fans.

Artists like Kacey Musgraves, Karen Fairchild, and Lindsay Ell, just to name a few, commented on Ballerini’s post in support and tried to make light of the situation. Musgraves also tweeted, “Smells like white male bullshit and why LONG ago I decided they cannot stop me.” Despite selling out Bridgestone Arena and venues all over the world, Musgraves has yet to have had a #1 as an artist.

There’s a glimmer of hope, though. Jennifer Nettles, whose vocals are as powerful as her tone, told Ballerini, “I know exactly how we do it. And I will call you.” Karen Fairchild commented, “Unbelievable. CHANGE is coming!!!!!!”

 

 

But perhaps the most powerful post of all was from CMT’s Leslie Fram, one of our Women of the Month, who has been creating opportunities for female artists left and right her entire career. “I am committed to change”, her post read simply. And that sentence right there is enough to keep artists creating the art they are creating, and hopefully, snowball into radio finally deciding that it’s time to change the conversation.

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Carly Pearce Releases Uptempo “Heart’s Going Out of Its Mind”

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Carly Pearce

In continued anticipation of the February 14th release of her self-titled sophomore album, Carly Pearce has released the new track, “Heart’s Going Out of Its Mind.” Written by Pearce, Joe Ginsberg, and Laura Veltz, the song is all about those special kinds of flutters that come with a new love.

The song starts with a twangy banjo, before segueing into a full-out pop-country banger that is sure to be a highlight of the album. On the catchy up-tempo, Pearce puts a fun spin on those feelings that come at the start of a new relationship. While she knows its uncharacteristic of herself, she loves the fact that her heart is going a bit crazy.

“You make my heart go thump, thump, thump/ Like nothing else / Who am I? / What the hell?/ I don’t recognize myself,” She sings. “Boy, whatever you’re selling/ I’m buying it/ I’m losing it a little but I’m liking it/ There’s something in the air tonight/ My heart’s going out of its mind/ Boy whatever you’re doing, keep doing it/ My lipstick baby you can ruin it/ If I look a little crazy, that’s fine/ My heart’s going out of its mind.”

“Heart’s Going Out of Its Mind” is one of many releases from Pearce’s forthcoming album, which also includes “Closer To You,” “Call Me,” “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” and her duet with Lee Brice, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The album will also feature a collaboration with her husband, Michael Ray, that was co-written by Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett, along with Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley,

To keep up with Carly Pearce follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
“Heart’s Going Out of Its Mind” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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NYCS First Impression Dustin Lynch ‘Tullahoma’

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Dustin Lynch Tullahoma

Platinum-selling, singer-songwriter, Dustin Lynch released his fourth studio album, Tullahoma, today (Jan 17). Named after his hometown in Tennessee, the record contains eleven tracks, including the three off his Ridin’ Roads EP and his 2018 number one single “Good Girl.” Lynch co-wrote six of the songs, the most he has ever contributed to one of his albums. Old Dominion frontman, Matt Ramsey, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, the late busbee, and many more talented songwriters also contributed to this record.

“Tullahoma is the town that made me the man I am,” Lynch writes in the album biography. “So, as a songwriter now, I can’t help but go back and jump in my boots as a kid or a teenager in high school and write from that frame of mind.”

Being that this project is a homage to his hometown, it’s ironic that he’d sing about burning it to the ground in the first track, “Momma’s House.” Released on December 6th, Lynch sings about how an ex-girlfriend ruined the town he grew up in and how he’d “burn this whole town down if it wasn’t for my momma’s house.” Throughout the song, he recalls memories and specific spots in the town that now haunt him because of this breakup. Already getting radio airplay, we can expect this to be Lynch’s next single.

In the next track, “Dirt Road,” he paints a more positive picture of his hometown and growing up. He starts out by comparing it to Nashville, as the buildings are taller, the lights are brighter and the town is always buzzing. He admits he doesn’t always fit into that kind of life. “Yeah I’m just out here chasing these stars / Sometimes I swear I’m living on Mars / but I grew up on a dirt road.”

Lauren Alaina is becoming the go-to female singer to feature on male country artists’ songs nowadays. Alaina, already recording songs with Kane Brown, Rascal Flatts, Chris Young, Jon Pardi, and HARDY, joins Lynch on this third track, “Thinking Bout You.” She plays the role of an ex-girlfriend (probably not the same one in “Mommas House”) that calls him up one day. Coincidently, he’s been thinking about her a lot lately.

“Ridin’ Roads,” Lynch’s current single, hit number one the first week of the New Year, making it his seventh chart-topper. Co-written with songwriting geniuses Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell, the song had a slow and steady climb to the top, as it was originally released back in March of 2019. Lynch presents his cool, laid back attitude in this track as he takes a ride with his girl down a windy back road in the country.

“Old Country Song” begins with a hip-hop beat, but as it progresses, the traditional country sound comes into play with instruments like the banjo and fiddle. He shows off his knowledge of old-school country with references to legends, such as George Jones and Johnny Cash. This is definitely the most traditional-sounding track on the album. “Ima love you like George Jones loved to drink, like Johnny loved some June.”

Lynch has some fun with word-play in songs like “Country Star” and “Workin’ On You.” In “Country Stars,” Lynch leaves the bar with a girl to go stargazing. “I’ll get you falling like a country star” he sings, cleverly relating to both the stars is the sky and the way fans fall for artists. “Workin’ On You” has a more upbeat, rock-n-roll sound as the lyrics depict a day that was spent working in the field, and once that work is done, the singer spends time with his girl.

The record closes with three previously released songs in “Little Town Living,” “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes” and “Good Girl.” “Little Town Living” is reminiscent of Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” as Lynch raps the verses.

“There wasn’t an intention to write an album inspired by my hometown,” he says of Tullahoma, “but there was an idea to aim at the character of who that small town boy is, and to write an album that that guy would like, that he would want to play in his truck and try to impress his girl with. Every single song had to check all those boxes or we just tossed it out. It was a very small bull’s-eye, but it was fun.”

Lynch will hit the road to headline his Stay Country Tour with special guest Travis Denning starting in Detroit on January 30th. A portion of each sale will benefit the Cowboys and Angels Fund supporting various philanthropic causes, including an intentional focus on children’s charities. For tickets, head to his website.

NYCountry Swag Picks:
1. Momma’s House
2. Thinking ‘Bout You
3. Old Country Song

To keep up with Dustin Lynch, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

 

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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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NYCS First Impression: Little Big Town ‘Nightfall’

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Nightfall Little Big Town

For the better part of two decades, Little Big Town has been country music’s reigning super-group. Combining four distinctly powerful voices into one ethereal harmony has long been their piece de resistance. Nowhere is this more evident than on their ninth studio album, Nightfall, out today (Jan. 17).

The thirteen-track collection is an epic series that explores the highs and lows of life in a unique way. Self-produced by the foursome, along with Ian Fitchuk and Daniel Tashian (Golden Hour), each song stands on its own as a musical masterpiece, but together, they make up what just might be Little Big Town’s best and most cohesive album yet. “This was a journey, and still is. Whether you’re going to the mountains, or the beach, even sitting in your living room with a glass of wine, this record is an experience,” Kimberly Schlapman reveals in a statement. “It will take you through so many places in life, hopefully sink in, and take you where you need to go, or give you what you’re looking to find.”

What’s most apparent on Nightfall is that the group shines as individual singers, each of them taking a chance at lead. However, the sum of their parts is even more powerful, their vocals soaring in a way that’s so uniquely Little Big Town. On this album, the lyrics and the vocals shine, complemented by the instrumentation rather than distracted by it. “It’s so easy to keep layering guitars on top of each other,” Jimi Westbrook says in a statement. “Every sound is intentional on this record. We’d empty tracks out to create more space. Those spaces let the energy come through. The space allows you to absorb what we’re saying.” This is evidenced on the dreamy “River of Stars,” with its twinkling instrumentation, as well as on “Wine, Beer, Whiskey,” which features pulsating horns and drums in a way that is sure to soar in a live setting.

“Problem Child” is another musically magnificent moment of the album, featuring Westbrook’s voice soaring over a simple piano melody that then transcends into a full orchestral piece as the song builds. “Are you the black sheep?/ Have you been lonely?/ Out on the outside/ You’re not the only one,” he sings, his voice vulnerable and emotive. “What’s your problem, child?” Written by all four members of LBT with Sean McConnell and Tofer Brown, this is one of the album’s many standouts, tackling a seemingly taboo subject. Yet, they manage to do it in a way that’s beautiful, but still important.

The quartet also offers different takes on love lost on Nightfall, from the buoyant “Over Drinking” to the Pleasantville-esque situation of “Sugar Coat” to the what-could’ve been longing of “Questions” and lastly, the achingly beautiful “Trouble With Forever.” On “Questions, which she co-wrote with Jon Green and Sarah Haze, Fairchild finds herself wondering about the one that got away as she speaks those questions that she longs to ask. “I’ve got questions/ With no intention/ Of ever saying ’em out loud,” She wonders mournfully. “Did you give her/ My old key/ Am I anywhere in your memory?/ I can’t sleep/ It’s keeping me up tonight/ I’ve got questions.”

“Trouble With Forever,” written by Jason Saenz, Marc Beeson, and Haze, closes out Nightfall on an exquisitely bittersweet note. “We love how forever begins/ But the trouble with forever/ Is it always ends,” they harmonize. We won’t ruin the ending for you here, but make sure you have tissues on standby.

Of the project, Philip Sweet offers. “If people can open their hearts and just connect with music in a way that feeds them, makes them feel what they need or want to, then we got it.”

Sweet is absolutely right; they’ve got it. Nightfall is truly a majestic offering that transcends genre, making you feel and believe every word the quartet sings.

Nightfall Track List:

1. “Next to You” (Hillary Reynolds, Michael Jade, Trevor Jarvis)
2. “Nightfall” (Karen Fairchild, Daniel Tashian, Fancy Hagood)
3. “Forever and a Night” (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, Foy Vance)
4. “Throw Your Love Away” (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna)
5. “Over Drinking” (Carey Barlowe, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Steph Jones, Hillary Lindsey)
6. “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, Sean McConnell, Tofer Brown)
7. “Questions” (Karen Fairchild, Jon Green, Sara Haze)
8. “The Daughters” (Karen Fairchild, Sean McConnell, Ashley Ray)
9. “River of Stars” (Karen Fairchild, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk)
10. “Sugar Coat” (Josh Kerr, Jordyn Shellhart, Lori McKenna)
11. “Problem Child” (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, Sean McConnell, Tofer Brown)
12. “Bluebird” (Karen Fairchild, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk)
13. “Trouble With Forever” (Jason Saenz, Marc Beeson, Sara Haze)

NYCountry Swag Picks:
1. Nightfall
2. Trouble with Forever
3. Questions
4. Problem Child

In support of Nightfall, Little Big Town will kick off their Nightfall Tour in New York City tonight (January 17) and tomorrow at the legendary Apollo Theater. They played an exclusive album release show yesterday at Carnegie Hall. For more tour dates and tickets, make sure to check out their official website.

To keep up with Little Big Town, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

 

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 1/17/20

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New Music Friday! This week we get new music from Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Carly Pearce, David Nail, Lauren Jenkins, Steve Moakler 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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Maren Morris The Only Country Act at the 2020 Governors Ball Music Festival

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Maren Morris Governors Ball

As artists continue to push the envelope and venture into the cross over world, Maren Morris has found a ton of success in the pop genre since her collaboration with Zedd and Grey, “The Middle”. Announced today, Morris will join the lineup for the 2020 Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City which features over 65 artists.

Her latest project, GIRL while of course, has all of the country storytelling, leans in the fluidity of not being boxed into one genre. “The Bones” has been played on pop stations across the country and her spot at this year’s festival will attract even more fans that love good music, no matter the genre.

Many genres will be well-represented at this year’s Governors Ball at Randall’s Island Park on June 5th-7th, as the headliners are Tame Impala, Missy Elliott, Vampire Weekend, and Flume. Stevie Nicks and Miley Cyrus are also on the bill.

For the full lineup head to https://www.governorsballmusicfestival.com/lineup/

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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

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Luke Bryan, Morgan Wallen & More On The Proud To Be Right Here Tour

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Luke Bryan Tour

 

Just announced, this summer’s tour line up is getting even hotter as Luke Bryan brings the Proud To Be Right Here Tour nationwide. Joining him on select dates is Morgan Wallen as direct support with Runaway June and Caylee Hammack. Bryan went live on Facebook to announce the summer and fall tour which kicks off on May 28th and will continue through October 10th.

The tour will stop at the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden on August 4th. Watch the full Facebook live below. Bryan also teased that there are several special surprises in store for the tour including unannounced dates and other opening acts.

After the big announcement, Bryan played his current single “What She Wants Tonight” and teased a snippet of a new song “Born Here, Live Here, Die Here”. “The second I heard this next song, I knew it was something that I was going to record. It just feels like certainly growing up in my hometown. It feels like just the perfect song to kind of describe the small town, hometown life,” Bryan described of the unreleased track.

Tickets for the tour and more information can be found at www.lukebryan.com/tour

Planning on heading to a show? Check out the best Luke Bryan lyrics to use as Instagram captions here. 

Luke Bryan’s Proud To Be Here Tour Dates:
5/28 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
6/18 Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
6/19 Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
6/20 Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
6/25 Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest at American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7/16 San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
7/17 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/18 Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
7/23 Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater
7/24 Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater
7/25 Portland, OR – Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
7/30 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
7/31 Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
8/4 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
8/5 Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion
8/6 Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion
8/14 Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
8/21 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
8/23 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/28 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
8/29 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
8/30 Charleston, SC – TBD
9/24 Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
9/25 St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
9/26 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
10/1 Bossier City, LA – CenturyLink Center
10/2 Lafayette, LA – Cajundome
10/8 Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
10/9 Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
10/10 San Bernardino, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheater

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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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NY’s Country 94.7 Collecting Valentine’s Day Letters For Our Troops

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One of our favorite radio DJs and people, Kelly Ford on Kelly Ford In The Morning on New York’s Country 94.7 is asking for listeners help to make Valentine’s Day a little better for our military. You can show your love for our servicemen and women by sending a Valentine’s Day card to show them how much you appreciate their sacrifice.

Jason Aldean stopped by the studio to help kick things off by creating his own Valentine. Check it out below:

 

Purchase or create a Valentine’s Day card of your own and mail it to:

Support Our Troops®
c/o NY Country 947 Valentines For the Troops
13791 N. Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL 33613

The deadline to get the letters to the troops by Valentine’s Day is Saturday, February 1st, 2020. Support Our Troops needs to receive all the letters by then if they want to be sent out BEFORE Valentine’s Day.

Find out more details here and be sure to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter so you don’t miss any upcoming news or opportunities to get involved! Sign Up Here!

 

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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:

Kane Brown Lyrics To Use As Instagram Captions

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Kane Brown was quick to the top of the charts with his debut self-titled album only a short time ago in 2016. Since then he has been all over the world, gaining more and more of a fanbase with each show. Here is our New Year’s gift to you, so you don’t waste time thinking of the perfect Instagram caption for the show near you. We’ve got them here!

Kane Brown Lyrics

1. “What if I was made for you and you were made for me. What if this is it, what if it’s meant to be.” — What Ifs

2. “Forgiveness is something we gotta know. ‘Cause if you hold on forever, it’ll hurt your soul. That’s why I’m learning how to let it go.” — Learning

3. “10 PM most folks are sleeping. But it’s the weekend, so we ain’t. And we know where the cops don’t go.” — Setting the Night On Fire, feat. Chris Young

4. “I couldn’t dream this up even if I tried. You and me in this moment feels like magic only. I’m right where I wanna be.” — Heaven

5. “Known to be crazy. Known to be wild. Mama had to suffer a little devilish child.” — One Thing Right

6. “It might take a hundred lifetimes to do. But baby, I just want to be good as you.” — Good as You

7. “I don’t think you know what you’re doing to me. You got my heart skip-skipping a beat. You’re not close enough. So that space between you and me, yeah let’s lose it.” — Lose It

8. “If home is where the heart is, I’m homesick for you.” — Homesick

9. “’ Cause when you hit the lights, put your lips on mine, it gets hotter than a Houston night.” — Like a Rodeo

10. “And if I take my hat off for the stars and the stripes. And if I just can’t seem to shut it down. That’s just my where I come from coming out.” — My Where I Come From

What We’re Listening To: January Picks

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

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

 

JANUARY PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Make Me Want To” – Jimmie Allen
Songwriters: Jennifer Denmark, Jimmie Allen, Paul Sikes

This month I chose Jimmie Allen’s “Make Me Want To”. When this song came out on his debut album over a year ago, it was instantly one of my favorites, but as it continues to climb the charts and is played more and more on radio, I constantly find myself going to put it on as soon as I open Spotify. It’s the kind of jam you just have to put a little louder and bop along to. I hope we can see this song hit # 1!

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Martha Divine” – Ashley McBryde
Songwriters: Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Spillman

Country music does a lot of things well, especially revenge songs. On “Martha Divine”, released just this past Monday, Ashley McBryde continues the narrative from the first hint of new music from the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year award winner, “One Night Standards”. The story is brought to life with the music videos that accompany the songs but what really caught my attention was the powerful drum beat and production.

It’s been over two years since I’ve seen her live, but I can guarantee that “Martha Divine” is going to become a staple in her live set. Revenge killing has been done before, the cheating husband, all of the two-timing bastards, but putting a new twist in this track, it isn’t the man but the mistress getting the ax.

McBryde’s delivery and final ‘nail in the coffin’ line gets me every time I listen, “It ain’t murder if I bury you alive, Martha Divine”. 

 

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Sugar Coat” – Little Big Town
Songwriters: Jordyn Shellhart, Lori McKenna, Josh Kerr

One of my favorite songs of the past year is Little Big Town’s “Sugar Coat.” It’s a poignant anthem for women and people everywhere. It’s about women feeling the need to gloss over things even when they do not want to. They have been taught to from a very young age, and oftentimes, that weight gets really heavy, as if wearing a coat – hence the play-on-words title. “Passed down from my mom / She wore it so well / She’d rest it on my shoulders / Say it’s colder out there than you think,” member Karen Fairchild sings on the second verse.

The narrator of the song is not the type to turn to alcohol or pills or one-night stands. But sometimes she wishes she was, just so she could feel something other than pain. “Sometimes I hardly can stand it/I just smile with a lump in my throat/Sometimes I wish I could bear it/Didn’t have to wear this sugar coat,” the band sings on the chorus. It’s brilliantly written and brilliantly performed, and as a young woman myself, I resonate with the sentiment.

 

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Sinning With You” – Sam Hunt
Songwriters: Emily Weisband, Josh Osborne, Paul DiGiovanni, Sam Hunt

I’ve been waiting for Sam Hunt to release this since he played it for the first time in September. Written from the perspective of an unmarried man, love puts his faith to the test as he confesses to God that because his feelings for this girl are so strong and he knows they will end up together, the actions they partake in shouldn’t be considered sins.

“As long as you’re for me / as long as I’m for you / who could be against us, baby?”

I find his relationship story so intriguing. The girl he sang all of those songs about on Montevallo (her hometown) is now his wife. In “Drinkin’ Too Much” he straight-up says “Hannah Lee, I’m on my way to you”, and here he is in 2020 singing “I always knew that I would end up with you”. If that’s not love (and perseverance) then I don’t know what is. Like he says in the song, nothing should interfere with true love and they shouldn’t feel guilty about whichever way they want to express it. I believe this song carries more weight than people think.

 

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Front Seat” – Rayne Johnson
Songwriters: Joe Jordan

I first heard this song on Sirius XM “The Highway” and fell in love with it. When I heard the title I immediately thought it’d be a fun, upbeat song about sitting in the front seat of a car but it’s the complete opposite.

“You belong on the right side /Of the right guy that puts you first ’cause you’re the grand prize / And I ain’t saying you belong with me / But you belong in the front seat”

Johnson compares being in the front seat of a car to being someone’s priority. Country music has a ton of cliche yet catchy love songs but I think the lyrics in this one are so unique and I was immediately hooked.

 

Alexa Ebner, Contributing Writer

Pick: “London” – Filmore
Songwriters: John-Luke Carter, Filmore

I love this song, as it’s super honest and relatable. I also enjoy that it’s a little bit slower and calmer than Filmore’s other music. The prominent acoustic guitar makes Filmore’s voice shine and also creates a very nostalgic and comforting mood. It’s interesting to see this different side of him and connect with his music on a deeper level, with the extremely honest lyrics and smoother sound. Throughout the song, Filmore features in clever mentions of the city of London, as he sings about visiting a city alone with someone that you once dreamed/and or planned that you’d be going with.

 

Autumn Haile, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “Good Times” – The Lone Bellow
Songwriters: Aaron Dessner, Brian Elmquist, Jason Pipkin, Zach Williams 

If you need a funky, blues-inspired pick-me-up in the form of a Country/Americana track, look no further than “Good Times” by The Lone Bellow. Nashville transplants by way of Brooklyn, NY, this group of musicians and songwriters make music filled with meaning and washed in stunning harmonies. “Good Times” is no different. It’s a bit more upbeat and atmospheric than some of their previous work, but it’s a reminder as to why these guys have continued to build a strong fanbase year over year — they’re just that good. You’ll want to lift your hands in exultation when the track comes to its wild end.

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Damn Strait” – Adam Sanders
Songwriters: Adam Sanders, Ben Stennis, Jordan Rager

Adam Sanders is one of my favorite people I worked with in Nashville last year. Not too shortly after I got to hear him play a song called “Damn Strait” and I fell in love and prayed he would release it. Months go by and Granger Smith cuts the song and Sanders released his own version shortly after. The song makes references to King George Strait’s biggest hits, “Amarillo by Morning” and “Nobody in His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her.” Adam’s grittiness in his voice gives this song the passion to the lyrics, making it a great ode to Strait himself.
“Between the still and the whiskey, something just hit me / Maybe I might’ve been wrong / I’m living every line and nobody in his right mind / Praying that it ain’t too late / Damn Strait”

 

Briana Lopez, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Noise” – Cody Johnson
Songwriters: Gordie Sampson, Jim McCormick, Radney Foster

I’ve been a Cody Johnson fan for about five years now and every song he releases I catch myself calling it my favorite but, his song “Noise” off of his Ain’t Nothin’ To It album is definitely my go to.

The lyrics and music are so powerful and make a good song but, the emotion that he pours into it when he sings makes it a GREAT story.

“Your eyes cut through every distraction/ Through the rage of the machine and the roar of the engines/ This rock keeps turnin’, this city don’t sleep/ You’re my secret shelter when I can’t find peace/ The way you touch, the way you whisper/ The way you love and how it lingers/ You can make it all go away”

This part sends chills up my spine and makes me feel warm inside, especially when he sings it live. His voice and songs make him a powerhouse, and something us local Texans can be proud of.

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “On A Night Like This” – Lady Antebellum
Songwriters: Dave Barnes

One of the songs I can’t get enough of is Lady Antebellum’s version of “On a Night Like This.” I’ve been a huge fan of singer-songwriter Dave Barnes for well over a decade, so to hear Lady A re-record one of his songs was a treat. Their version is stunning and orchestral with a hint of a Christmas vibe, as evidenced by their performance of it on CMA Country Christmas. Make sure to check out the original version as well – they’re both so beautiful and different.

 

Pick: “Everywhere But On” – Matt Stell
Songwriters: Lance Miller, Matt Stell, Paul Sikes

I love songs that tell common storylines but in a new way, and I was intrigued the first time I heard this new one from Matt Stell. The lyrics tell of a familiar tale: a heartbreak that makes you want to run away and start over. But as the character in this story learns, trying to escape the memories and feelings is easier said than done. He moves from state to state, hoping that leaving his small town will be enough to get over his ex. Eventually, though, he realizes he won’t move on until he stops running. Doesn’t that just hit you right in the feels??

“I’ve been from Savannah to Long Beach / Trying to keep your memory out of reach / But there you were in the Delta nights / The Santa Fe sun, the Colorado sky / I could add another pushpin to the map / But that don’t stop me from missing you and looking back / Guess there’s just one place I haven’t gone / I’ve moved everywhere but on”

 

Rebekah Milsted, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Reasons To Drink” – Cole Swindell
Songwriters: Brandon Kinney, Cole Swindell, Michael Carter

My song for this month is “Reasons to Drink” by Cole Swindell. It may be older but it’s a song that can bring anyone together. Whether you’re celebrating a life event, hanging out with your friends, or getting over a breakup, we all have a reason to drink.

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “This Bar” – Morgan Wallen
Songwriters: Ernest Smith, Jackson Morgan, Jake Scott, HARDY, Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak

This month I had to pick yet another Morgan Wallen song. In my opinion, the rising artist’s newest track “This Bar” is just as good as all the tracks on his debut record. The new song is honest, personal, and relatable- and of course, complete with a catchy hook and chorus.

“I found myself in this bar / Making mistakes and making new friends / I was growing p and nothing made sense / Buzzing all night like neon in the dark / I found myself in this bar”

Wallen is one of the most exciting artists out there right now, and so far, he has yet to disappoint. I am eager to see what his next releases sound like and how he continues to grow as a singer-songwriter.

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

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