Throwback Thursday: Tim McGraw Songs You May Have Forgotten

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Tim McGraw is one of the most recognizable country music superstars. With his unique voice, he managed to become known for his ability to stir up a wide range of emotions from heart-melting ballads to toe-tapping, dancehall tunes. As he once said in USA Today “There’s a lot of people who can pick up a guitar and sing you a great song, but there’s a very few people that can tell you how they feel. That’s the main purpose of acting or doing an opera or painting or anything. It’s to tell somebody how you feel and more importantly, tell them how they feel.”

In all of McGraw’s songs, this sentiment is undeniable especially in “It’s Your Love”, “Speak To a Girl”, “Don’t Take The Girl” or “Humble and Kind”.

 

With 15 studio albums, 21 singles to hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country 100 chart, 3 singles named the number one country song of the year (It’s Your Love, Just To See You Smile, and Live Like You Were Dying), 3 Grammys, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 3 People’s Choice Awards, McGraw is certainly one of the most decorated artists of our time. Here are a few songs that we love, that you may have forgotten about. 

 

  1. Welcome To The Club –  This first song is for those who were dumped and broken-hearted.  “You gave her everything you thought she wanted/ Now all you want is gone/ you’re just one of many broken-hearted/ Wondering what went wrong/ Welcome to the club” 

 

  1. Tears In The Rain  – While listening you can feel his sadness because his love might come back if she could see his tears in the rain. “Now, I’ll regret that moment ‘cause I didn’t let her know/ How much I still loved her, I was hopin’ it would show/ But the raindrops and the teardrops ran together on my face/ Now she’ll never ever know no one can take her place”

 

  1. The Great Divide – Sometimes an argument can lead to a great divide which is hard to overcome. The hole between two people can bo so deep that even if they want to bury it but the ground would still tender. “And it’s a long, long way/ Across the great divide/ The songs that they once sang/ Now echo far and wide/ They could still get back/ All the love that they have lost/ But only if they both will reach across/ ‘Cause it’s a long, long way to the other side/ Of the great divide”

 

  1. You Just Get Better All The Time – One of these songs where love is almost touchable and you can feel the affection. A wonderful piece of music. “You just get sweeter every day/ The little things you do and say/ If only you could see you through my eyes/ You just get better all the time”

 

  1. Senorita Margarita – When your heart is sad and you need someone to comfort you but the one you love is the cause of heartache you need senorita margarita. “Senorita, margarita I’m as lonesome as a man can be/ I still love her/ I still need her/ I’m just hoping you can comfort me/ I don’t want to do her wrong/ I don’t need somebody new/ I just can’t be alone tonight/ So senorita, margarita, let me hold you tight”

 

  1. Let Me Love You – A country song with a Latino vibe, now you’ve heard it all. It will make you sway to the rhythm and feel like a professional samba dancer.  “Show me what it is like to lose control/ Free the desire in your soul/ Oh oh let me love you/ Let me take you the place like nowhere else/ Show you the things you never felt/ oh oh let me love you” 

 

  1. Home – There’s no place like home sweet home. Home is not just a building it’s much more, it’s feelings and memories. It’s almost like a time machine that can take you to happy and simple times. “Later on we’ll sit around/ Bellies tight from supper/ telling all them stories/ That we just can’t get enough of/ And somewhere in an honest laugh/ It’ll finally hit me that I’m/ Home”

 

  1. Old Town New – a blue song because of the painful past. A Town, people, and places remind of a failed relationship that’s why you have to make old town new. “Color other than blue again/ I would have something to do again/ Instead of thinking about you again/ But the people I know/ The places I go/ Remind me of you/ Oh, somebody came around/ And make this old town new”

 

  1. Open Season On My Heart – “I can’t blame anyone but me/ This reckless fool I’ve come to be/ My tired excuses just don’t fit/ It don’t look good from where I sit/ I’ve tried to change without much luck/ I reached the point where I get stuck/ I hit the streets and the fireworks start/ It’s open season on my heart” 

 

  1. Forever Seventeen Letting go of past experiences and moving on in life is easier to say than to do it and contemplating life choices and past is effortless but not painless. That’s why we should remember that we’re not flawless, we make mistakes and past is the past. “A reckless lover, a father figure/ You search for both in every man you meet/ You’re not a mother ad sometimes you wonder/ if a son or daughter just might make you feel complete/ But no, you don’t need someone else/ No, it’s hard enough to learn to love yourself”

 

McGraw’s ability to hone in on all kinds of emotions through songs makes him really special, one of the kind. He performed many memorable songs and sang many amazing lesser-known tracks that will stay in the hearts of his most devoted fans. 

To keep up with Tim McGraw follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and 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.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Caylee Hammack Offers Encouragement with “Forged in the Fire”

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Caylee Hammack Forged in the Fire

During last Sunday’s ACM Presents: Our Country, while most other artists performed familiar songs or hits, Capitol/UMG Nashville’s Caylee Hammack took the opportunity to debut a brand-new unreleased song, “Forged in the Fire.” Her performance, though only aided by an acoustic guitar and mic set-up, was delivered with a tear in her voice that begged to cry, “I’ve been through this.”

Hammack’s approach was much like her label mate Eric Church’s “Never Break Heart”, they both shared a never-heard-before song with a timely and hopeful message that encouraged us to embrace life’s trials; or the forging in our fires.

“When does a Phoenix learn how to fly? / Do I get my wings when I stop asking why? / How do I start moving on and moving past, stop holding on, looking back / when God’s hell-bent on making me a fighter? // Forged in the Fire,” the vocal powerhouse sings introspectively. While writer credits are not yet public knowledge, we’d bet this redheaded fireball had a hand in penning it.

“Forged in the Fire” is a true standout because of its vulnerable and relatable lyrics– qualities which country music prides itself on. Its message, though surely personal to the Georgia native, is also universal. It does not seek to preach or advise from a top-down approach but, instead, empathizes and encourages.

Ultimately, there are no grey lines or ambivalence for Hammack. Evinced best in the bridge, she chooses a ‘this or that’ approach in finding a resolution. If she wants to see better days, she has to persevere through the forging and trust the process.

“Am I glass or am I iron? Will I last or will I tire? Can broken be beautiful again? / Am I glass or am I iron? Will I shatter or will I rise higher? From the ashes, I’ve been buried in”

Have you been through hardship? Have you doubted your purpose in life? Have you compared your journey with others? Are you nowhere near where you want to be? Has life continuously dealt you with bad cards that you wonder when it’ll end? Or presently, has your life turned a 180 by this coronavirus pandemic and quarantine?

Then watch Hammack’s moving performance, and let country music give you that extra boost needed to push through the odds you’re facing.

P.S.: We’re waiting with eager anticipation until Hammack finally releases this song! Until then, let her acoustic performance tide you through.

To keep up with Caylee Hammack, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Hot County Knights Drop Hilarious “The USA Begins with US”

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Hot Country Knights USA Starts with Us

90s-inspired country group, the Hot Country Knights released a new track, “The USA Begins With Us” last Friday from their debut album The K is Silent, which comes out on May 1st. The patriotic record is more of a speech than a song, led by front-man, Doug Douglason. He discusses the things in life that try to divide us and reminds listeners that the USA begins with ‘us’ and by coming together as a nation, we will see the necessary change. At least that was message he was trying to get across. Watch this inspirational public address below!

“These days, there are a lot of people that want to divide us,” Douglason announced to the ‘sold-out crowd’. “Well, I’m no math genius like all those smarty dudes up there in D.C., but I know that division is the exact same thing as subtraction…and the Knights are not about subtraction, we’re all about addition! In fact, an American probably invented addition.”

After the song part of the speech, members of the band mouthed famous quotes from political figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” and Bill Clinton’s “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.”

Although Douglason’s intended message may have been unclear, it relates to current times. By following the government’s orders of social-distancing and staying inside, we can survive the coronavirus-infested world we are living in now. It also gives us something to laugh at during these extremely trying times.

The Knights were scheduled to headline their own tour starting this week. However, like all other shows and events, it has been postponed with new dates to be named later. Country fans were very excited to see the Hot Country Knights get their big break, but Douglason assured that the Knights will return to the stage.

“Although we are pretty familiar with all types of viruses, we realize that our fans may not have the same immunity built up,” Douglason admitted on the Knights’ website. “Don’t worry though, if history has proven anything it’s that nothing – not even a worldwide pandemic – can keep The Knights down for long. We’ll be baaaaaaack!”

To keep with the Hot Country Knights, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“The USA Begins With Us” 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.

—————————-

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 Swag Spotlight: Nikki Briar

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Nikki Briar

This week we shine our spotlight on New Jersey country artist, Nikki Briar. Her unique brand of country music has resonated across the genre and the United States. She fully put her career in God’s hands, but it’s evident that music has been in her soul since birth.

Growing up, Briar was consumed by music. Her father worked as a touring musician, while her mother played classical piano. She tells us “I learned how to play the drums because of him and I learned how to play the piano because of her,” adding later, that her early exposure to music helped to mold her, while also assisting her with working through her own struggles with a speech impediment.

Taking the influences from her parents, Briar’s first introduction to music was in the style of Motown and Jazz. She credits artists like Frankie Valli and Frank Sinatra as early influences. As her musical style evolved, the singer-songwriter found herself listening to boy bands like Hanson, Backstreet Boys, and New Kids On The Block. It wasn’t until middle school that Briar found a connection to country music.

“Country music kinda came into the picture when I started playing the guitar in middle school,” she tell us. The singer’s uncle taught her to play acoustic guitar, which of course, lends itself to country music. Because of the likes of artists like Shania Twain, LeAnn Rimes, and Garth Brooks, “I fell in love with country music.”

Despite her appreciation for music and natural talent, Briar decided to pursue a career as a teacher, even getting her master’s degree. It wasn’t until she was invited to sing the national anthem at a military event that her path in life started to shift. Her boyfriend was overseas serving our country, and a fellow soldier took a liking to the singer’s voice. The soldier happened to also be a producer and writer in Nashville and invited Briar to come down to work on music.

On a whim, the songstress decided to take the risk. She headed to Nashville to write and has not turned back since. On that trip, Briar ended up writing her first single “A Soldier’s Princess,” which found its way to radio. “That’s when I realized, wow, that’s how it easy it is,” she shared, “I just told [him] a story about my email address and that right there, started a title of a song.”

Her first writing experience combined with her first trip to Nashville and the support of her now, husband helped her to find the courage to put all of her energy into music. With newfound confidence and instilled faith, Briar tells us she realized, “I love country music and I do have a story to tell,” adding later, “If God wants it to happen, it’s going to happen. I’ll work on it and I’ll do what I gotta do and if it works out, okay, let’s see what happens.”

Flash forward to today, Briar has been in the business for over thirteen years. Most recently she released a new song called “MAMA’S BOY,’ to her fans via Facebook. The new single will be apart of her upcoming EP FOREVER YOUNG. The singer drew inspiration from her daily life as a mom, and it is a beautiful ode to her 1 and 3-year-old sons. “So Mama’s Boy came probably about a week ago when I just was determined to finish a song that I wanted to write about being a mother,” Briar tells us. Utilizing the downtime of this national crisis, the singer was finally able to finish a song that she has been wanting to write, since becoming a mother.

Old and new fans of Briar alike should keep their eyes peeled for more from the singer as we head into the later part of the year. She is scheduled to play at some festivals, as well as, shows across the Northeast, Nashville, and Florida in the summer and fall months. For current dates and times head to nikkibriar.com.

To keep up with Nikki Briar follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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Tenille Townes Says “The Most Beautiful Things” Aren’t Seen

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Tenille Townes The Most Beautiful Things

This song has a message that could not have come at a better time. Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear and the artist herself wrote these lyrics with delicacy and a tender-heart in mind. On top of the poetry, Tenille Townes holds a gorgeous, vulnerable tone to narrate the tangled way of the world. “The Most Beautiful Things” acknowledges that what we feel and what we see may not always correspond with one another. Instead, our ability to feel will always surpass the strength in sight.

“So why do we close our eyes / When we pray, cry, kiss, dream / Maybe the most beautiful things in this life / Are felt and never seen”

While most of us are staying home to stop the spread of COVID-19, not able to see much of the world, this new release is a nice reminder that our souls, hearts, and minds are still with us. A lot has changed within the last month and a lot has been taken from us, but those moments of joy, love, and adoration have not left.

“The only way I know any of this / Can be true / Is the love I feel for you”

Though, this track comes at a time where the intent may be molded into something a little different, the concept remains the same. “We were all once a little kid, full of wonder, and seeing the beauty in anything. We were unafraid to be ourselves, relentlessly willing to dream the craziest of dreams because we weren’t scared of failing, or of what anyone else thought,” Townes explains as the inspiration behind the song. The contrast between being a child and an adult is extreme, though it’s important to rekindle the authenticity that comes with being a child since, through the years, it fades before our very eyes.

“I hope this song helps people remember what that felt like. Holding on to the love we have for each other and the most beautiful things around us, even in hard times, is what keeps that feeling alive. It makes me so thankful to get to put out this song right now in the times we are in.”

To go along with that notion, this beloved Canadian native filmed and edited a video to add a candid, first-hand glimpse of childhood. Townes’ cousin Evvy is captured on a playground in a park, doing things kids do.

To keep up with Tenille Townes, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

“The Most Beautiful Things” 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.

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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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NYCS Artist to Watch Filmore Releases “Me Lately”

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Filmore Me Lately

Last Saturday (3/28) we hosted our first ever virtual Country Brunch over on our Instagram page with a few of our favorite artists. One of those artists that performed just to happened to be the incredible Filmore. We named him one of our 2019 Artists to Watch, and he continues to prove us right with each and every song released. Most recently the singer-songwriter premiered a personal track entitled “Me Lately.”

Each of Filmore’s songs has been different, yet featured intricate songwriting and rhythm you just cannot help, but to bop to. “Me Lately” checks both boxes. The new song tells the story about how the entertainer went through somewhat of a metamorphosis when he finally found the love he was looking for. He sings about a special lady giving him the confidence to love himself, all because she loves and accepts him for who he is.

Despite this incredible message, the first verse of the song is the standout. Filmore honestly shares his inner demons, singing lyrics like “Broke some hearts and let some bridges burn” and “Me and myself weren’t always on good terms.” The song is an anthem for a love that happens with the right person at the right time. All the stars align for Filmore in this song, and we think they will in his career too.

To learn more about Filmore, check out our Swag Session with the entertainer from earlier this year below, as well as, our review of his performance when he opened up for Lauren Alaina in New York City. If you have the chance, make sure you get your tickets to a Filmore show!

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

“Me Lately” 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.

—————————-

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: Sykamore ‘California King’ EP

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Skyamore

Canadian singer-songwriter, Jordan Ostrom, better known as Sykamore released a new extended play last Friday titled California King. This EP is a follow-up to her 2018 debut EP, Self + Medicine. Ostrom co-wrote all five tracks on the new record.

Sykamore grew up on a farm just outside of Calgary, Alberta, listening to the likes of country music icons, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and the Dixie Chicks. When she moved to Nashville, she signed with HOME Team Publishing, the company founded by Thomas Rhett and his father, Rhett Akins. Akins discovered her on Twitter and was quoted in saying “I read her name, I was curious…I saw her face, I was intrigued…I heard her voice, I was done.” California King, produced by ACM Award-winning producer, Michael Knox (Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson) is the first music to be released via Music Knox Records / Wheelhouse Records.

“Even before I started performing, music was always a means of escape for me,” Sykamore said in a recent press release. “I wanted to write a thank you to music for being a support system that was always there when I needed it.”

The first track, “Record High” is reminiscent of Eric Church’s “Record Year”, as Sykamore sings about how she uses her records as medicine to get her through difficult times. Sykamore has musical inspirations from many different genres and she refers to them in this track in a very creative fashion. Those artists include ACDC, Led Zeppelin, George Strait, David Lee Murphy, and Kenny Chesney, Gloria Gayner, Elvis Presley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Elvin Bishop, Prince, The Beatles, and Hank Williams. Listen to the song and see if you can catch all the references!

“I got an Amarillo by morning to get me through the night / Everything’s gonna be alright, I will survive / I’m on a record high”

Another cleverly written track, “Where to Find Me” is about someone who has had such a bad day and gets so down on themselves to the point where they feel lost. However, there is one person who helps them feel better and regain who they really are. Lyrically, it sounds like a song written by rising singer-songwriter, HARDY because the chorus, like in most HARDY songs, uses a lot of assonances. In a song such as “He Went to Jared”, HARDY writes “See him sitting there with a white horse and carriage, nearly three karats. He went to Jared, I went to the bar,” he uses that “air” sound to create a great hook. In “Where to Find Me”, Sykamore doesn’t just rhyme the last word of each line, she uses assonance to make the chorus more fun and catchy.

“‘Cause when I’m down, I swear you can read my mind / ‘Cause you know where to find me / When I forget what I’m worth, you remind me / When I can’t find the silver lining / Yeah, your light, it comes shining through”

“Out of Luck” is the third track on the album and is definitely her most vulnerable one. This song goes beyond your usual “one who got away” love story; it gives it an interesting twist. The first verse/chorus is all about her and how she is dealing with the breakup. She sings “If you only get one – a single shot at love. If you only get one, then boy, I’m out of luck.” In the second verse/chorus, she discusses the guy on the other side of the breakup. In the verse, she sings “Are you happy with things or do you reach for me, when you’re half asleep and your feeling weak” and goes on to say in the chorus “If you only get one, then boy, we’re out of luck,” meaning she knows they both messed up and that they were really meant for each other.

The title track, “California King” is about the type of man who peaked in high school and still thinks he’s all that. He believes everyone should know his name and all the girls will catch feelings the instant they lay eyes on him. Sykamore can immediately see that in this man, cutting him down to size and not falling for any of his pick-up lies.

“You walk around like you deserve a crown / You think that I’ll free-fall, you’re so Tom Petty / Like I heard about you all over town / So get down off your white horse tonight / You’re such a California King”

The EP ends with the most fun, upbeat tune, “Local Singles.” This song would be perfect for your tailgate/pre-game playlist to get you and your friends ready to hit the town. Sykamore says that the reason the bars are buzzing is due to all the local single girls looking to go out and have a good time.

“We keep the neon flowin’ in those “Cold Beer” signs / We’re the only reason they don’t roll up the streets at night / This town would be a bust if it wasn’t for us / Your local singles, drinkin’ doubles”

There is clearly a lot of singing and song-writing talent here. With Sykamore signing to HOME Team Publishing and already being recognized as one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country”, we can foresee a future in which she goes from opening for Thomas Rhett on tour, to becoming one of the biggest, most influential women in country music.

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

California King 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.

—————————-

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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Kindness Isn’t Canceled Spotlight: NYC Supports Foster Dogs

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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. To grab your exclusive shirt, click here.

Today we have a story for all those animal lovers out there. Since we are all essentially stuck at home for the near future, New Yorkers turned out in droves earlier last month to support a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. Animal shelters across the United States have been reporting an increase of people readily available and eager to foster a dog, during this time; however, New York City really came through.

When the Animal Care Centers of NYC put out a call for applications to its fostering program, which had 200 slots available, over 2000 New Yorkers applied. It is believed that because many of us are working from home now or unfortunately unable to work, we are seeking a furry companion to get us through this time. We might be providing a dog with a home, but as always, they are providing us humans with the friendship and kindness we need during this time of isolation.

According to Foster Dogs INC., they are now focusing their efforts on continuing to support the foster parents and dogs, during this crisis. If you wish to donate to this worthy cause, click here, and visit their website at fosterdogsnyc.com

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.

 

 

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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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Chris Lane Drops New Song “Hold You Tonight” With Gryffin

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While we are all home and hopefully staying healthy, fans of Chris Lane can rejoice with some good news for a change! The platinum-selling singer released a new song today entitled “Hold You Tonight.” Somehow, Lane manages to combine romance and sensitivity with a killer beat in this bonafide hit.

The new jam is a mix of country music and soft EDM. In the same vein as Heartless by Diplo featuring Morgan Wallen, Lane partners with super-producer and artist Gryffin to create something that still feels new and fresh. The EDM inspired beats blend perfectly with the acoustic guitars and passionate vocals. The song is a love song at heart, but the production behind it makes it innovative. Fans will still be able to tell it’s a Chris Lane song, but new fans will definitely be jumping on board after just one listen.

“Get up out of my head / Get up out of my mind / So come and fall into my arms / And let me hold you tonight / You got my heart in your hands / And it just feels right / So come and fall into my arms / Let me hold you tonight”

Lane also dropped a behind-the-headlines video for the song, which features the personal relationship between the two artists, as well as, clips of life on the road and life in the studio. It is an intimate look into the singer’s life, which we’re sure will resonate with country music fans. Check it out below.

 

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

“Hold You Tonight” 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.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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ACM Presents: Our Country Lifts Spirits & Celebrates Music

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COVID-19 can cancel award shows, concerts, sporting events, and all other social gatherings, but it cannot cancel music. On a night that was supposed to honor country music’s biggest stars became one that was even more memorable; the Academy of Country Music postponed the 55th Annual ACM Awards and instead premiered ACM Presents: Our Country in its place. The two-hour television special, hosted by Gayle King, featured performances from our favorite musical acts in the genre from the safety of their homes to help us heal through the power of music.

Before the show aired on CBS at 8 pm, fans could watch several performances from other country artists on the ACM’s live stream. The pre-show featured Riley Green, Ingrid Andress, Jake Owen, Lindsay Ell, Caylee Hammack, Blanco Brown, Lauren Alaina, Ashley McBryde, Mickey Guyton, and others. Moments that stood out to us were Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s duet performance of “I Hope You’re Happy Now” from separate houses, Gabby Barrett displaying her powerful vocals on “I Hope” with her husband, Cade Foehner on guitar, and Chris Young singing the late Joe Diffie’s “Pickup Man”. You can watch the entire pre-show on ACM’s Facebook page.

Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban was supposed to host the award show last night. Instead, he began Our Country with his hit song “Wasted Time”. Lady Antebellum was next. They sang “You Know What I’m Leaving For” from their newest record, Ocean and Hilary Scott dedicated this song to the healthcare workers and first responders. “This song is about walking out of your house and leaving your family to go do what you’re called to do and sometimes that is not an easy thing,” Scott admired. The screen split into three; one for each member of the group. Dave Haywood’s video kept cutting in and out as he switched instruments throughout the song. Haywood’s and Charles Kelley’s sons made appearances as well, making this performance a family affair.

At each commercial break, they showed flashbacks from past ACM award shows, including Brooks and Dunn signing “Brand New Man” with Luke Combs last year, to Shania Twain singing “No One Needs To Know” in 1996.  Other moments included Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler performing “Walk This Way”, and Florida Georgia Line singing “Everybody” with the Backstreet Boys.

Underwood was next. She sang her most recent single and a very fitting song for the time, “Drinking Alone”. Little Big Town harmonized a song off their new record, Nightfall called “Next To You”. Another track that is very fitting as it discusses how even when times are bad, just being together with the person you love will make it all better.

Separated by four different screens, Tim McGraw performed his hit song “Humble and Kind” with his bandmates. Kelsea Ballerini then sang a snippet of the lead single off her brand new album kelsea, “homecoming queen?”

Shania Twain, stationed in a stable with her horse and golden retriever, performed a melody of two songs off her 1997 album Come On Over, “Honey I’m Home” and “Man, I Feel Like a Woman”. The most nominated group at the 2020 ACM Awards, Old Dominion was next. Front-man Matt Ramsey went to Trevor Rosen’s house to perform “Some People Do”. Rosen played piano six feet away from Ramsey.

Eric Church, at home, not donning his signature aviator shades, debuted a new song for the viewers called “Never Break Heart”. Read more about the song here.

Good friends, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker performed two of their hits together via FaceTime; Paisley’s “Mud on the Tires” and Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel”. The two came back later in the show to give tribute to country music legend, the late Kenny Rodgers, performing hits of his such as “Lucille” and “The Gambler”.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani performed country music’s greatest love song right now “Nobody But You” from their house in Oklahoma. Thomas Rhett then sang a new song he debuted for us last Monday called “Be A Light”. Read more about that here.

From her “out of tune, grandma piano built-in 1900”, Brandi Carlile performed a piece of her song, “The Joke”. Luke Bryan sang “Most People Are Good” and also dedicated it to all the medical professionals and people on the front lines. There’s a line in that song that speaks volumes during times like these. “I believe, if you just go by the nightly news / your faith in all mankind would be the first thing you lose.” One should know what’s going on in the world, however, sometimes the news provides us with negativity and sorrow that we just don’t need right now. Remaining hopeful is important for our mental and emotional health. Another Luke — Luke Combs was up next, singing “Beautiful Crazy”.

Miranda Lambert sang her current single, “Bluebird” from her front porch. She joked that her husband was supposed to film her performance, but he was at the pond fishing and “for a New York City boy, he better learn how to fish”. She went on to say “I want to remind everyone to lean into your music, lean into your guitars, your pianos, your voices and let that heal you because music is medicine.”

Dierks Bentley sang “I Hold On” for all the people “holding on for dear life” during this crisis. “It seems like the country music community always comes together for each other,” he praises.

Kane Brown, joined by 11-time Grammy winner John Legend performed their new song “Last Time I Say Sorry” together over FaceTime. It was the first live performance of their heart-wrenching ballad.

The men of Florida Georgia Line, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard brought their families together and performed a snippet of their most recent single, “Blessings” from the Kelley’s living room. This song reminds us to not forget what’s really important in our lives, and that is our loved ones. Sheryl Crow had the last original performance of the night; she sang her inspirational track, “I Shall Believe.”

After Rucker and Paisley’s Kenny Rodgers tribute performance, Bryan came back on to sing Rodgers’ “Coward of the Country.” The show ended with a clip from the 2012 ACM Awards when Lionel Richie joined Rodgers on stage to perform their hit song “Lady”. “Not only did we have a hit record, but I found one of the greatest friends I ever had in my whole life,” Richie recalled.

The Academy of Country Music and the artists who performed on this special gave us a night more memorable than we could have imagined. If there is one takeaway from last night, it is that even in the worst of times, we can look to music as a way of healing and a reminder that if you stay positive, keep your faith and do your part, together we can overcome any obstacle.

The ACM launched a COVID-19 Relief Fund called ACM Lifting Lives. It was created to assist individuals working in the country music industry who are suffering a financial crisis as a result of the pandemic. For those interested in donating or learning more, head to their website.

The 2020 ACM Awards will air on CBS Wednesday, September 16th with Keith Urban hosting. To see a full list of the nominees, click here!

Keep up with the Academy of Country Music by following them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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