10 Television Shows We Wish Were Still On Air

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There are just some television shows we still find ourselves yearning for, years later. Here are 10 television shows we wish were still on air.

Television Shows

Warning! There might be some spoilers.

 

1. Friends
It’s a little known fact that our founder, managing editor, and some of our writers, LOVE Friends. Although the cast is working on a reunion special, there will never be anything that compares to the original. Rachel, Chandler, Joey, Ross, Monica, and Phoebe continue to make us laugh, normalize our feelings and experiences, and make us feel understood, even over fifteen years since the show ended. Now if only Netflix would get the show back…

2. One Tree Hill
We cannot help but reminisce sometimes about this teenage drama that ruled our highschool days. OTH was truly one of a kind. The transition of the characters from high school to adulthood originally seemed like the doom of the show, but it somehow made it even better. The character development made it easy to root for and fall in love with the actors and actresses and let’s be honest, we still want to know what they’re all up to. Like what is Jamie, Nathan and Haley’s son doing nowadays?!

3. 8 Simple Rules
This sitcom might have only been on air for three seasons, but it was a good three seasons! Unfortunately, John Ritter, the actor that played the father, Paul Hennessy, unexpectedly passed away, leading show-writers to recreate the premise of the show. We will always wonder what the show was meant to be with Ritter in the lead role, but honestly, it was perfect the way it was, and we’d love to see a reboot!

4. House
Somehow sarcastic, brash, and brutally honest, Dr. Gregory House won the hearts of people everywhere. The medical-drama was on air for eight seasons, and honestly, it could have kept going. We’re sure House has more crazy, but correct diagnoses to give out to all his patients. However, we must admit, the show did get the ending both House and Wilson deserved.

5. Game of Thrones
Whether you liked the ending or not, Game of Thrones was an iconic show. The HBO series aired for eight years, and even though it ended, people are still talking about it and just as obsessed with it. There are so many spinoffs that are possible from the show, and quite honestly, we just have so many more questions that need answers!

6. Sex and the City
Sex and the City is a classic that we will never get tired of watching over and over again! The show is an absolute cult classic, and honestly, we think it would even be popular now if it were to reboot. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda will always remain four of the most iconic female characters to ever grace our television (and movie) screens. We cannot help but wonder what the characters would be up to now, as older and wiser women.

7. Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls was that feel-good show that just seems to not exist anymore. It was pure, fun-loving, sassy, and relatable, all wrapped up with sincere acting and interesting storylines. Although Netflix recently rebooted the show, giving an alternate ending to the series, it somehow feels like we always want to go back home to Stars Hollow.

8. Nashville
The musical drama, Nashville, aired for six seasons, both on ABC and CMT. The show gave fans an inside look into what the lives of musicians working to make it in Nashville really look like. The intricacy of the characters and the plot made the show so interesting and enticing to watch. Not to mention, the score for the show was catchy and ethereal all at once. With the popularity of the city of Nashville, we think the show would garner even more fans if it were to come back on the air!

9. Gossip Girl
Love it or hate it, Gossip Girl is a guilty pleasure! We wish they would reboot the show, and explain to us how the hell Dan Humphrey ended up being ‘Gossip Girl.’ Truth be told, the show was completely difficult to relate to for most, but yet it garnered more award nominations throughout its reign than we can even count. We wouldn’t mind stepping back in time, and watching the series all over again.

10. The Office
We would be remiss if we left the iconic show, The Office off our list. For nine seasons, the cast made us hysterically laugh and fall in love with the characters and the relationships all at once. The plot for the show was nothing short of brilliant, and we miss it every day. It’s no wonder that the show ended with over five million fans watching the finale!

What television shows do you wish were still on air? Let us know!

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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
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Carrie Underwood ‘Find Your Path’ Book Review

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Find Your Path

Carrie Underwood is an international country music superstar but she’ll tell anyone that her two other jobs, mother and wife, are just as, if not more, important. And to excel in all of those roles, she has to be the strongest, best version of herself. For Underwood, that means taking control of her life by committing to health and wellness. After fifteen years in the spotlight she is finally sharing what works for her in her new book, “Find Your Path: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life”.

The project is autobiographical (fans will enjoy the stories from childhood, her time on American Idol, and a peek into her homelife with husband Mike Fisher, and two sons, Isaiah, age 5 and Jacob, 1), inspirational (it’s impossible not be motivated listening to the Queen of Country’s mindset and habits), and practical (complete with journal templates, mindfulness exercises, ideas for full workouts and recipes galore).

In a world of crash diets, exercise fads, and social media influencers claiming they know best, Underwood’s approach to health and wellness is refreshingly simple: eat well and move your body 52 weeks of the year.

The singer, who explicitly states that she is writing not as the global performer, but as “just Carrie”, writes from a place that is honest, upbeat, and accessible. While she has perfected what works for her, she never claims to be an expert on anything. In fact, the author collaborated with professional trainer Eve Overland and nutritionist Cara Clark throughout the project to offer their insight when appropriate. Instead, Carrie offers readers a look into her habits, both good and not so good, and explains how being conscious of her choices has positively impacted her career and her life. 

Find Your Path

Carrie is the definition of practice what you preach. Even with her demanding work schedule, being a devoted wife, and raising two little boys she is committed to making time for her workouts, preparing (mostly) healthy food for her family, and holding herself accountable to her goals. 

Throughout the book, Carrie offers practical tips anyone can use, like sticking to simple meals full of what she calls “foods that God made” (aka those eaten in their natural form like veggies, fruits, and whole grains), making healthy swaps when you can, finding ways to stay active (whether that’s formal exercise, chasing the kiddos on the playground, or turning household chores into a workout), and not depriving yourself of the things you love. 

Carrie’s “pleasure principle” challenges all of us to “find that line between sensible restriction and sensitive indulgence” so we can enjoy life while staying on track. For her, that means doing her best to fuel her body with healthy food so that she can appreciate a glass of red wine with her husband, or some pizza with friends (she really loves pizza). Carrie is mostly vegan but insists that we should make our own decisions when it comes to food because only you know your body best.

Most people accept that eating better can improve your life, but starting or ramping up a fitness routine can feel daunting. Carrie has a plan for that too. The book includes numerous examples of real workouts that can be done anywhere, anytime with limited, if any equipment. There is even a new mobile app for iOs users called Fit52, that provides anyone with a smartphone a simple and automated way to do the exact workouts done by Carrie herself on and off the road.

As Carrie says at the conclusion of her book, “we are all growing and changing all the time” and part of that means you have to find what works for you and adjust it as life happens. Each one of us is capable of making positive changes in our lives, and picking up a copy of “Find Your Path” is a perfect place to start.

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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

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.

—————————-

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

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”

 

 

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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: 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.

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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!

+ 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: