NYCS First Impression: Avenue Beat ‘the quarantine covers’

Avenue Beat Quarantine Covers

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Our favorite new girl group, Avenue Beat is combatting the craziness of quarantine and the pandemic by giving us a fun new project to listen to, following the recent release of their newest original “thank you anxiety”. The talented trio recorded five of their favorite songs, adding their own flair and insane harmonies to each track in a project they are calling the quarantine covers.

Besides the fact that the three singers, Sami, Savana, and Sam are all extremely talented vocalists and songwriters, this record stands out for its unique influences. Each of the five songs that Avenue Beat chose to cover were originally recorded by artists from all different genres and eras of music. Moreover, the ladies took it back to their roots, singing and recording covers, a skill that put them on the map.

After a quick intro, the record kicks off with an enticing cover of hip-hop artist, Doja Cat’s “Say So.” Sami, Savana, and Sam turn the usually upbeat song into a touching and emotive acoustic song, which perfectly embodies their unique artistry. They refer to their rendition as a “Norah Jones” inspired tune on their Instagram. The next song, “Video” was originally recorded by Grammy-winner India Arie, a soul and pop artist. Both tracks feature Avenue Beat’s style, but “Video” seems to be a song that the trio could have written themselves. Their version, though stripped down, keeps with the authenticity of the original, giving off that soulful flair.

The next two songs on the project might be the most recognizable. The first is John Mayer’s “New Light.” The acoustic cover pays homage to the almost psychedelic rhythm of the original. Of course, the ladies also include a stunning cover of Tim McGraw’s “Humble And Kind,” a cover that they originally premiered on their Instagram. Some may also recognize this song as prolific songwriter, Lori McKenna’s iconic solo write. Their harmonies add an incredibly divine twist to the brilliant track.

Finally, the records wraps with the last song, “Just The Two Of Us.” The song is a classic 80s track written and recorded by both Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr.  Avenue Beat completely reinvent the song, while still keeping with the integrity of the original. Once again their ability to make listeners feel like a classic song is their own is truly unmatched.

As if it wasn’t perfect enough, Avenue Beat also include an “Outro” to formally end their fun and quirky project. The ending is 40 seconds of The Beatles infamous song “All You Need is Love,” which is the perfect reminder in these crazy times.

 To hear more tunes by Avenue Beat, check out our Swag Session with the songstresses below.

To keep up with Avenue Beat follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

the quarantine covers 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.

Quarantine Covers Tracklist:

  1. Intro
  2. “Say So”
  3. “Video”
  4. “New Light”
  5. “Humble And Kind”
  6. “Just The Two Of Us”
  7. Outro

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NYCS First Impression: Drake White ‘Stars’

drake white stars

With one of music’s biggest and most underrated voices, country’s soul man Drake White is back with a new EP, Stars, out today (April 24). The EP is the follow up to 2018’s Pieces EP, and marks White’s first release on his own label, Reverend White Records.

The soulful songwriter co-wrote three of the EP’s five tracks, and also enlisted the songwriting talents of Josh Kerr, Cary Barlowe, Ross Ellis, Ryan Beaver, Rodney Clawson, Adam Hambrick, and more. Produced by Cadillac Three singer-songwriter Jaren Johnston, Stars is a passionate, grooving, and honest collection of some of White’s best work to date.

The EP opens with “Luckiest Man,” and one can’t help but wonder if the track was inspired by White’s health issues over the past year. In early 2019, White revealed to PEOPLE that he was suffering from Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), which is an abnormal configuration of the arteries and veins in the brain, causing issues with blood flow. In July, the energetic singer suffered an on-stage scare and underwent a serious of embolizations to remedy his condition. Yet, none of that gets him down on this EP.

White’s positivity and spirit are evident throughout the EP, but maybe no more so than on “Eat, Drink & Dream,” which White called “a declaration of relentless optimism.” Speaking to Billboard, he says of the song, “In the face of adversity, when no one is looking, that is when an individual’s true character is revealed. That’s what this song is — a power dose of optimism that you can!”

The entire collection stays true to White’s brand, combining soul, funk, groove, and country with his clever lyrics and sense of humor. “My Favorite Band” is a groovy uptempo where White sings about his musical influences, before putting a fun spin on the track. While he calls out a ton of his favorite artists here, he pivots the fun track into a love song. “Baby look down at your left hand,” He sings. “That’s my favorite band.”

The EP ends with “All Would Be Right With the World,” a song that we could all use in the crazy times, as White celebrates all the things that would make the world right. “What if beer and friend chicken/ Didn’t make us fat and sicken?” He muses here, “What if cigarettes and whiskey/ they didn’t try to kill me?” In true White form, he spins the track again, making it about love, as he proclaims, “If every morning I woke up right beside you girl/ All would be right with the world.”

Stars tracklist:
1. Luckiest Man (Ben Burgess, Josh Kerr, Alysa Vanderheym, Cary Barlowe)
2. Mix ‘Em With Whiskey (Ryan Beaver, Rodney Clawson, Adam Hambrick, Andrew DeRoberts)
3. Eat, Drink & Dream (Drake White, Tommy Cecil, Greylan James)
4. My Favorite Band (Drake White, Ross Ellis, Dan Fernandez, Michael Whitworth)
5. All Would Be Right With The World (Drake White, Tommy Cecil, Matt Alderman)

To keep up with Drake White, follow him on InstagramFacebook, and Twitter. Visit his official website for upcoming tour dates, merch, and more.

“Stars” 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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New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 4/24/20

New Music Friday! This week we get new music from Kenny Chesney, Walker Hayes, Drake White, Avenue Beat, Rachel Wammack, Garrett Jacobs, Ashland Craft, Breland featuring Sam Hunt, Lena Stone, 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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Here Are The Lyrics to Kane Brown’s ‘Cool Again’

Kane Brown "Cool Again" Lyrics

Thursday (Apr 23.), Kane Brown released a brand new song, “Cool Again” and it’s headed straight for country radio. Check out a review of the track and all of the details here. Follow along with the full lyrics below:

KANE BROWN – “Cool Again” Lyrics

I’ve been thinkin’ about ya lately
Reminiscin’, going crazy
Miss the way your kiss would keep me up

Hey, wish that you were here tonight
Drinkin’ vodka soda, extra limes
And we could just get back to being us

‘Cause I just wanna be cool again, cool again, cool again
Like we were last summer
Want you again, you again, you again
To be stealin’ my covers
All tangled in each other, nights still playin’ back in my head
I just wanna be cool again, cool again, cool again, yeah

Do you ever think about
The days we couldn’t live without each other
Where the hell did we go wrong

Hey, how’d we go from that to this
How’d we let a good thing slip
Do we really have to go move on

To keep up with Kane Brown, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Cool Again” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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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Kane Brown Drops New Song, “Cool Again”

cool again

Well, one thing that quarantine hasn’t canceled is Kane Brown. The artist has kept in contact with fans by maintaining that bond between song and listener, performing virtually on ACM: Our Country that aired on April 5, utilizing Instagram Live sessions and being active on all social media outlets. “Last Time I Say Sorry” was released, featuring John Legend, just four weeks ago. Now, another new single is out, and it speaks for everyone who just wants to be cool again. It’s a perfect set of words to hear during this time where the form of the world has meshed into an unrecognizable ball. Still, this one is lighthearted and creates a sense of a good-feeling summer from our living rooms.

“We wrote ‘Cool Again’ at a writing retreat when it was about 20 degrees outside,” Brown said in a press release. “At the time, it was about missing warm weather, but then it became so much more. It made us think about all the amazing memories of summer. We were really wanting to go back to that. I think that’s something people can really relate to in their own lives, especially right now.”

“’Cause I just wanna be cool again, cool again, cool again / Like we were last summer / Want you again, you again, you again / To be stealin’ my covers / All tangled in each other, nights still playin’ back in my head / I just wanna be cool again, cool again, cool again, yeah”

Brown showcases his versatile artistry in each production. “What Ifs” with Lauren Alaina and “Heaven” were the first #1 hits from this Tennessee native, displaying that variety was mastered from the beginning. In a similar sense, the last two projects have highlighted the ability of the musician to sing from the heart in one song and drop a beat in another.

To keep up with Kane Brown, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Cool Again” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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.

“Cool Again” Lyrics:

I’ve been thinkin’ about ya lately
Reminiscin’, going crazy
Miss the way your kiss would keep me up

Hey, wish that you were here tonight
Drinkin’ vodka soda, extra limes
And we could just get back to being us

‘Cause I just wanna be cool again, cool again, cool again
Like we were last summer
Want you again, you again, you again
To be stealin’ my covers
All tangled in each other, nights still playin’ back in my head
I just wanna be cool again, cool again, cool again, yeah

Do you ever think about
The days we couldn’t live without each other
Where the hell did we go wrong

Hey, how’d we go from that to this
How’d we let a good thing slip
Do we really have to go move on

—————

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: John Krasinski’s ‘Some Good News’

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.

This week we are excited to share with you actor Jon Krasinski’s new Youtube web series called ‘Some Good News.’ Like us, Krasinski aims to highlight some good news and positive stories from around the world. The ‘news’ show is dedicated to spreading only positive messages to people. His project is the perfect way for someone with his resources and connections to share and spread kindness with his fans and a wider audience.

Krasinski invites some of his famous friends like Steve Carrell and Brad Pitt to the show, as well as, some inspiring people like Coco, a 15-year-old, who has recently had her last chemotherapy treatment. He also shares clips of good news that have been submitted by people all over the world.

In the first episode of the show Krasinki ends with Krasinski ‘signing off,” adding “no matter how tough life can get, there’s always good in the world.” This embodies the whole project as a whole. Somehow he has managed to find a way to provide us with real news, comic relief, and a sense of humility during these unprecedented times.

 

Watch all four episodes on the YouTube channel here.

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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Riley Green Sings About What He’s Learned In “Better Than Me”

Despite the craziness and uncertainty of these current times, one thing is for certain, music and creativity always prevail. Rising artist, Riley Green joins the likes of many other artists across genres, who are using this time to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and of course, writing music. He premiered a new song about his experiences via his Instagram earlier today called “Better Than Me.”

The new song is an honest and emotive track seemingly about Green’s experiences in quarantine. He acknowledges all the changes that have occurred since he has been home, as well as, what he has learned from slowing down. Like all of us, Green feels the intense weirdness around all the changes that have taken place because of this pandemic, but he also feels the benefits of slowing down and appreciating every moment.

 

“Is the world on fire / Feels like a bad dream / Did the hammer come down / Feels like a kick in the teeth / This down on my luck, has been getting me down on my knees / Might have been something I need / Because I’ve been chasing, rat-racing / Doing anything to win / My grass looks like Augusta / And I got around to painting that fence / Been calling up my mama / Doing some old friend checking in / It seems like where I’m going might be better than where I’ve been / With all this going on / Found the right in all his wrong and I finally see / The good Lord knows better than me”

Green leans on his faith during this time and has given way to the notion that God must know better than him about what is to come. In other words, take each day one step at a time, find the goodness and positive in each moment, and remember that there is a purpose and a reason for everything. As always, we will get through these times stronger and more resilient than before, and of course, music will always be here for us.

To keep up with Riley Green follow him 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!

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Thomas Rhett Thanks God in New Song, “Ya Heard”

Thomas Rhett Ya Heard

One of the only things that are still keeping our spirits up at this time is artists continuing to release new music. Whether they play it sitting at home on their couch on a live stream or artists that are going ahead with their release dates on streaming platforms that were previously recorded, we can look to music right now as a comfort.

 

Thomas Rhett who has been quarantined with his wife Lauren, and three daughters, including a newborn has taken time to sing a new song, “Ya Heard” for his social media following. Rhett has a way of including personal details in his biggest hits but fans always resonate and make each line of the songs relate to their own lives. “Ya Heard” has a similar story to one of Garth Brooks’ biggest hits of all time, “Unanswered Prayers”.

“There’s been times where I thought that my prayers never made it past the ceiling, much less the sky and I’ve had doubts and questions about my faith but I don’t really even know why or how”

Rhett sings about three crucial facets of his life, marrying the love of his life Lauren, becoming a hit songwriter and artist and finally having the family he longed for. Each verse he looks at his life and is sure that God heard his prayers. The final verse, focusing on infertility and their story of adopting Willa Gray then finding out they were pregnant with Ada James is so personal but culminates in the most beautiful ending.

“People say you’ve got a way of being pretty funny while you make us wait, cause I look at these babies crawling up on me, the ones that I bothered you about since I was 23, ya I know that I wasn’t wasting breath or words cause I look at them and I look at her, more than I deserve yeah I’m pretty sure ya heard”

If artists continue to release new music, we will continue to love it and support it. Check out this new one by Luke Combs, “Six Feet Apart” and Rhett’s collaboration “Be A Light” where proceeds are donated to COVID-19 relief.

To keep up with Thomas Rhett, follow him on TwitterInstagram, 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 
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Harper Grae Releases “Best For You” Along with Adorable Proposal Video

Harper Grae Best For You

Harper Grae is in love.

Born Shanna Henderson in Montgomery, Alabama, Grae first danced into the spotlight after landing a spot on The Glee Project, a reality show combined talent competition produced by the creators of Glee, after auditioning for Ryan Murphy. She moved to Los Angeles and sang prominent pop songs before being eliminated nine weeks in. Shortly after, the female powerhouse moved to Nashville and released debut album Break Your Crowns, emotionally-stricken, autobiographical about the singer’s hardships during childhood Buck Moon Medleys, love designated “Wanna Wear A Dress” and latest love song released this April “Best For You.”

“Best For You” is everything you could ask for in a love song. Grae’s delicate vocal competence complements the elegance of the ebony and ivory. Its acoustic label stands embossed as she sings that she has saved her very best for you.

The debut of the single coincides with a homemade proposal video of the songstress proposing to her girlfriend and her soon-to-be stepdaughter, at home, after a change of plans due to the coronavirus. The proposal was planned to take place after Grae completed the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon scheduled for the end of April. She stated, “Once it was apparent COVID-19 was going to continue to shake things up for the world, I knew I wanted to get creative and plan something special for us at home.”

The country singer + songwriter shared the news of her engagement on her Instagram shortly after releasing her latest single saying, “A quarantine proposal – Best For You. I made this video to put a bright spot in y’alls day during this crazy time. Here’s a glimpse of our story to a song I wrote shortly after falling in love. PS I’M ENGAGED. Ring: @shanecompany // Co-writers @lenastonemusic & @cdwprod // Favorite Nashville spot @hocnashville // LOML: @dawn_gates #aislegowithgates // Artwork @natalieroseart // Homemade video: Me.”

Follow Harper Grae on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

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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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Ryan Hurd Drops Nostalgia Filled Track, “Every Other Memory”

Ryan Hurd Every Other Memory

Photo Credit: Alex Ferrari

Although happily married, celebrating the recent birth of his son, Ryan Hurd is one of the best at emoting on a breakup track. Released today, “Every Other Memory” celebrates the vivid pictures one holds on to after a meaningful relationship has come to an end.

“‘Every Other Memory’ just feels like such a nostalgic track,” said Hurd in a recent press release. “It’s so cool because it feels like each line in the song is almost like an emoji. It’s a feeling and it’s a picture that you can just really grab onto. The way the words came out, it just felt like each picture was really amazing.”

Ryan Hurd Every Other Memory

The midtempo jam starts off with specific recollections of the first love feelings, where certain smells or songs bright you right back to that moment. Hurd co-wrote “Every Other Memory” with Nathan Spicer and Cole Taylor and throughout the song, there are incredible displays of clever wordplay and imagery such as “…and even though it’s over, you’re still playing hard to forget” and “Every other memory is you and me, wrapped up in the summer, there will never be another”.

Hurd’s delivery only adds to the nostalgia, his voice infuses the struggle of getting over someone. “Every Other Memory” is the first taste of new music from the singer-songwriter since his Platonic EP which was released late last year.

To keep up with Ryan Hurd follow him on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook.

“Every Other Memory” is now available everywhere you stream or buy 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!

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