NYCS First Impression: Jason Aldean 4 Brand New Songs

Jason Aldean 9

The three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, Jason Aldean released four new songs from his upcoming studio album, 9 on Monday featuring “Blame It on You”, “Keeping It Small Town”, “I Don’t Drink Anymore” as well as the album’s lead single, “We Back”. He also announced that the 9 will be released on November 22nd.

“Early on I always thought if we ever got to make nine albums, I’m going to call it ‘9.’ It was my baseball number growing up, and it’s just kind of always been my lucky number,” Aldean explained in a recent press release. “I remember cutting the first album and thinking ‘that’s forever away,’ and now here we are.”

“Blame It on You” is a breakup song in which Aldean interprets all the reasons why his significant other could’ve left him. Aldean is very down on himself the entire song and out of all the things that could take the fault, one thing is certain that she is not to blame. Tully Kennedy, Michael Tyler, Kurt Allison, John Edwards & Brian White all contributed to writing this song.

“I could go on and on / On why you’re gone / I could blame it on the whiskey / I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t even miss me”

“Keeping It Small Town”, penned by Ben Hayslip, Jaron Boyer & “Whiskey Glasses” singer, Morgan Wallen, is Aldean connecting to his southern roots. He simply sings about the day in the life of a small town, blue collar worker.

“It’s the way we were raised and we ain’t changing now / You can find us sun up to sun down yeah / Just keeping it small town”

“I Don’t Drink Anymore” is another breakup song with a slower melody but more gratifying lyrics. In this song, written by Neil Thrasher, Kelley Lovelace & CJ Solar, the girlfriend in the story doesn’t like his excessive drinking and partying so one day she finally says ‘it’s me or them’. The lyrics continue  “I don’t drink any more and I don’t drink any less,” meaning he won’t drink more than he used to but won’t stop completely either. It’s kind of a funny, sarcastic way of saying ‘You can’t change who I am’.

“I didn’t want her to go / And it’s not that I don’t give a damn / I just want someone to want me /
For who I am”

The title, “We Back” explains itself, Jason Aldean brought the party and is back with new music. This is a country-rock track with a heavy electric guitar. Aldean has been including this in his sets throughout the second half of the Ride All Night Tour. This song was penned by Brad and Brett Warren, hit-songwriter Jordan Schmidt and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard.

“When I came into Country music and made my mark, it was with a banger,” Aldean added. “But we haven’t put out a lot of that stuff over the last couple years. So we got this song and to me it just says what it says: ‘Thought we were gone, but you’re wrong – now it’s on.’”

“We back, we back, we back in the speakers / Back in black getting blasted in the bleachers”

These four are a taste of what is to come on his forthcoming, ninth studio album. Aldean

To keep up with Jason Aldean, follow him on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

All four songs from the album ‘9’ are 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.

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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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Cole Swindell Performs Emotional 9/11 Tribute at World Trade Center

Back in May 2016, singer-songwriter Cole Swindell visited New York City to perform his hit single “You Should Be Here” on Fox and Friends in honor of the heroes of September 11th, 2001. Set on top of World Trade Center Four with the Freedom Tower of One World Trade Center creating the perfect backdrop, Swindell gave a whole new meaning to the powerful song which was originally written in memory of his father.

Families of those who lost their lives in the attacks on 9/11, first responders, and military personnel were all invited to attend the special performance. Before beginning, Swindell adds “This is absolutely the most special thing I’ve ever got a chance to do. I want everybody to know how much I respect this place and respect the families.”

Check out the full video below.

For more country music moments inspired by September 11th, click here.

King Calaway Announce Album Details & Release “Driver’s Seat”

king calaway drivers seat

I don’t think any other band has come on the scene as hot as King Calaway has this year. Their first show in front of fans was filled by none other than NYCountry Swag at Bowery Electric. These six guys with insane amounts of personality, zeal, and energy has captured the hearts of people across America. Their music has so much fun built into it all, with each band member shining through. Their new single “Driver’s Seat” follows suit, and doesn’t disappoint. This song has the same fun and luscious beat that emanates from the rest of the songs on their EP, with an added touch of the serenity that comes with driving down the road. A guitar solo, seamless harmonies, and an all out jam, this is the song you listen to when taking a road trip, just like the one mentioned in the song.

“So tell me where you wanna go/ And even if we’re lost, we can keep driving until we get back home”

The band is starting to find their own unique sound, with hints of country, a little bit boy band, and a bit of an 80’s rock song. They’re excited to announce their album, Rivers, on October 4th, with several of the songs we’ve already come to love. Singer and guitarist Chad Michael Jervis says in a recent press release, “Everyone who worked on this album shared a similar vision of creating an authentic, original sound while spreading a message of positivity through the lyrics and melodies.” They’re making their debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden on October 8th, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with next.

To keep up with King Calaway follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Driver’s Seat” 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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Cassadee Pope Shares Special 9/11 Tribute with NYC Audience

Cassadee Pope NYC 9/11 Tribute

 

On September 11, 2014, at her Irving Plaza show, Cassadee Pope shared a special cover of Coldplay’s “Fix You” in honor of the anniversary of the September 11th attacks with her New York City audience.

Just before performing her version of the song, Pope shared with the crowd, “When I first heard that I would be headlining a show in New York City, I got very excited, because this city means a lot to me. […] You guys mean the world to me and then I find out that I’d be playing here on this particular day and I felt this feeling of responsibility like I needed to take away whatever sadness you were feeling for at least 75 minutes. I’m hoping that I’m doing that, but I also just really want to, I wouldn’t feel right, without acknowledging what today is. We’ve prepared a special song just for tonight, just for you, because you guys are the bravest, strong people I’ve ever met and this one’s for you…”

In the fan video below, despite poor image quality, the song can be heard crystal clear and the silence in the room speaks volumes for the emotional moment that Pope created with her audience.

Fan Video by: Kellianne Ryan (@kellsbean on Twitter)

For more country music moments inspired by September 11th, click here.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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NYCS Woman of the Month: Brooke Antonakos VP of Red Creative Group

We’re bringing you stories from women who are chasing their dreams and building a life that they love with New York Country Swag’s, “Woman of the Month”.

Each month, we highlight a different female pursuing her passions. Introducing you to women who are taking risks, working relentlessly and turning their dreams into reality. These are empowering women who serve as role models and should be celebrated.

Brooke Antonakos

Diving deeper to learn more about the country music industry, our next Woman of the Month is Vice President of RED Creative Group, Brooke Antonakos. Rainbow, Alabama native, she began her career in music as a performer at theme parks when she was 16 years old, continuing that each summer before college. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in the industry, she headed to MTSU right outside of Nashville, originally looking to work on the A&R side of the business. One of her sorority sisters just happened to be Taylor Corlew, daughter of David Corlew, the longtime manager for Country Music Hall of Famer, Charlie Daniels.  “I remember driving around with Taylor one night and I knew she wanted to be in the music industry too, so I asked her what she wanted to be and she told me ‘I want to be a song plugger’ and that was the first time that I had ever heard that term. She told me what it was, I was like well dang, I kind of want to be a song plugger too,” Antonakos tells us. After that conversation, her direction shifted from wanting to work on the label side of things to the publishing world.

While still in college she took an internship with GRAMMY U, a community of college students looking to work in the industry after they graduate. “I remember, the job paid 6 dollars an hour and I said ‘You can pay me 6 dollars an hour or I’ll pay you 6 dollars an hour, I want this job’,” she recalls. During her time as the Nashville recruiter for the Recording Academy, she worked closely with the who’s who in Nashville, coordinating events with artists and working behind the scenes. Once she graduated, she received a call from Carla Wallace of Big Yellow Dog, an independent music publishing and artist development company, explaining that there was a front desk job open and after nine months was promoted to Creative Director, officially starting her career and dreams of being a ‘song plugger’.

For those wondering a little bit about publishing and Antonakos’ specific job, essentially she signs songwriters to a deal where they get a salary to write music and the publishing house controls the copyright of the songs they write. She explains, “It’s our job to connect them with writers who a lot of times, do what they don’t do. If I have a lyricist or vocalist like Baker [Grissom], I would set him up with a track guy or producer to bring another element to what he does. I set up cowrites for our writers and then I take those songs and pitch them to producers, artists, and A&R people and heck sometimes someone’s hairdresser, any way you can get the song cut, you can do it,” she laughs.  Eventually, when a song gets cut by an artist, the publisher gets a royalty off that song.

All of this is just a small part of the process of what goes into a song before it is released for listeners to hear across their speakers. In 2016, Antonakos joined award-winning producer/songwriter Jeremy Stover at RED Creative Group and they now have a team of eight writers/artists including Swag Spotlight alum, Travis Denning,  Capitol Records Nashville recording artist, Adam Hambrick and one of our favorite new artist songwriters, Baker Grissom. She tells us how she is so proud of their team and how they get to celebrate each win together as a family. “I’m just so proud, the whole team feels the pride of the little engine that could, we always knew what we had but now the rest of the world is catching on and it’s fun,” she tells us.

When discussing her favorite parts of her job, Antonakos looks back at burning CDs when she was younger, something we laugh about, picking our favorite songs, adding them to the mixtape and writing with rainbow sharpies the titles. “I found a job that is making mixtapes and I think that is probably the most fun, putting together songs that I love, and taking them to people that have never heard them and then watching them react, it gets me high. I think sharing music is why we all got into this industry, to begin with.”

As usual, we end our conversation with her advice for anyone looking to break into the music industry. “My biggest thing that I’ve learned, over and over again, that is only more clear to me as the years go by is, leave no room for doubt, not an ounce. If you believe in something, choose that you are going to believe in that with all of your heart, don’t doubt yourself,” she says. “I’ve had confidence in rooms where I probably, shouldn’t have and at times when I was wrong, but confidence opened doors for me, even when I wasn’t 100% right. I think confidence goes so far in this business.” She also tells us: “I have had a really beautiful career because I’ve always followed the music and not the money. I can’t stress that enough, if you follow great music, I think the money will come…I have joy in my life, I love my job and I work with incredible talent and the people that I work with are going to be the ones that my kids read about in the country music history books and I am proud of that.”  She helps songwriters and artists create their best work, songs that end up healing people all over the world. In encouraging others to live out their dreams, she is living out hers, their wins are her wins.

To follow along follow Brooke Antonakos on Instagram and to find out more about RED Creative Group click here.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Meghan Patrick ‘Wild as Me’

Meghan Patrick Wild as Me

Canadian country music singer-songwriter Meghan Patrick is a girl boss humbly blessing country music amidst the likes of Ashley McBryde and Kacey Musgraves. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, and later settling in the music scene in Nashville, the two-time CCMA Female Vocalist of the Year is sustaining her coast to coast journey and making a prominent introduction in American country music with her new EP, Wild as Me, following her previous releases Country Music Made Me Do It and Grace & Grit.

“Girls Like Me” mightily kicks off the musical assemblage with the allure of feminine individualities and the attractiveness of male qualities, promulgating what works for “girls like her.” These include tattoos and a working man persona. This prompts the second track, “Things I Shouldn’t Say;” a sensual, slow-talking, rhythmically ballad, begging you to hold the one that you love close. Perhaps not the most appropriate for the younger ears but the strongest love ballad in the mix.

“Wild as Me,” the EP’s title track, unveils a softer side of the singer-songwriter, musically and emotionally, but powerfully delivers a love story singing: “Baby, you’re wild as me / My once in a lifetime made of the same kind of crazy / I want every sunset, and every sunrise / When you hold me tight, it sets me free / I thank God I found somebody / Wild as me.”

Closer, “Chaser” insinuates a late-night bar karaoke, feel good love story. Not minding taking the position of a rebound love interest for the night, the track written by Patrick with Joey Hyde and Dan Isbell relays a care free situation. “I’ll be your chaser, something sweet, get your mind off her and on to me / the eraser of memories, and you get your lips where they want to be, right on mine cause boy it’s time to send that her on down the line / I’ll be your chaser, yeah I’ll be your chaser, so take a shot on me”. 

Patrick will be hitting the road in 2020 opening for Old Dominion’s “We Are Old Dominion” tour across Canada alongside fellow country music singer-songwriter and beau, Mitchell Tenpenny.

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

Wild as Me 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!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Brett Kissel Teams Up With Bachelor-Nation Fan Favorites for New Video

Brett Kissel Bachelor Nation

Photo Credit: Ben Dartnell

Brett Kissel is one of the top touring acts on the Canadian Country music scene and is on his way to becoming a household name across the United States. With songs like “Anthem” and “We Were That Song,” he has garnered tons of fans and he was actually our very first Swag Spotlight back in January of 2018. His latest song “Drink About Me” is his first single to be released in the states, alongside a brand new music video.

Kissel’s new single showcases the fact that we have all at some point drank about someone or to someone. Teaming up with his dear friends and Bachelor Nation fan-favorites, Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick, Kissel makes his compelling story come to life. “Drink About Me” displays the common feeling of missing someone and thinking back on your favorite memories with that person and the feelings associated with that. “I am so excited to put out a brand new song into the musical universe. When you hear this song, I hope you’ll reminisce about your best days, happiest times, first kiss, longest kiss, and warmest embrace,” commented Kissel in a press release.

The video was shot on the romantic island of Andros in the Bahamas and showcases Bristowe and Tartick riding bikes, swimming, walking on the beach, climbing on rocks, and, of course, lots of drinking. Later in the video things quickly progress to laying in a hammock, a sweet kiss on top of a pool table, all leading up to the end, a passionate makeout session in the pool. Although you have to watch till the end for a twist.

Bristowe commented in a press release, “In this video, you are going to see some pretty heavy making out, a little drinking and beautiful views. I wanted to be part of this song because I knew it was about a love story and making memories.” Tartick also joined and stated, “Expect to see a very intimate relationship from all perspectives and in different sceneries. We’re just two people who are clearly in love and not afraid to show it.” That is exactly what this song is all about.

Considering how fast he is taking over Canada’s hearts, we have no doubt that this song will be showcased all over the states for people to hear. The 5x Canadian Country Music Award nominee and Apple Music Fans’ Choice winner is very excited to be making and releasing new music as well as adding new tour dates.

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

“Drink About Me” 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!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCountry Swag’s Favorite Concert Moments of Summer 2019

So many major tours were happening this summer and NYCountry Swag was proud to cover almost every single one. Our writers took a look back and decided to pick their favorite summer concert moment.

Summer Concert Moment

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Luke Bryan, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Long Island, NY

Thinking back over the summer, there are so many amazing shows we were lucky enough to attend. Each and every one is special to me for a number of reasons, in fact, I actually wrote out my response to this 3 different times about 3 different shows until I realized that I kept picking moments that had more to do with NYCountry Swag and my company, than for me personally, as a fan. So, me, Stephanie Wagner, my favorite concert this summer was Luke Bryan. Luke Bryan was the very first country concert I ever attended back in 2013 and that concert is the reason I truly fell in love with country music. He puts on one of the most all-around entertaining shows and his songs are catchy and easy to sing along and dance to. This year, we ran a bus out to his show and had over 100 friends and family members join us who all also had pit tickets. We had the best day tailgating, playing drinking games, sing-alongs, and parking lot dance parties before heading into the show. Being right upfront, singing along to every single one of Luke’s songs, surrounded by all of my favorite people was truly one of the most genuinely happiest moments I’ve ever had. It was such a great day and a quick reminder as to why I love country music so much.  

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Brooks & Dunn, Taste of Country Festival Hunter Mountain, NY

This summer NYCountry Swag headed up to Hunter Mountain for our third year hosting a booth and covering Taste of Country Festival as media. After all of the preparations, setting up our merchandise booth to sell our awesome merch and conducting 12 interviews all weekend long, it was so great to take off my apron and put down my microphone to just truly be a fan.

As the sun set behind the mountain, the duo took the stage and I got to enjoy an hour of music that I have been listening to for years, live and in person. Taking that time during our busy weekend to come back to the reason I love and work in the country music industry was the perfect real kick-off to summer for me. I especially loved belting out “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “Red Dirt Road” with thousands of other country fans.

 

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Florida Georgia Line, HARDY, Morgan Wallen & Dan + Shay, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Long Island, NY

I’ve seen a lot of artists this summer; too many to list in this short blurb. For me, the show that tops the list was FGL’s show at the Jones Beach on July 20th. As you may know, the lineup was stacked with acts including HARDY, Canaan Smith, Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay and of course, Florida Georgia Line. Can’t Say I Ain’t Country may be my favorite FGL album, as it has a good mix of upbeat, party jams while also containing slower, love songs.

This was my first time seeing HARDY and Smith and even though their sets were short, I enjoyed them very much. I saw Morgan Wallen at MetLife last year on Luke Bryan’s tour but he only performed 4-5 songs. It was nice to see him get a longer set because he is my favorite new artist. Dan + Shay are always incredible and Shay has the best live voice I’ve ever heard.

In my opinion, FGL’s setlist was perfect; it was like I was the one who put it together. They played seven of my top eight songs from the new album, the set design was incredible and Dan + Shay joining FGL for “H.O.L.Y.” was beautiful.

 

Julia Grubbs, Contributing Writer 

Dierks Bentley, The Today Show Plaza, New York, NY

My first full summer in the city brought tons of new experiences and opportunities for country music to be found. I got to attend Taste of Country this year, and even though I had an amazing time listening to some old faves of mine like Rascal Flatts and meeting Walker Hayes, I’d have to say my favorite concert memory of the summer was when Dierks Bentley played the Citi Concert Series on the Today Show.

Not only was he so genuine and teared up when they played the video talking about his kids, he knows how to put on a show. I was getting photos and videos for social media for NYCountry Swag in the press pen, and since the artists usually only perform three songs, and he had done those three, everyone else left, leaving myself and one photographer on the risers. Dierks proceeded to play one more song to the delight of everyone there, and since we were in a secluded area above everyone else and I had already gotten all of the footage I needed, I just stood there by myself dancing, like I had my own private concert. He came down off the stage and into the space right near us, singing and looking me right in the eye (it had to be me since I was the only one in that direction). How often do you get a song sung directly to you at a concert? Needless to say, that was my favorite concert experience of the summer, followed by so many others with the NYCS team.

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Garth Brooks, Eugene, Oregon

Garth Brooks is one of my all-time favorite artists and I remember my dad playing his songs on the way to school when he got home from the Navy. Whoever introduced my dad to Garth when he was in the service I will forever thank! When Brooks announced one of his stadium stops in my hometown I just about cried! Thanks to the ladies here at New York Country Swag I was able to go cover the show and also got a ticket and brought my dad with me. Not only was it an amazing show but also being there with my dad years and years later was a super special moment for both of us.

 

Abby Kaye-Phillips, Contributing Writer 

Carrie Underwood & Joan Jett, CMA Fest, Nashville, TN

CMA Fest is always the highlight of my entire summer but this year was better than anything I could have imagined. I saw more than 60 artists perform in one week, but my favorite summer concert moment came in the middle of Carrie Underwood’s headlining set on that Friday night. After singing a few of her own hits, she started singing “I Hate Myself for Loving You”, which confused the crowd because she does not usually do covers in concert. Then in the middle of the song, Carrie yelled “CMA fest, give it up for Joan Jett” and the rock legend came to join Carrie on stage to jam for ten minutes of hits. The entire stadium was freaking out but the best part was watching how much fun the two women were having together. Carrie has always called herself a rock lover at heart and to see her having the time of her life performing with one of her idols was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen on stage. The entire medley aired on ABC last month during the CMA Fest primetime special, but being there in person was something I will never forget.

Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, and Jon Langston, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Long Island, NY

When Luke Bryan announced The Sunset Repeat Tour with Jon Langston and Cole Swindell there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that it wouldn’t be the hottest concert of the summer.  To add extra icing on the cake, I decided to attend the Cole Swindell VIP event and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.  I was lucky enough to attend the very first night of the tour in Camden, NJ. Instead of your typical acoustic VIP set,  we all grabbed headphones and listened to two non-released songs, “Drinkin’ Hours” and “All Nighter”. To get to listen to them before anyone else was really cool. What made it even more special was having Swindell listen with us. To see him smiling and jamming along truly showed how much he loves what he does.  This event really showed how much the singer-songwriter appreciates his fans. The actual show was great too, as the Georgia boys certainly did not disappoint.

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Luke Bryan, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Long Island, NY

My favorite summer concert moment had to be Luke Bryan at Jones Beach. As always, he put on a phenomenal show and there’s no venue better to see a summer concert than Jones Beach. While Luke worked the stage, the crowd was truly into each and every song, signing them at the top of their lungs. Highlights included some of my all-time favorites including “Play It Again,” “Crash My Party” and “Rain is a Good Thing.” With a set-list composed mainly of huge hits, the crowd was electric and it was truly one of the best concerts I’ve attended in a long time.

 

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

CMA Fest, Nashville, TN

I think I may have broken my “amount of concerts I can attend in one summer” record this year. Despite the tons of amazing shows I went to, my very first CMA Fest takes the cake. I’ve wanted to attend CMA Fest for the last six years, but I always wanted to wait until I was at least 21 and I had to save up. This year was finally my year and I could not have had a better time. From meeting many of my favorite artists to the stadium show each night, I had the time of my life. My favorite nights of CMA Fest have to be night two and night four. Night two, Dan + Shay and Thomas Rhett were incredible as usual. I finally got to hear “Look What God Gave Her” live and jammed out. Then, Carrie Underwood absolutely killed it on her own, but then brought it even more by surprising everyone with Joan freaking Jett. They performed a medley of Jett’s hits and it was the most incredible thing ever. Night four, the last night, my two favorite artists performed; Old Dominion and Maren Morris. I’ve seen both of them start off in small venues, so to be there during a stadium show, at CMA Fest nonetheless, was an awesome moment for me. I cannot wait to go back to Nashville next year for another incredible CMA Fest weekend!

 

Jaclyn Tracy, Contributing Writer

Luke Bryan, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Long Island, NY

Long before I started actually getting into country music, I always knew of the name Luke Bryan. One of the first country songs I listened to that I actually liked was “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”, and from then on I knew I was starting to get hooked on country. Last year, my friends went to see Luke Bryan at MetLife and I had such FOMO but couldn’t go because I was actually traveling in Europe at the time. When I found out he was coming to Jones Beach this summer, I made sure that my friends and I would all go!

 

Brianna Vacca, Contributing Writer

Tenille Townes, Dierks Bentley’s ‘Burning Man Tour’, BB&T Pavilion, Camden, NJ

My favorite summer concert moment was watching Tenille Townes open for Dierks Bentley at BB&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey. I have been a fan of Tenille since she came on The Bobby Bones Show to play a few songs off her Living Room Worktapes EP. I felt like a proud parent watching her play with her full band and a longer set than when she opened for Miranda Lambert. Every time she plays “Jersey On The Wall” everything around me goes silent as if she’s the only one in the room. Then, of course, she ROCKED it singing “Man, I Feel Like A Woman” with Bentley!

 

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Cody Johnson, Irving Plaza, NYC

This summer there were so many great concerts that came through the New York City area, but I have to say my favorite and most memorable was Cody Johnson’s show at Irving Plaza. I love traditional Texas country music, and it was incredible to see the humbled Johnson on stage singing to the crowd. His stage presence and passion for country music were infectious, and songs like “On My Way To You” and “Dear Rodeo” gave me chills. I went to the show only knowing a handful of his songs, and I left there as an even bigger fan. I could not be more excited he was recently nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year!

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Old Dominion, Jordan Davis & Mitchell Tenpenny, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, NYC

With so many great artists playing shows in the New York area this summer, it was nearly impossible to narrow down my favorite concert moment. I enjoyed every show I went to this season, but Old Dominion’s concert back in May is the one I am still talking about. For starters, Jordan Davis and Mitchell Tenpenny were my dream openers, but the moment I still rave about was when Old Dominion performed a song-writing round in the middle of their electric set.

The men of Old Dominion started out as songwriters, and have penned so many songs and number ones for other artists that I’ve lost track, but the fact that they were vulnerable enough to go back to their roots, and remind fans of the songs that we may have forgotten that they wrote, was nothing short of extraordinary. I wish I had the words to personify that moment. As if I didn’t have enough reasons to be a fan of Old Dominion, that incredible moment has turned me into a fan for life. I will always remember it, and I cannot wait to witness their magic again in the future.

 

For all of the shows hitting our area this all and winter, make sure to head to our Calendar. Let us know what your favorite summer concert moment was below!

 

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Win an Autographed Jason Aldean Album

 

In honor of Jason Aldean dropping brand new music and announcing his next album titled ‘9’, we’re giving away an autographed vinyl copy of ‘Old Boots, New Dirt’.

To enter, head to our Instagram post here. ‘Like’ the post, ‘Comment’ with your favorite Jason Aldean song and ‘Tag’ 2 friends. *Must be following @NYCountrySwag on Instagram to qualify.

 

For additional chances to win, follow the steps below.

Step 1 – Follow @nycountryswag on Instagram.

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Step 3 – “Like” NYCountry Swag’s Facebook Page.

Step 4 – Complete the form below.

 

* One entry per person *

*The winner will be notified Thursday, 9/12 by 7PM via e-mail or Instagram DM.
EDIT : This giveaway has closed. Congrats to the winner! Check back soon for more great oppotunities.

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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 InstagramTwitter & Facebook: