NYCS First Impression: Ingrid Andress ‘Lady Like’

Ingrid Andress Lady Like

Since bursting onto the scene with her unique brand of piano-infused country, Ingrid Andress has been one of the genre’s most exciting and fastest rising stars. Today (March 27), she releases her debut album, Lady Like, which shows no sign of the songstress slowing down. From the album’s opening notes of “Bad Advice” through its closing title track, it’s abundantly clear why Andress has repeatedly been named one of the genre’s brightest new artists, including one of our 2020 Artists to Watch.

From the opening notes of the endlessly catchy, “Bad Advice,” Andress is in full control, her talent on display. The lyrics catch you immediately, as she begins, “I drove down to Trader Joe’s/ Straight to aisle five/ Got a bottle of Merlot/ ‘Cause my friend told me/ If I drink the whole thing/ Then I wouldn’t think about you/ And after glass two/ Well, I’d be brand new.” In just a few bars, the tone for the album is set. Andress is blunt and brilliant here, each song co-written by her, with lyrics that tell stories in a way rarely seen in country music. Here, she’s magically a perfect mix of brilliant yet relatable, humorous yet poignant.

While the album kicks off with an up-tempo, Andress shines on the ballads, akin to a modern country version of Sara Bareilles. This is evident on the achingly beautiful “More Hearts Than Mine” and her unique take on defining a relationship in “We’re Not Friends.” On the former, she plans to take a new love to meet her family, warning him that ending their relationship will affect her family more than her. “If I bring you home to Mama/ I guess I better worn you/ She falls in love a little faster than I do,” She warns. “If we break up, I’ll be fine/ But you’ll be breaking more hearts than mine.”

“We’re Not Friends” tells the story of a couple who desperately needs to define their relationship, but simply calls themselves friends. “Friends are something that we were/ Before me sleeping in your shirt,” Andress admits. “But baby we’re past that now/ Friends don’t do the things we do/ Friends don’t use the words we use/ Yeah, friends can just hang out.”

Another of the album’s highlights is “Life of the Party,” which shows Andress putting on a brave face despite living with a broken heart. Here it’s 3 am and she’s still going strong, while no one knows that she’s hurting. She’s the life of the party here to hide her broken heart, and it’s all too familiar a sentiment.

For Ingrid Andress, Lady Like is a beautifully cohesive piece of work that every music fan would be remiss in ignoring. The only downside here is the album’s length, caught somewhere between an EP and a full-length release with only eight tracks, many of which have been previously released. However, the eight tracks that Andress has given us are a beautiful collection of songs and stories that are sure to cement her place in the musical landscape among the likes of music’s big names.

NYCS Picks:
1. More Hearts than Mine
2. Life of the Party
3. We’re Not Friends

Lady Like Track List
1. “Bad Advice” – Ingrid Andress, Derrick Southerland, Jamie Moore
2. “Both” – Ingrid Andress, Derrick Southerland, Jordan Schmidt
3. “We’re Not Friends” – Ingrid Andress, AJ Pruis, Derrick Southerland, Nate Cyphert
4. “The Stranger” – Ingrid Andress, Ryan Lafferty
5. “Anything But Love” – Ingrid Andress, Zach Abend, Jamie Floyd
6. “More Hearts Than Mine” – Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis, Derrick Southerland
7. “Life of the Party” – Ingrid Andress, Jason Yik Nam Wu, Jesse Thomas
8. “Lady Like” – Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis, Derrick Southerland

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

Lady Like 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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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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Lakeview Sings of Missing Obvious Red Flags in “Eyes Closed”

Lakeview Eyes Closed

We’ve all been there, all of the people in your life are telling you to stay away from someone but you are blinded by love. In their brand new song, “Eyes Closed”, dropped today (3/27) new country duo, Lakeview is personifying those sentiments. Combining a unique blend of country, rock, and pop, the Pittsburgh natives are fresh on the scene.

The track chronicles a small-town love story gone awry and all of the missed signs that could have helped prevent heartbreak. Written by Lakeview bandmembers Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy along with Kevin Baird, “Eyes Closed” is the second offering from the new group, the first being “Poor Me”, which video has garnered over 170 thousand views. When the chorus drops, the realization hits: “Looking back, I wish I would’ve known not to kiss you with my eyes closed.”

In conclusion, when you feel like the wool is being pulled over your eyes in a relationship, always trust your mama, she knows best.

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

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

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Florida Georgia Line Drop Relevant Track, “I Love My Country”

FGL I love my country

Florida Georgia Line is back with new music, and it’s a song that will have you up on your feet loving our country. “I Love My Country” is the award-winning duos first song off their highly anticipated fifth studio album, which we can expect later this year.

In a time of uncertainty, we may not like or agree on what’s going on in the United States right now. Still, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley remind us why our country continues to be a great place to live, with a reminder to keep having a good time and enjoy life the best that we can right now. They also wanted to pay tribute to the anything-goes lifestyle that their fans can’t do without.

Written by Corey Crowder, Ernest K. Smith, and Charlie Handsome, the song has a sound of hard-edged Southern Rock stomp with a rolling banjo. With their familiar and perfect blend of the singer-songwriter voices that we love, it has set the tone for Tyler and Brian’s exciting next chapter in their career.

Florida Georgia Line is set to hit the road on the Chillaxification Tour with Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. While the beginning of the tour has been postponed, we are keeping our fingers crossed that the hottest show of the summer makes its way to New York at MetLife Stadium on August 22nd. You can find the up to date tour list here.

“I Love My Country” 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.

To keep up with Florida Georgia Line follow them 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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New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 3/27/20

New Music Friday! This week we get new music from Florida Georgia line, Ingrid Andress, baker grissom, Lakeview, Kane Brown, Alex Hall, Jessi Alexander, Kip Moore, Jordan Davis, William Michael Morgan 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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Kelsea Ballerini & Halsey Collaborate on CMT Crossroads

On the heels of the release of her studio album entitled kelsea, country’s princess Kelsea Ballerini joined pop superstar Halsey on stage for an episode of CMT Crossroads. Filmed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater in October 2019, the two powerhouses performed for a live crowd, while rain poured down, almost threatening cancellation. Luckily the show went on, and boy are we thankful it did!

Perfectly paired the two even share a song on Ballerini’s new record. The songstresses performed that tune, “the other girl,” trading verses to the impactful song. The new duet tells the story of solidarity among two women who are seemingly dating the same man, who is cheating on them both.

Ballerini and Halsey join forces on several of their songs, during the course of the night, including a rendition of Ballerini’s “Peter Pan” and the inspiring “homecoming queen.” Ballerini also lends her vocals to Halsey’s hit “Bad At Love,” a song about problematic relationships, as well as, “Graveyard” and “Without Me.”

Just prior to performing ‘homecoming queen,” Halsey praised Ballerini for bringing the song to life. “If there is anything song that I wish I wrote,” she said, “ it is “homecoming queen” by Kelsea Ballerini!” Of course, fans erupted into cheers, as the two singers went on to sing the heartfelt ballad.

On the contrary, during Halsey’s songs, the two singer-songwriters jammed out and showed off their sassy style. Both performances of “Bad At Love” and “Graveyard” were highlights of their creative and fun set. The same energy was applied to their rendition of Ballerini’s “Miss Me More.”

Another highlight came when the two ladies gave a dazzling cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” Their vocals shined on the mesmerizing tune. It was almost hard to believe that it wasn’t an original.

Overall, once again Crossroads delivered a special and enticing combination of two top-notch songstresses in the music industry. Halsey and Kelsea are true superstars, and we hope to see them perform together again in the future.

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

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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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: Kids Spread Kindness and Love

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.

 

Photo by Regina Furnari D’Orio via “Rainbows over Nassau and Suffolk Counties and Beyond” Facebook Group

As schools across the state are closed and kids are cooped up in their houses, a small act of kindness and love accompanied by a flourishing Facebook page created all the difference. A few parents from Long Island, New York created the ‘Rainbows over Nassau and Suffolk Counties and Beyond,’ Facebook group with the idea that kids could have a community-wide rainbow hunt, which is a safe and easy way for kids to get out of the house while still practicing social distancing.

Kids across the state have created rainbows with chalk, paint, and other means, as well as, hung up drawings and pictures on their doors or in their windows. Parents get a chance to take their children on a fun scavenger hunt through the neighborhood either on foot or by car. It’s a fun and innovative way to pass time and remind parents and children alike that we are all in this together!

The rainbow hunt is an important story to share because it is a simple way to spread kindness and community, while we all deal with this ever-changing world that we are living in. This simple idea turned into a 36,000 and counting Facebook group with thousands upon thousands of children participating all over the state and beyond. All it takes is heart and an idea to make a positive difference.

Although this may just seem like a small feat, it reminds us all to help out where we can. It reminds us all to virtually check in on our friends, families, and even our co-workers. Stories like this remind us that kindness goes a long way!

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.

 

 

—————

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:

 

If You Like Maggie Rogers, Then You’ll Love…

 

NYU alumni and indie-folk star Maggie Rogers has taken the music industry by a storm, garnering fans across many different genres. A lot of the elements of what makes her such a special artist is what makes a lot of country artists special.

What fans love most about her music is the high energy, and how timeless her stories are. That’s country music. If you like Maggie Rogers but aren’t too familiar with the country genre, NYCS has some recommendations for you!

 

Kacey Musgraves

There’s a reason Kacey Musgraves asked Maggie Rogers to open for her in Nashville! Musgraves is a poignant songwriter, much like Rogers, and both have a way of engaging fans with their words, voices, and their way of speaking up for what matters to them. Both artists’ have dreamy qualities to their music that makes it infectious; her whole catalog is amazing, but new fans should check out “Miserable” off Pageant Material and “Slow Burn” off Golden Hour.

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

 

Kassi Ashton

Kassi Ashton is one of Nashville’s brightest new stars, and for good reason. She is a sharp writer with an even more captivating voice, and she leans on the more pop/r&b side of country, making her a perfect gateway artist for fans of other genres. Not only is she an amazing musician, but she designs her own clothes and wears them whenever she is on stage. She is unique and bold, just like Rogers. New fans should listen to her emotional “Pretty Shiny Things” and her current single “Hopeless”.

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

 

Brett Eldredge

When Brett Eldredge first appeared on the music scene, he established himself as a powerhouse male vocalist and as someone who knew how to let loose. Three albums later, he’s proved that he is also able to release vulnerable music. All of his songs are cathartic and intense in the best way possible, which are two important qualities that much of Rogers’ catalog has. Listen to “No Stopping You” and “Cycles”, two songs that deliver in both vocal performance and storytelling.

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, 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!

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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Throwback Thursday: Faith Hill Songs You May Have Forgotten

 

Faith Hill is a Grammy award winner and country music artist with multiple hits on country charts, a wonderful mother and wife, in other words, a role model and inspiration for others. She’s also is the only country artist and one of only three artists ever to perform both “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” at the Super Bowl. 

She’s the voice behind such hits as “Breathe”, “There You’ll Be”, “It Matters To Me”, “The Way You Love Me” and “This Kiss” but do you recall these lesser-known songs filled with all kind of emotions and passion?   

 

  1. Just About Now – Live in the moment, past is the past, you can’t change it and the future is unknown so the point is to be in the moment. Easier said than done but that’s a recipe for a happy life. “It’s just a moment to moment/ Surviving somehow/ This is not about then/ This is just about now”

 

  1. I’ve Got This Friend – Is there anything more heart-melting than a couple who is trying to help their dearest friends to find love? “Maybe in each other/ They might find the lover/ They’ve been missing until now/ They’d trust the judgment of/ Two friends like us who care so much/ Can we get them together, somehow?”

 

  1. Better Days – A voice of hope for a better tomorrow. We all wait for better days especially now. One thing in current turbulent moments is sure, better days are coming, maybe sooner than you expect it. “Better days are coming around/ I know you feel like/ The whole world’s gone and let you down, but/ Better days; they’re coming for you/ I know they will/ ‘Cause I’ll be right here making sure they do”

 

  1. Me – Everyone’s life goal should be finding someone who you can be yourself around. Let’s be honest each and everyone has flaws, therefore you should find the one who loves you despite all your shortcomings. “Me/ That’s all I have to give/ What you get is what you see, yeah/ No second-guessing, no pretending/ With you, all  I ever have to be is me/ All I ever need to be, oh yeah/ All I ever have to be is me”  

 

  1. That’s How Love Moves – Love is everything, the most precious thing in the world. That’s why everyone craves for it.  “It’s such a mystery/ How you found something in me/ That I never knew was there/ But you uncovered it so easily/ You turn me like the season/ And I began to change/ You wrapped your arms around me/ Now I’ll never be the same”

 

  1. A Man’s Home Is His Castle – Don’t be fooled by the title it is not another love ballad. It’s a story of abuse in a relationship. It addresses things that are unsaid and hidden. “He said: A man’s home is his castle/ It always has been/ And so it remains./ But he holds the keys in a fist of rage/ His home is his castle/ And mine is a cage”

 

  1. If You Ask – In every relationship someone has to be the rock and anchor that helps you to survive stormy days. “When you ask for my forgiveness/ When you call my name, I will come/ When you ask for my love, I will give you some/ In the morning I will get you up/ And I will smile just when you want me to/ ‘Cause I’m, I’m all you have”

 

  1. We’ve Got Nothing But Love To Prove – It’s not another love song but it’s a thought-provoking masterpiece. It makes you ask yourself what’s wrong with this world? Why can’t people just be kind to each other? What you can do you make the world around you a better place? The answer is simple: hold the door, say please and thank you, don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie. Be humble and kind, it really makes a difference. “It’s like everything and nothing leads to wisdom/ It’s like no one really means what they say/ While we fight for peace and die for our freedom/ I guess we’ll leave it to our children to find a better way”

 

  1. Wish For You – There’s nothing more beautiful in the world than a mother’s unconditional love. Sang with love by a mother.  “A field of flowers dancing in the spring/ A little creek, a tree, and old rope swing/ Cotton candy clouds against the blue/ That’s the kind of day I wish for you/ First love with all its storm/ Raging like fire within/ Tossing your heart to chance/ You swear the dance will never end”

 

  1. Paris – A beautiful story with slow and soft tunes and velvet voice of Faith Hill. “I’d give this world to you/ Every rock and every stone/ Every masterpiece in Rome/ And if you asked me to/ I’d steal the Mona Lisa/ Tear it up in little pieces/ And lay them at your feet/ For all the world to see/ but tonight I can’t give you Paris” 

 

All of Faith Hill’s songs are incredible. She’s definitely one of the kind. She’s so relatable, grounded and kind. No wonder why Tim McGraw doesn’t want to spend more than three days without her. 

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

—————————-

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:

Kindness Isn’t Canceled Spotlight: Artists Help Employees of Broadway Bars

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.

Since Nashville’s Broadway, a famous strip of bars and restaurants that is visited by millions each year, is now closed, superstars Dierks Bentley and the men of Florida Georgia Line decided to use their resources to make a difference.

Both artists have their own bars in Nashville, Dierks’ Whiskey Row, and Hubbard and Kelley’s FGL House. Unfortunately, since many of the employees, including bartenders, waitresses, waiters, and management staff are being laid off or are temporarily out of work, due to the pandemic, people may be struggling to make ends meet.

Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row

Photo: Justin Aharoni @jaharoni for NYCS

To do what he can to help out his employees, Bentley gifted $1000 to each of his 90 employees, empathizing with those employees who work for tips. In full, the singer spent $90K to help out his staff. The men of FGL followed Bentley’s lead, vowing to gift $1000 to each of their 117 employees of FGL House. They shared their reasons for their contribution via Instagram.

Although this may just seem like a small feat, it reminds us all to help out where we can. It reminds us all to virtually check in on our friends, families, and even our co-workers. Stories like this remind us that kindness goes a long way!

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.

 

 

—————

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: Ray Fulcher

You may not know the name Ray Fulcher, yet but you should. He has written major hits for Luke Combs including “When It Rains It Pours”, his latest number one, “Even Though I’m Leaving”, and his current single “Does to Me” which features Eric Church. Fulcher was the opening act on Matt Stell’s Everywhere But On Tour and before his set he stopped by NYCS to chat about songwriting in Nashville and to perform his original songs “History Repeats Itself” and “Down On My Window” as well as his own version of “Does To Me”.

Watch the full performance and interview below.

To keep up with Ray Fulcher 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.

 

 

—————

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: