New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 6/28/19

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It’s our favorite part of the week, New Music Friday!

This week we see new music from Runaway June, Justin Moore, Chris Lane, Josh Abbott Band, Lacy Cavalier, Mickey Guyton & 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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[Watch] Keith Urban and Kassi Ashton’s Video for “Drop Top”

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The reigning 2018 CMA Entertainer of the Year and 2019 ACM Entertainer of the Year, superstar Keith Urban released the music video for his latest single “Drop Top” featuring rising artist and one of our 2019 Artist to Watch, Kassi Ashton. Viewers get a first-hand look into the energy Urban brings to the stage as the video showcases his performance at one of his shows of the Grafitti U Tour.

Written by Urban, Josh Osborne, Jimmy Robbins, and Maureen McDonald, “Drop Top” is the ultimate road-trip song about a girl with new found freedom on her way to Coachella with feathers in her hair and girlfriends by her side. The video begins with a roaring crowd and Urban making his way from his tour bus to the stage. Urban effortlessly plays guitar and sings to thousands of screaming fans.

Ashton appears on the large screens behind Urban as her powerful voice sings over a thumping bass and heavy guitar. Flashing white lights create a club-like atmosphere as she sings the pulsing chorus, “Saturday night, feeling alright / Show him what he lost in my jeans skin tight / Stars coming out, the music up loud / Saturday night, feeling alright.” Clips from when Ashton joined Urban live at his show in Nashville are intertwined in the dynamic music video that magnifies the undeniably exciting and unique collaboration.

 

This is the third song that Urban has released so far in 2019. “Drop Top” is a follow up to the cover of Foy Vance’s “Burden” and his most recent sentimental hit song “We Were” co-written by Eric Church. Urban will continue his #1 Graffiti U Tour throughout the rest of the summer at various festivals along with a stop in Atlantic City, NJ at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, August 17th.

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

 

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Cole Swindell Brings The Party in His Video for “Drinkin’ Hours”

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We didn’t have to wait long for the music video of Cole Swindell’s new song, “Drinkin’ Hours”. Swindell released the song on June 21st and shared the video just three days later. The video is one big party, reminding us that it’s ok to forget about our responsibilities once in a while and have a good time!

When the video opens up with drum beats, a Church/Strait street sign, and a giant open field party, you know you’re about to watch some fun. The atmosphere takes viewers to an all-out giant country concert tailgate, with people in a pool, dancing, drinking, and having a great time. Throughout the video, we are taken from the party to the golf course watching the artist enjoy an iced cold beer, cigar, and a game of golf with his buddies. After seeing this laidback side of Swindell, you’ll want him to bring the fun to your next event.

Written by Swindell and Josh Kear, “Drinkin’ Hours” is the lead track from the singer-songwriter’s EP, Down Home Sessions V which will be released later this year. Celebrating his fifth year as a recording artist, Swindell is going to release the EP a little differently by sharing a track each month for the next five months. We can’t wait to hear what’s next!

There will be “no workin’ durin’ drinkin’ hours” when Swindell, Luke Bryan, and Jon Langston come to your town during the Sun Set Repeat Tour! They’ll be stopping at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island for two shows, get your tickets to July 13th here and July 14th here!  You can also catch them in Holmdel, NJ September 7th. Get your tickets here!

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

“Drinkin’ Hours” 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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Scotty McCreery Shows Both Sides of His Life in “In Between” Music Video

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Scotty McCreery is back with his next heartfelt single and music video. McCreery’s previous two singles, “Five More Minutes” and “This Is It” from his third studio album, Seasons Change reached the top of the country music charts. His fans were highly anticipating the next single off this album. The song “In Between” lyrically gives fans a step into his own world and was written by McCreery with Jonathan Singleton, Jessi Alexander, and Frank Rogers. The music video released just this past week does the same visually.

The video begins with an unconventional and classic split screen overlay. This primarily sets the wholesome tone of the entire video giving fans the impression of a cherished home video. It pans to areas of McCreery’s professional career playing for large crowds, flying all over the country then ushering into more family-oriented scenes with his wife and dog that both making adorable cameos. McCreery than echoes these moments of being caught in between these two ‘lives’ with the lyrics, “I’m in between/ Friday night wild/ And quiet Sunday morning.” Specific scenes of this video directed by Jay Ray stand-out such as the Raleigh water tower setting the hometown scene for the beginning of the video. In addition, the still black and white pictures at the end of the video show a mix of McCreery’s life through pictures of him and his wife’s family lifestyle and where his professional music career has taken him.

“In Between” is such a special video for McCreery and fans alike because it gives them insight into his life. McCreery recently said to USA TODAY Network where the visual originally premiered, “It’s about really knowing who I am,’ McCreery said. “Hopefully, folks will hear it and not only get to know me a little bit better but as they continue to listen, hopefully, they can better know themselves as well.” The music video for “In Between” fully reflects the lyrics McCreery sings in this song mirroring both important aspects of his life: family and music.

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

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NYCS First Impression: Baker Grissom ‘Saturdays & Sunday’

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Baker Grissom

By happenstance, our managing editor Christina fell upon a talented singer-songwriter named Baker Grissom via social media. As fate would have it, Grissom released his debut EP Saturdays & Sunday just last week (6/21), and subsequently signed a publishing deal with RED Creative Group, with likes of Adam Hambrick and Travis Denning also on the roster. Grissom is one to watch. His effortless vocals, creative songwriting, and poise for a new artist rivals any successful country musician in the industry.

His new project begins with his single, “Right Bar Wrong Stool.” At first glance at the title, one might assume that the track is a cliche break-up song set in a bar atmosphere, but Grissom’s clever wordplay matched with the authentic nature of the song makes it special. He laments about being in the right spot (right bar), but sitting on the “wrong stool,” watching another guy hit on his love interest. “Bartender give us your best shot / He don’t know half of what he’s got / She’s top shelf, I”m on the bottom well with no one to blame, but myself.”

Grissom continues the clever wordplay in his next track titled “Do I Drink.” Armed with an enticing beat and a catchy melody, the singer tries to figure out what is the impetus for his drinking, post-breakup. He shares in the chorus “Do I drink because I miss you / Do I miss you because I drink.” Despite the melancholy nature of the song, Grissom still comes across cool, relaxed, and confident just like successful recording artist and songwriter Eric Church.

He continues to up the ante with the middle track on the five-song EP. “You Are Who You Listen To” is truly a gem. At first listen, it almost sounds like a song that could have been cut by Keith Urban; however, the song is clearly personal to Grissom. It explores how both family (specifically his father) and music made him who he is today. He sings “I was raised on three chords and the truth / By a simple man who knew that you are who you listen to.” The message of the song seems to have a dual meaning, acting as both a thank you to his father (who he goes to for advice), as well as, showing gratitude to music for being there for him. The track name drops titles of songs that create a nostalgic look back including  Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run”,  Eric Church’s “Two Pink Lines”, Tim McGraw’s “Red Rag Top” and Kenny Chesney’s “There Goes My Life” amongst many others.

Next up, “Song for My Ex” is another lyrically driven song. Despite being one of the slower songs on his EP, it still packs a punch. Throughout the track, Grissom copes with a break-up, admitting “I’ve been drinking daily / I’ve been smoking cigarettes / She wouldn’t like that I had one lit / So what / I ain’t waiting on a miss you text / This ain’t a song for my ex.” Grissom’s vocals shine in the last chorus and verse, as he continues to exclaim that this one is definitely not about his ex, adding, “I ain’t waiting for her to come over.” The song is completely relatable, as anyone whose ever dealt with mixed feelings after a break-up can emphasize with the singer-songwriter.

Rounding out the solid debut is the simply titled “Sunday.” Much like “Do I Drink,” the final track feels like it could have been cut by Church, reminiscent of his hits “Talladega” and “Springsteen.” Grissom’s anchor track is his honest and refreshing version of a love song. He compares his love interest to the feeling of Sundays and thanks her for being his rock.

“Save me from the night / Girl you called me just in time / When I’m feeling like Sunday, kneeling on the ground / Praying that Monday don’t come ‘round / I’d give up anything, take it from me now / I’ll never found another love like we’ve found / Singing hallelujah, when you’re next to me / Second that I knew ya, baby I believe / Feeling like Sunday.”

We encourage everyone to give Grissom’s Saturdays & Sunday EP a listen- it definitely doesn’t disappoint! Like he shared via his latest Instagram post “Go give it a spin!”

To keep up with Blake Grissom follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

“Saturdays & Sunday” 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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Swag Sessions Featuring Rodney Atkins

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New York Country Swag hosted a Swag Session with ACM winner Rodney Atkins. The singer-songwriter is in New York promoting his brand new album Caught Up In The Country and sang the title track and one of his fan favorites, “Take A Back Road” for us during our Swag Session.

Atkins also talked about the process of putting out an album 7 years after his last release as well as how he knew he wanted to cut both major love songs that are featured on the record. He even told us the name of his son that he and his wife are getting ready to welcome later this summer.

Watch the full Swag Session above and take a listen Caught Up In The Country here.

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.

Keep up with Rodney Atkins on social media follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

 

 

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Brandon Ratcliff Releases Debut Music Video for “Rules of Breaking Up”

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Louisiana-born singer Brandon Ratcliff just released the long-anticipated music video for his single, “Rules of Breaking Up”. Featuring Ratcliff playing an electric guitar, the video starts on a close up of the guitar as those recognizable first chords open the song and he is then in an abandoned lot, and those close-ups give viewers the full expression of emotion in this song. His red hoodie underneath a patterned jacket project him as just having wandered into the lot, needing to express his feelings. Captured in slow-motion is Ratcliff falling through the sky, paired with water droplets also suspended in time. This suspension mimics the lostness that often accompanies a breakup; somewhere where your whole world is turned upside down.

An image of a female, also falling, shows that both people at the end of a relationship can have that feeling. Halfway through, it seems to switch, as though he is falling up, and returning to a state of normalcy. All the while, he is alone, emphasizing the isolation one must feel. Even though you might know the breakup is for the best, Ratcliff embodies the fact that it will still hurt, especially when breaking up with someone like the person he is referencing. “Whoever wrote the rules of breaking up, never been broke up, broke up over you.”

To read more about Ratcliff, check out our Swag Spotlight features from earlier in the year here and grab tickets to his show this summer in New Jersey at Jenks Club on July 31st here.

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

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10 of Our Favorite Country Collaborations This Year.. So Far

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Country music has always been about unity and support amongst the artists, which has led to many great collaborations. We are loving all the unexpected duets amongst country artists that have been released so far this year. Take a look below at some of our favorites of 2019, so far, and see how our list matches up to yours.

1. “Center Point Road”- Thomas Rhett ft. Kelsea Ballerini
The title track off Thomas Rhett’s newest album is the ultimate declaration to our hometowns and all the little things we love most about where we grew up. Ballerini and Rhett combine their voices to create the nostalgic, but catchy duet.

2. “Neon Moon”- Brooks & Dunn and Kacey Musgraves
Music icons, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn prove that they are the kings of collaborations, reimagining their hits with the new generation of country artists in a completely collaborative record entitled REBOOT. Although every song off the record is worthy of being on this list, it’s their rendition of “Neon Moon” with songstress, Kacey Musgraves that stands out.

 

3. “Shallow”- Jimmie Allen & Abby Anderson
Rising country artists Jimmie Allen and Abby Anderson released their stunning rendition of the track “Shallow” from the movie A Star is Born at the beginning of the year. The unexpected country duo put their own unique spin to the already fantastic song, which is the reason the collaboration makes our list.

 

4. “Here Tonight”- Brett Young & Charles Kelley
Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley lent his beautiful voice to an acoustic version of Brett Young’s song “Here Tonight.” Trading verses, the two country crooners’ voices work effortlessly together, creating a heartwarming rendition of the song. We’d love to see more collaborations from these two in the future.

 

5. “Tennessee Whiskey”- Ashley McBryde & Dillon Carmichael
Although not yet recorded, we had to include Ashley McBryde and Dillon Carmichael’s brilliant cover of originally George Jones, and later, Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey.” The two showed off their vocal chops, during an unforgettable sing along with fans at a local radio station event in California back in April.

6. “Can’t Hide Red”- Florida Georgia Line ft. Jason Aldean
FGL’s newest project features a handful of collaborations, but it is their song with megastar Jason Aldean that we are spotlighting. Regardless of whatever the message stands for, the song is a smash hit. We especially loved when the singers made their live debut of the song at the 54th ACM Awards back in April.

7. “Common”- Maren Morris ft. Brandi Carlile
Maren Morris and Brandi Carlile combined their talents in the chillingly beautiful track “Common” off Morris’ sophomore record GIRL. The songstresses work effortlessly together, as they convey the empowering message of the song through their strong and powerful voices.

 

8. “Home In a Hometown”- Matt Stell & Jimmie Allen
One of our more obscure picks is from two of our prior Swag Session alumnae, Matt Stell and Jimmie Allen’s collaboration “Home In a Hometown” off Stells’ new EP Everywhere But On. The track features both singer’s unique perspectives, as they sing their appreciation for the people and places that raised them.

9. “Redemption Day”- Sheryl Crow & Johnny Cash
Sheryl Crow recently re-released her haunting rendition of her song “Redemption Day,” with the late and great Johnny Cash singing with her on the new version. It’s one of the most emotive collaborations to be released so far this year. Crow is slated to have even more duet partners featured on her forthcoming record.

10. “Brand New Man”- Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs
Rounding out our list is another great collaboration off Brooks & Dunn’s record REBOOT. This time the duo combine their talent with the newly inducted member of the Grand Ole Opry, Luke Combs in “Brand New Man.” This is easily one of the fan-favorites off the new record, and one of our personal favorites.

We can’t wait for even more country music collaborations to be released in the second part of 2019!

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The Country Music Family is Growing (2019 Country Babies)

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We thought 2017 was the year of country musicians having babies; however, 2019 is shaping up to be the year of expanding our country music families. Country stars to continue to bring us great music each and every day, but we are seeing baby announcements on our favorite country artists’ social media almost as frequently.

In the first half of the year country stars, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Angaleena Presley (Pistol Annies), Midland’s Jess Carson, Jake Owen, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, Randy Houser, and Chris Stapleton all brought babies into the world with their spouses.

The next generation of the country music family continues to grow with even more artists who shared the exciting news.

Check out below our list of country stars who are expecting a baby later this year (2019).

 

1. Kane Brown and Katelyn Jae
Country star Kane Brown and his wife Katelyn Jae are expecting their first baby together this year. They announced their pregnancy back in April with a darling sonogram photo on Brown’s Instagram. Since then, the cute couple has been referring to each other as “Daddy” and “Mommy” as they eagerly await the arrival of their daughter.

 

2. Brett Young and Taylor Mills
In April, country crooner Brett Young announced that he and his wife Taylor Mills are expecting via his social media. The singer posted an adorable picture of the couple, with Mills holding an “I”m With The Band” onesie. Young captioned the photo “And then we were three” with adorable emojis and a sweet sentiment to follow. The couple also participated in a gender reveal, where Young brought back his baseball roots, hitting a ball that exploded into a pink fog, revealing that the pair are expecting a girl!

 

3. Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line and Hayley Hubbard
Back in February, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard took to Instagram to announce his wife Hayley’s pregnancy. He posted a photo of them on the red carpet at a pre-Grammy Awards event, where he kisses his wife’s small bump. Hayley also shared a photo of their daughter, Olivia Rose, perched next to a sign that says “only child expiring August 19, 2019. I’m going to be a big sister.” The Hubbards will be adding a boy to their growing family this summer.

 

4. Dylan Scott and Blair Robinson
Singer-songwriter Dylan Scott is about to be a father for the second time! Scott and his wife Blair already have a beautiful baby boy named Beckett and are adding a second child to the mix. Scott let his wife do the honors of announcing their pregnancy. She posted an adorable photo of the soon to be family of four holding up balloons that spelled out the word “baby,” captioning it “Secret is out… we are so excited to announce baby number 2 is on its way.” We don’t know the gender of their baby yet, but the Scott baby will be making its debut in September.

 

5. Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon
Earlier this year, singer-songwriter, Rodney Atkins announced his wife, Rose’s pregnancy in the most epic way. In the music video for his touching and deeply personal song, “My Life,” images of handwritten notes and photographs are evident. Although easily missed, Atkins shares the news that the couple’s second child together is on the way with an ultrasound image of the new baby, captioned with “Love at First Sight.” The couple will welcome their baby boy this August.

 

6. Brantley Gilbert and Amber Gilbert
Country music’s bad boy, Brantley Gilbert is expecting his second child with wife Amber. The pair announced their pregnancy with People back in March. The couple already shares a son together, but are adding a little girl to their growing family. The Gilberts popped balloons to reveal the gender of their new baby, in beautiful pictures captured by the magazine.  He even wrote his latest single “Man That Hung The Moon” which is all about becoming a dad and his love for his children.

That wraps up our list of country musicians that are currently growing the country music family, but we have a feeling that they’ll be more baby announcements to come in the near future!

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Up Close & Country with Rodney Atkins at New York’s 94.7

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Yesterday ACM Award winner, Rodney Atkins made his way to the Radio.com stage in New York City to perform as part of New York’s Country 94.7’s exclusive Up Close & Country segment. Radio personality and DJ Katie Neal welcomed Atkins and his two guitarists and background vocalists, Clint and Derrick to the stage, where they went on to sing some of Atkin’s biggest hits, as well as, some tracks off his latest album, Caught Up In The Country.

Rodney Atkins

Neal took some time to talk with Atkins, asking him what’s changed the most between his last album and his newest release, as well as, congratulating him for expecting a new baby in August. The singer laughing, revealed “My wife,” as the biggest change in his musical journey, adding “she’s actually singing on every song on the album in some capacity.” Getting to know Atkins personal journey with his family, made his follow-up performance feel like a big family affair throughout the entire 30-minute set.

A relaxed and cool Atkins encouraged the audience to sing along throughout his set. Opening up with the infectious, “Caught Up In The Country,” the title track off his newest album, the singer-songwriter had the intimate audience singing along with him right away. He continued the momentum, singing crowd favorites, “Take A Back Road, “If You’re Going Through Hell,” and “Farmer’s Daughter.”

The ease of which he flowed through each song was enticing and inspiring, as you could feel the connection Atkins has to his songs and the authenticity of his music. One of the highlights of his performance was when he decided to switch things up and play a love song off his new record, entitled “Figure Out You (Riddle).” He laments that the song was his first love song that wasn’t about “heartbreak.”

Rodney Atkins

After asking to play one more song; despite, time running out, Atkins ended his set with a fan request for “Watching You.” As he sang the heartfelt track,” it was easy to tell that the soon-to-be father of three has a special place in his heart for the song.

Overall Atkins performance was an impressive mix of new and classic songs, stemming from his decade long career. If you missed the event, check out snippets of his performance via our Instagram.

For more Rodney Atkins, don’t forget to check out our live Swag Session with the artist tomorrow evening.

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

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