Amazon Music Mini Documentary on Kane Brown, ‘Velocity’

Kane Brown

Photo Credit: Amazon Music

Kane Brown has all the attributes to become a megastar in country music, and from the moment he stepped on stage, everyone knew he was going to blow up someday – we just didn’t know it was going to be this quickly. Titled “Velocity”, for the speed at which Brown’s career took off, Amazon Music released a mini-documentary on his career, covering everything from singing covers on Facebook to selling out the Staples Center in Los Angeles and becoming one of Nashville’s brightest stars. Watch the whole thing below.

“I was just messing around, I don’t even think I was trying to make a career out of it,” Brown said of his viral Facebook videos. “I was working two jobs just trying to afford my truck…I was never thinking a record label would hit me up or anything.”

Brown attended five different high schools growing up, so his following on social media was very large to begin with. He studied up on how to go viral, but he didn’t feel it was working until he woke up one morning to see one of his videos had tons of views. According to his manager, Martha Earls, at one point he was growing by almost 20,000 followers a day.

“The next question is: are people be willing to get out from behind their computer and come out to a show,” Earls pondered. “The first show we did in Darlington, South Carolina…we put it on sale and it sold out in like 20 minutes.” Another attribute that makes Brown so successful is his ability to connect with his fans. He would stay late after each show and meet every single fan who waited to see him. His stardom quickly spread across the nation and he got his first shot of playing amphitheaters when he was the first act on Florida Georgia Line’s Dig Your Roots Tour in 2016.

“So many people laugh at when you do those amphitheater tours because you’re on at seven o’clock and it’s still light out and no one is in the stands,” Brown’s day-day manager, Nikki Boon claimed. “But those seats were full, every single night…everyone wanted to see Kane.” Brown said he’s now more comfortable playing large theaters and arenas than small, intimate clubs.

Brown became a new man when his wife Katelyn gave birth to their daughter, Kingsley. It has allowed him to grow from boy into a man and completely change his outlook on life for the better. “Growing up without a dad is a very traumatic experience,” Brown’s barber and friend, CT Kutz commented. “His call right now is to change that narrative.” “Just being a dad that’s always there will be a huge part of her life and I can give her anything she wants,” Brown said proudly. “She’s my life.”

The Staples Center show was scheduled to be the last stop in 2019 for Brown and his crew; a memorable way to close out his first headlining-arena tour. The show got pushed back due to the sudden passing of his drummer and good friend, Kenny Dixon.
“Those moments either break you or pull you together and I think our team had a realization of how close we are and how much we needed each other,” Earls stated.

The documentary ends with clips from the sold-out Staples Center show. It puts into perspective how much Brown has grown in such little amount of time. It’s a testament to his talent, hard work, dedication and showmanship and the way we see it, his career has only just begun.

Keep up with Kane Brown by following him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

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Brand New Music from Kenny Chesney, “Here And Now”

Here and Now Kenny Chesney

There is nothing is better than a Friday and new Kenny Chesney. His first song of 2020 is here, and we can’t get enough. Fresh off of being awarded the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Humanitarian of the Year Award at the 2020 Country Radio Seminar, the East Tennessee native continues to show his commitment to country music and the fans with “Here and Now”.

Written by Craig Wiseman, David Garcia, and David Lee Murphy during a writing retreat in Malibu, this upbeat song is about living in the moment and appreciating what you have. We’re all guilty of counting down to something, whether that be hitting our next big life milestone or simply the weekend. “Here and Now” reminds you to take a step back, enjoy the present, and don’t take for granted what you have.

In a recent press release, the singer-songwriter shared what this song means to him, “I know there will be days and moments that suck, but so many of them, we can decide how we feel and what we want to focus on. I’m hoping No Shoes Nation- and everyone else – can hear this and feel really good about the moment.”

“Here and now\ Nowhere else in this world enough\ You and me ain’t it good to be alive? \ Ain’t no better place and ain’t no better time\ Than here and now\ Everyone’s waiting but they’re waiting on what? \ Better get to living, ‘cause all we’ve got is here and now.”

On April 18th Chesney is hitting the road starting on the Chillaxification Tour and we can already picture this single being performed in front of his loyal fans during his live show.

He is bringing along Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. You don’t want to miss one of the hottest shows of the summer. They will be playing at MetLife Stadium on August 22nd. Get your tickets here.

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

“Here and Now” 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Sam Hunt Reveals New Song At CRS Titled “2016”

 

Sam Hunt is back ladies and gentlemen! As we eagerly wait for the April release of his highly anticipated next album Southside, Hunt is giving fans even more to be excited about. After releasing his latest singles “Hard to Forget”, and “Sinning With You”, the singer-songwriter premiered another track titled “2016” off the upcoming record at Country Radio Seminar for media and radio programmers.

The new song is a stripped-down, honest, and soft tune seemingly written from his own experiences. Vocally, the track shows off Hunt’s enticing singing chops in the best light. Reminiscent of songs off Montevallo, “2016” shines a light on the past, retrospectively reflecting on what he could have done different.

The first verse showcases this sentiment in the most pure and poetic way.

“I’d put the whiskey back in the bottle / Put the smoke back in the joint / Look up at the sky and say okay, okay, okay / Think you made your point / I’d cover up the pool and sky bar / Take some girls out of my phone / Give the nightlife back to Nashville / One night at a time til all the regrets go home”

The chorus goes on to show Hunt expressing that he would have chosen his girl instead of making other decisions. “2016” is arguably one of the singer’s most honest, passionate, and vulnerable songs to date. We cannot wait to see how Hunt continues to grow and develop as an artist and as a human being this year.

Watch the full video of the new song above.

CRS Sam Hunt New Music 2016

 

Luckily, New York fans can catch Hunt this summer at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater for his first headlining tour, since his hiatus.

To keep up with Sam Hunt, you can find him on InstagramTwitterFacebook.

“2016” 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Luke Combs Extends What You See Is What You Get Tour

Luke Combs Tour

Luke Combs fans rejoice, he just added a ton of dates to his What You See Is What You Get Tour. Along for this leg of the tour is the incomparable Ashley McBryde along with one of Combs’ long time collaborators Ray Fulcher and rising artist Drew Parker.

The star who has had a meteoric rise over the past few years is bringing his undeniable talent to some of the most iconic venues across the country.

New Yorkers can catch the show on December 1st at Madison Square Garden, The Most Famous Arena in the World.

Want to be the first to snag your tickets? Be sure to register for the presale by clicking here.

Heading to the show? Check out our Luke Combs Lyrics to use as Instagram Captions here.

For tickets and more information head to www.lukecombs.com and make sure to sign-up for our Weekly Round-Up, so you don’t miss any upcoming ticket giveaways, contests and more.

 

What You See Is What You Get Tour Dates
Sept. 19 – Raleigh, NC
Sept. 22 – New Orleans, LA
Sept. 25 – Dallas, TX
Sept. 26 – Memphis, TN
Oct. 2 – Grand Forks, ND
Oct. 3 – Sioux Falls, SD
Oct. 15 – Eugene, OR
Oct. 17 – San Francisco, CA
Oct. 20 – Billings, MT
Oct. 22 – Salt Lake City, UT
Oct. 23 – Las Vegas, NV
Oct. 24 – Bakersfield, CA
Nov. 6 – Chicago, IL
Nov. 7 – Saint Louis, MO
Nov. 19 – Jacksonville, FL
Nov. 20 – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nov. 21 – Orlando, FL
Dec. 1 – New York, NY
Dec. 4th – Boston, MA

To keep up with Luke Combs follow him on InstagramFacebook, and Twitter.

What You See Is What You Get 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS Texas Artist Hightlight: Koe Wetzel

Koe Wetzel

Photo Courtesy of www.koewetzelmusic.com

Koe Wetzel is currently taking the Texas Country music scene by storm. The East Texas native was born in the town of Pittsburg, Texas and grew up loving music but also sharing the same love for sports. Wetzel originally chose football as his passion and left to attend Tarleton State University to play football. During his time at the university Wetzel decided to leave school and pursue music as his career.

In 2012 Wetzel and his band Koe Wetzel and the Konvicts released their first EP Love and Lies and in 2015 released their first full length album Out on Parole. However, it was his Noise Complaint album that took over the scene making him one of the most known Texas country artists in the industry. Just in May of 2019 Wetzel released another album Harold Saul High which again is currently making him the talk of Texas.

Harold Saul High is the album that most Texas Country music listeners are talking about. Wetzel has done a great job at keeping his loyal fan base entertained. His music is country with a twist of rock and edgy lyrics that bring something new to Texas country. Which is how he’s keeping his strong connection with college aged students while also reaching other fans out of that demographic.

His music is all about having fun and not having a care in the world but also putting life into perspectives that maybe others wouldn’t see it through.

Wetzel has been traveling and touring sold-out shows with many artists such as Cody Johnson and his close friend, one of our 2020 Artists to Watch, Parker McCollum who is featured on Wetzel’s song “Love” from his Noise Complaint album.

If you’re looking for an artist who is different, carefree, fun, rebellious, and everything in between then Koe Wetzel is your go to. The best way to describe him is not your everyday country sound you’re used to hearing. His unique writing and musical styling are something that is bringing the southern rock and outlaw back into country music .

Wetzel is currently on tour with artist such as Kody West, Cody Canada and the Departed, Chance Anderson, Read Southall Band, Colt Ford, Jacob Bryant, Muscadine Bloodline, and more. For tickets and more info click here.

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

Harold Saul High 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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TrailBlazer Festival Announces Next From Nashville Stage

Trailblazer

The TrailBlazer Festival, previously known as the Taste of Country Music Festival, announced the addition of a second stage today sensibly named Next from Nashville, which is specifically designed to present up-and-coming country artists. This given name of the new space presents the audience with a taste of what the future of this genre may hold with acts such as Avenue Beat, Ashland Craft, Filmore, Larry Fleet, Alex Hall, Caroline Jones, Trea Landon, Niko Moon, Kylie Morgan, Brandon Ratcliff, Teddy Robb, Dan Smalley, Sykamore, And Hailey Whitters.

This stage will only add to the magic that our insides dance to while we are surrounded by music that we hold so close to our souls and that we believe so deeply in. There’s something so intimate about performances by artists unknown to us; it sparks a connection that we don’t necessarily get with headliners who can be recognized by the first chord strung on a guitar.

This country music festival, located on Hunter Mountain in the Catskills of New York, will include acts from Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell and many more. So, while you’re jamming out and singing along to every song that these incredible entertainers fill your hearts up with, be sure to visit and have your soul lifted at the Next from Nashville stage!

This is a rare experience you do not want to pass up. Be sure to come along to an unforgettable weekend spent listening to each strum and lyric spill out into the grounds from your favorite country artists for an entire weekend in June. Tickets are available now before the price increase Saturday, February 29. Visit the TrailBlazer Music Festival website for more information!

To keep up with the TrailBlazer Festival, 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!

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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NY/NJ Country Fans – Don’t Miss Rascal Flatts on their 2020 Farewell Tour

Access presale tickets Thursday, 2/20 at 10AM
PRESALE CODE: SWAG

Summer concert season is right around the corner and things are certainly heating up for New York/New Jersey country music fans. Rascal Flatts announced after 20 incredible years, the hitmaking trio are ending this amazing run with a farewell tour. The Farewell Life Is A Highway Tour will kick off June 11th and make its way across the country, paying a wonderful tribute to the beloved trio, their body of work over the past two decades and to the fans who have supported them along the way.

“When we started out 20 years ago, we could not imagine all of the people, places, and gifts we would encounter,” said Gary LeVox in a press release. “The greatest feeling ever is being told that our music has been the soundtrack to their lives. What greater gift can an artist receive than to be told ‘I got married to “Bless The Broken Road,”’ or ‘We played “My Wish” at my graduation.’ That ‘“What Hurts The Most” is the song that made me love country music for the first time,’ or ‘“I’m Movin’ On” helped me get sober’ or even that ‘“Changed” made me call my family again after not talking to them for years.’ That’s why we create music and the reason we can’t wait to celebrate this incredible 20-year journey all year, with our fans who we love dearly. I don’t know what God has in store for the future, but I am excited to see what he has planned!”

The tour hits the New York/ New Jersey area on September 17th at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre and on September 19th at PNC Bank Arts Center with direct support from Chris Lane and an opening set by Caylee Hammack.

Tickets officially go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 21st, but NYCountry Swag followers can grab theirs early on Thursday, February 20th at 10AM with presale code: SWAG. Click here to grab yours. 

Planning on heading to the show? Be sure to find the best Rascal Flatts lyrics for all of your Instagram captions here.

For a full list of tour dates, visit RascalFlatts.com and make sure you’re following @NYCOUNTRYSWAG on Instagram, so you don’t miss any upcoming announcements, ticket giveaways and more.

 

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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 Swag Session: Tenille Townes

Tenille Townes

Last week we hosted Tenille Townes for a Swag Session and the incredible singer-songwriter took time to share the stories behind “Jersey on the Wall” and “Somebody’s Daughter”. After her stellar performance, we discussed her latest EP, The Road to the Lemonade Stand as well as the tour that she heads out on this spring.

Watch the full performance and interview below.

To keep up with Tenille Townes follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

For more music from artists we’ve featured during our LIVE Swag Sessions, check out our Sessions Playlist below and give it a follow for updates.

 

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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

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Remember, You’re Not Defined By The Mistakes You’ve Made

Mistakes

“Nobody’s perfect” is something we hear over and over again when we’re growing up. We get constant reassurance that it’s okay to mess up, and comforting reminders that sometimes we’ll fall short of others’ expectations. 

When we’re young, it’s easy to remember that mistakes happen. We brush them off, pick ourselves up and keep going. But for some reason, when we’re older, we hold ourselves to impossible standards.

We refuse to accept when we screw up. We are unable to move past experiences that we wish we had handled differently. We are our own worst critics and are we ruthless.  Somewhere along the way, we decided that it was easier to feel bad than to face the reality that we won’t always do everything right. And we are completely unable to cut ourselves any slack.

But we have to try. So the next time things don’t go as planned, or you’re less than proud of your actions, remember this: 

No matter what you’ve done, or what you’ve been through, you are not your mistakes.

You are not defined by the things you’ve done that you wish you could take back. You are not defined by the things you said that you wish you hadn’t. You are not defined by the chances you didn’t take. Your worth and your purpose exist on a higher level than you can possibly understand at this moment. All you can do is trust. Trust in yourself to learn from your mistakes. Trust the people around you to lift you up when you need an extra hand. Trust the universe that everything works out exactly how it should.  

You are not the only person who has regrets. You are not the only person who wishes they could turn back time. And you are not the only person who feels like the weight of the world is too much sometimes.  

Only you can decide your fate. Only you can remind yourself that you are good enough. And being too hard on yourself is a mistake you can’t take back.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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#WeTheFans: Top 10 Venues to Catch a Show in the United States

We believe that the country music genre has the best fans in the world. Being a New York based outlet, we love representing all things country music in the big apple, but last week, we asked YOU, the fans, some of your favorite spots to catch a live show.

Venues

Photo: Justin Aharoni for NYCountry Swag

Here are the top 10 venues in the U.S. to catch a show, according to the fans!

1. Madison Square Garden
MSG in New York City is one of the most talked about bucket-list item for artists who hope to perform there. For New Yorkers, the venue is in their backyard, but it still is one of the most iconic venues in the world. Some of our NY Country Swag fans, like Jenn T. and Andrea D., agree!

2. Red Rocks Amphitheater
This Colorado venue is one of the most beautiful in the world. Located literally within the Red Rocks mountain, the venue is as beautiful, as it is, fun! The venue was built into the rocks and the landscape, and it is a must for any loyal concert-goer!

3. Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Of course, this Long Island, New York venue makes the list, due to its ideal location on the water, making every summertime show a dream. According to Cherie P., “nothing like listening to a song with some nice guitar when by the water at night.”

4. Staples Center
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, The Staples Center is arguably the west coast’s most iconic venues. Recently, Kane Brown sold out multiple nights there, and we are excited to see what country artist sells out the huge venue next!

5. Grand Ole Opry & Ryman Auditorium
Both the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium are synonymous with country music. Both of the Nashville venues have housed legendary artists for decades, and country fans will never get tired of seeing the unique shows at either venue.

6. Hollywood Bowl
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the oldest and most recognizable venues in the country. The killer scenery paired with the perfect weather makes the venue one of the best places for a show.

7. Radio City Music Hall
Seeing a concert at Radio City Music Hall is truly an out-of-body experience. The intimate, yet ground venue is unlike any other, and if you get a chance to see your favorite artist there, run! Don’t walk!

8. Starland Ballroom
Although New Jersey is full of some great venues, Starland Ballroom is the perfect venue to catch your favorite artist before they inevitably make it big. Susan S. is a big fan of the fun and vibrant venue!

9. Rams Head Live!
According to one of our Twitter followers, Emily C., if you are wanting to see a concert in the Baltimore area, Rams Head Live! is the place to go! The venue is located in the heart of the city and is the perfect venue to catch one of your favorite rising artists. Jimmie Allen is scheduled to play there at the end of this month!

10. Fenway Park
If you want to see a show at a place that is filled with history and stories, look no further than Boston, Massachusetts, Fenway Park. Seeing a show at a baseball stadium is always iconic, but getting to see your favorite country artist sell out an that stadium like Fenway is on another level!

Keep on the look-out for our next question this week on our social media platforms, and let us know what you think! You just might be featured in our next post!

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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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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

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