Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris & Natalie Hemby Are The Highwomen

Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby joined forces to compose an all-female, indomitable group entitled The Highwomen. The quartet released its first, fiery track as a group, “Redesigning Women” on July 19th, as well as an accompanying music video, in anticipation of their awaited album dropping September 6th via Low Country Sound/Elektra Records.

“Redesigning Women” is constituted of well blended harmonies and lip depicts the celebration of womanhood and the expectations about females condoned by society. This powerhouse female country supergroup expresses the need to break those normalities, while in doing so, challenge country radio to welcome more female acts. They sing: “Redesigning women / Runnin’ the world while we’re cleanin’ up the kitchen / Makin’ bank, shakin’ hands, drivin’ 80 / Tryna get home just to feed the baby / Skippin’ the bread for the butter / Changin’ our minds like we change our hair color / Yeah, ever since the beginning / We’ve been redesigning women”

“Redesigning Women” is the life most women are living today. We juggle so much in 24 hours and I wanted to write a song that reflected the goodness, the madness and the hilarity of it all,” Hemby said of the track in a press release.

The Elizabeth Olmstead directed video welcomed the help of a multitude of female country music artists such as Cassadee Pope, Cam, Kassi Ashton, Lauren Alaina, Wynonna Judd, Tanya Tucker and more.

The four singer-songwriters already have successful careers of their own. Maren Morris is a Grammy-winning country music recording artist with two studio albums under her belt. Singles such as “My Church” “Rich” “80s Mercedes” “I Can Use A Love Song” And “GIRL” have placed high on the charts. Brandi Carlile is a seven-time Grammy Award-winning Americana recording artist with successful albums such as The Story, a six-time Grammy-nominated album, By The Way, I Forgive You, and one time nominated The Firewatcher’s Daughter. Amanda Shires is an American singer-songwriter who performed with acts like Jason Isbell and the 400, and the duo Rod Picott. Lastly, Natalie Hemby is an American country singer-songwriter who has written songs for Toby Keith, Eli Young Band, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and even penned the song “Always Remember Us This Way” from the critically acclaimed film, A Star Is Born.

The Highwomen are gearing up to release their debut full-length album on September 6th which is produced by Dave Cobb and will feature a song co-written by Miranda Lambert.

To keep up with The Highwomen on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Redesigning Women” 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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Full Tracklist Below

1. Highwomen (written by Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Jimmy Webb)
2. Redesigning Women (written by Natalie Hemby, Rodney Clawson)
3. Loose Change (written by Maren Morris, Maggie Chapman, Daniel Layus)
4. Crowded Table (written by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna)
5. My Name Can’t Be Mama (written by Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires)
6. If She Ever Leaves Me (written by Amanda Shires, Jason Isbell, Chris Thompkins)
7. Old Soul (written by Maren Morris, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz)
8. Don’t Call Me (written by Amanda Shires, Peter Levin)
9. My Only Child (written by Natalie Hemby, Amanda Shires, Miranda Lambert)
10. Heaven Is A Honky Tonk (written by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Ray LaMontagne)
11. Cocktail And A Song (written by Amanda Shires)
12. Wheels Of Laredo (written by Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)

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7 Reasons Not To Miss Tenille Townes’ Opening Slot On Dierks Bentley’s Tour

Written by Erica Zisman and Brianna Vacca

Tenille Townes

Columbia Nashville recording artist, Tenille Townes is proving her staying power this year, through her unique and inspiring music. As we eagerly await her debut record, Townes has released songs that show her diversity and range as an artist, including, “I Kept The Roses,” “Somebody’s’ Daughter,” and “White Horse.” Currently, she is on tour with superstar Dierks Bentley as part of his 2019 Burning Man Tour.

Here at NY Country Swag, we know how talented the songstress is, which is why we featured her in a Swag Spotlight session last May. However, for those of you on the fence that need some convincing to head into the venue early, we’ve compiled a list of five reasons not to miss her set when the tour comes our area twice, first at PNC Bank Arts Center this Friday, July 26th and second to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on August 2nd.

1. She’s Already A Pro.
Townes has toured with some elite country artists, such as Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town during the Bandwagon Tour last summer. Additionally, the singer-songwriter has sung duets with both Dierks Bentley and Donovan Woods, proving that she can hold her own with the best of them.

2. To Support Female Country Artists.
One of the reasons you need to get there early to see Townes’ sure to be incredible set is to support female country artists. Oftentimes tours tend to be a boy’s club, so it’s important for fans to show their admiration and excitement for a female opening act. This may help to open the door for more talented female country artists to get opening and headlining slots on a nation-wide tour, such as this one.

3. She’s A Rising Female Powerhouse

“Somebody’s Daughter” singer has accomplished a lot in her short run. Spending nearly a decade commuting between Alberta and Nashville, the up-and-comer was nominated at just 17 for a Canadian Country Music Award for Female Artist of the Year. A few years later she is a 2019 CMT’s Next Women of Country class member, Bobby Bones Show’s Class of 2019 member, iHeartCountry’s ‘On The Verge’ artist and Grand Ole Opry alumni.

4. To Hear New Music.
With her debut album in the works, there is a good chance concertgoers may get a sneak peek at some new, unreleased music by Townes. It’s always special to be amongst a select group of fans, who get to hear new songs before they’re recorded and released. Not to mention, you’ll be able to snag that coveted front row spot in the pit, as you jam out to her entertaining set.

5. She Gives Back.
Although Townes is a special talent in country music, she is also an especially good human. The singer-songwriter prides herself on her philanthropy and participation with charities and agencies that believe in doing good. She partners with the organization ‘BigHearts for Big Kid’s which aims to change the lives of the youth in impoverished communities. More recently, Townes partnered with Girl Scouts of America, where she even recorded a new version of her song “Somebody’s Daughter” with a troop from Tennessee. Hear the collaboration below.

6. Her Songs Will Make You Feel.
Townes has the unique ability to make you feel so many different emotions through her music with just a simple guitar, a beautiful voice, and captivating lyrics. In the hard-hitting “Jersey on the Wall,” the Alberta native confronts God and presents him with pithy questions. The most hauntingly potent, “If you got your hands on everything that happens, then why couldn’t you stop that car from crashing?” tears your world apart when liberated from Nashville’s newest voice. While “Somebody’s Daughter” humanizes homelessness and adds a name and story to a girl who doesn’t usually get that recognition, in “White Horse” she sings about the power of positive self-worth.  Townes will make you root for her, sing along, and feel heard and understood, all because of her music.

7. You May Even Catch Her Getting Pranked

Dierks Bentley is notorious for construing ‘beginning of the tour’ pranks and Townes heard through the grapevine about this little festivity. She braced herself for an initiation antic, but it never happened. Country music tours are sworn in at this point to continue the trend. Who knows, Bentley might throw a curveball in his ritual at the NJ/NY shows.

Make sure you get their early to see Townes’ sure to be killer set! If you don’t have your tickets yet grab them here for PNC Bank Arts Center this Friday, July 26th and for Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on August 2nd.

To keep up with Tenille Townes follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and check out her full catalog below.

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Morgan Wallen Chats About “Chasin’ You” Before His Set on Long Island

Morgan Wallen Interview

This past weekend was one of the hottest days of the summer so far, however, Morgan Wallen was excited to play for his New York fans. Prior to taking the stage the “Whiskey Glasses” singer talked with New York Country Swag about his single “Up Down” hitting the top spot on the charts, his new song “Chasin’ You” and being on tour with Florida Georgia Line. Watch the full interview below and to check out our interview with Wallen from November 2017, click here.

For the recap of the ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour’ featuring HARDY, Canaan Smith, Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay, and Florida Georgia Line click here. 

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

“Chasin’ You” is 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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Jon Pardi Releases Next Track From New LP “Me and Jack”

Jon Pardi Me And Jack

Photo Credit: Jim Wright

“Me and Jack,” released last Friday (July 19th), has Jon Pardi conveying the troubles of a different kind of drinking song. Unlike Pardi’s usual persona of feel-good, dance songs, the deterioration of an inhumane love interest is addressed, leaving the Dixon, California native apologizing for placing faith in the friendship in the first place. This rowdy, turbulent, guitar-thumping track depicts Pardi’s chagrined relation with none other than Jack Daniels, to be specific. “Heartache on the Dance Floor” singer naively portrays the start of such friendship. He sings, “When I was just eighteen, I met the man in black / He said, ‘Jon it’s nice to meet you, my name is Jack / We hung out all the time, we became good friends / We ran around, we hit the town every damn weekend”

Pardi soon learned the hard way that the bad behavior derived from excess drinking rooted in this Johnny Cash inspired aria is not celebrated and cheered, but bemoaned. As dark as this subject can be, Capitol Nashville recording artist still humorizes while honoring his commitment to the steel guitar, and traditional country homage. He notes this friendship got him dumped, fired and even a spot in jail. Pardi jokes that upon his release from jail, he will return to the liquor store to buy an off-brand bottle of whiskey.

“Me and Jack don’t get along no more / He’s high up on the shelf while I’m lyin’ on the floor / He makes me do things I’ve never done before // He makes me cuss, he makes me fight / Don’t know what I did last night / Should’ve left his ass at the liquor store / Naw, me and Jack don’t get along no more”

The ACM/CMA nominated recording artist co-wrote “Me and Jack” with Rhett Atkins, Luke Laird and Bart Butler. It’s the latest single following “Ain’t Always The Cowboy” off of Pardi’s highly anticipated album Heartbreak Medication out on September 27th. Following the release of Heartbreak Medication, Pardi will embark on a fall tour kicking off at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

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

“Me and Jack” 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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Lauren Akins and Thomas Rhett Announce Third Baby and It’s A GIRL!

After trying to conceive with no success, Lauren Akins and Thomas Rhett made the decision to adopt a beautiful baby from Uganda. During the adoption process, Akins found out she in fact was expecting and just months after they welcomed Willa Gray to the United States and into their home, Ada James was born. Now the couple who is totally #RelationshipGoals just announced they will be “paying for three weddings” and having another baby girl at the beginning of 2020.

Both Akins and Rhett shared on social media this morning the big news with pictures of both of their daughters gracefully touching their momma’s belly and their reaction when they found out it was a baby girl. Akins also shared in her caption on Instagram: “We decided we didn’t have enough princess dresses around the house so we’re adding another Akins baby girl to the family early next year despite Thomas Rhett’s initial shock (swipe to see video) we are absolutely over the moon for our baby girl! Our girls cannot wait to meet their little sister Willa Gray prays for her every night (heart in a puddle every time) & she and Ada James love to touch my belly and talk to her-especially bc I’ve been showing since I was SEVEN weeks.”

Congratulations to the adorable family! Fans can catch Thomas Rhett on his Very Hot Summer Tour with Rhett Akins, Russell Dickerson, and Dustin Lynch first at PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey on August 3rd then at Madison Square Garden on September 20th.

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Tenille Townes Makes TODAY Show Debut & Performs “Somebody’s Daughter”

This morning one of our Swag Spotlights, Tenille Townes made her Today Show debut by performing her single “Somebody’s Daughter” during the 3rd hour of the show. Before her beautiful performance, Townes talked to cohosts Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer about her recent collaboration with The Girl Scouts of Middle Tennesee, Troop 6000. “It was an honor to have these girls sing on this song, their voices were one of the most beautiful sounds coming through those headphones,” she explained. “These girls live without permanent housing, and to have them get to come and earn their musician badge, and watch their courage was so inspiring to me, it was an incredible day.”

They also reminisced on when Townes was 9-year-old and Shania Twain a fellow Canadian brought her up on stage to sing. She then went on to perform the song about a homeless woman she sees standing on a street corner. The track is a powerful message and the upbeat tempo keeps you engaged. Townes’ passionate performance definitely garnered her many new fans that were watching from home.  Watch their conversation and her performance below from The Artist’s Lounge.

For more on Tenille Townes and other rising female artists we are loving, check out our piece about 6 Rising Female Artists Who Are Making Country Radio Pay Attention. 

And for the new collaboration featuring The Girl Scouts of Middle TN, Troop 6000, watch the lyric video below.

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

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Nicolle Galyon Starts All Female Label ‘Songs & Daughters’ & Signs Madison Kozak

 

Announced yesterday, songwriter Nicolle Galyon who has written songs like “Tequila” for Dan + Shay, “Automatic” for Miranda Lambert and “Boy” for Lee Brice will be the head of a brand new label in Nashville, Songs & Daughters. Big Loud Records out of Nashville is partnering with Galyon on this new imprint to sign rising female artists.

“It’s been nine months of keeping a secret and basically speaking in code about this idea,” Galyon tells Billboard. “Songs & Daughters is a female-focused record label, but even bigger than that, what [we’re] building is a brand: a music house for female creatives. It’s a way for me to use my platform and pass the baton onto the next generation of songwriters and artists. I want to create something that didn’t exist when I came to Nashville 17 years ago.”

Her first signee, Madison Kozak is a 22-year-old who just graduated Belmont University and already has a publishing deal with Big Loud Shirt.  We first featured Kozak’s track “Graduation Day” as our Managing Editors Pick of the Month for May. Her official first single, “First Last Name” will be sent to country radio this upcoming Monday, July 26th. Take a listen below.

“The mission is that we nurture both the art, which is the song, and the artist, which is the daughter. The person is just as important to me as the product,” Galyon states in Billboard. “I want to work with Madison specifically because she already has her lane. She knows who she is. I’m not really here to develop someone.”

Galyon, a mom of two (Charlie and Ford) shared last night at the label launch party: “My role at this company is technically label head, but for me, in my heart, this is just an extension of something I already am, and that’s a mother.” As a women-run company, we here at NYCountry Swag are excited to see rising female artists emerge from this new label and can’t wait to see all of the new talent it breeds.

To keep up with the new label follow Songs & Daughters on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Florida Georgia Line Bring The Heat & An Incredible Line Up to Long Island, NY

The 95-degree weather did not stop Long Island’s country music fans from coming to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Saturday night to see the Can’t Say I Ain’t Country tour containing its star-studded lineup of HARDY, Canaan Smith, Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay and headliners, Florida Georgia Line.

HARDY Florida Georgia Line Tour

HARDY was first up. His 15-minute set included songs such as “4X4”, “ALL SHE LEFT WAS ME” and his break-out hit, “REDNECKER”. HARDY also performed Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country”, a song which he wrote for Shelton with Devin Dawson and Jordan Schmidt. The song has been number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart for the past two weeks.

Canaan Smith Florida Georgia Line Tour

Canaan Smith performed in between sets. The singer-songwriter released his first studio album Bronco in 2015 which featured “Love You Like That”; a track that hit number one on the Country Airplay chart and was certified platinum. He performed that one along with some of his new, unreleased music, including “Country Boy Things”, “Poor Decisions” and “Beer Drinking Weather”.

Morgan Wallen Florida Georgia Line Tour

Morgan Wallen, who came out wearing his signature cut-sleeve plaid shirt and rocking his long, flowing mullet, began his set with three up-beat, drinking songs in “Whatcha Know ‘Bout That”, “Happy Hour” and his number one, certified platinum smash hit “Up Down”. After performing his first single “The Way I Talk”, Wallen slowed it down and sang “Chasin’ You”, his next single to country radio. “Life ain’t always a party….sometimes life sucks a little bit, you know? I think music is supposed to get you through the partying and through the times that piss you off.” Wallen closed his set with “If I Know Me”, the title track off his debut album and then a crowd favorite “Whiskey Glasses”. Everyone in the audience was singing along to his most recent number one hit, which warmed up the fans for the next act, Dan + Shay.

Check out our interview with Morgan just before he hit the stage in the video below.

Dan + Shay performed seven songs from their self-titled third album in their eleven song set. The Grammy-winning duo began with four of them including “Alone Together”, “All To Myself”, “What Keeps You Up at Night” and “Make or Break”.  “We got the hottest day in New York at Jones Beach and we appreciate you coming out early” Dan Smyers admired the lively audience. “We saw you guys in the parking lot, getting s**t started. From the minute we walked on stage, left to right, front to back, all the way up in the bleachers…you’ve been on your feet. Jones Beach, thank you so much! We love you, we love you, we love you!”

 The 2019 ACM and Billboard country duo of the year covered all three albums through the next four songs: “Nothing Like You” from 2014’s Where It All Began, “Keeping Score” from Dan + Shay and “From the Ground Up” and “How Not To” from 2016’s Obsessed.  Before “Speechless” a computerized voice instructed the fans to take out the flashlights on their phones for the next song. The crowd lit up Jones Beach as Smyers and Shay Mooney performed their award-winning ballad.

After “19 You + Me”, Smyers addressed the audience again, praising the energy they brought to the set. “The next three and a half minutes could be the loudest of the whole tour. Can we make it happen?” The duo performed their triple-platinum, Grammy award-winning, ACM Single and Song of the Year, “Tequila” to close the set and get the fans ready for the headliners, Florida Georgia Line.

Florida Georgia Line Tour

When the curtains came down the fans were exposed to the decorative stage put together by the FGL crew. The country duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley were sitting on ATVs with a barn displayed on the screen behind them and an inflatable wood silo/water tower prop with “FGL” written on it; fitting the Can’t Say I Ain’t Country theme. Five of FGL’s first seven songs were from their new album, including “Colorado”, “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country”, “Y’all Boys”, “Speed of Love” and “Can’t Hide Red”. “Cruise and “Confession” were featured in between. Before “Speed of Love”, the silo was taken down to enlarge the screen, which showed highlights of NASCAR races.

Florida Georgia Line, along with The Independence Fund, has been presenting wounded warriors with specialized wheelchairs at each stop of the tour. Saturday night was no different as the duo brought veteran, Kevin Miller of the Army National Guard on the stage after performing “Dirt”. This influenced the crowd to begin a USA chant and instilled patriotism throughout the venue.

After “Anything Goes”, FGL brought Canaan Smith back out to help them sing “Get Your Shine On” from their debut album Here’s To the Good Times. Just like during “Speechless”, the crowd lit up the sky by shining their flashlights to the 2013 party anthem. Hubbard told the fans that people have complained to him about how all of Florida Georgia Line’s songs are about partying, drinking, tailgating, fishing, etc. His response was “Well, hell yeah. What do you want us to sing about? But then we look at those people and say ‘hold on, you must’ve not listened to the new album because you know we did make a baby-making song.’ You know it does work really, really well; twice for me. So be careful with this one, Jones Beach.” “Talk You Out Of It” was next on the setlist.

Hubbard took a seat near the piano to perform the 2017 Billboard top country song and lead single off their third album Dig Your Roots “H.O.L.Y.” Dan + Shay came back out on stage to sing this with FGL, which caused an uproar of the fans. Mooney’s stunning ­­­tenor voice mashed with Hubbard’s southern twang created a beautiful rendition of this award-winning love song. Catch a snippet of the collaboration by clicking here.

After “May We All”, Morgan Wallen came back out on stage to sing “Up Down” again, this time with FGL. The stage went dark for a while when lights descended down from atop the stage, resembling the final scene of the music video for “Simple”; the first of three encore songs the duo performed. Although a New York native, Bebe Rexha was not in attendance for this show so Hubbard asked the crowd if they could sing her part in the 2019 Billboard Top Country Song, “Meant To Be”. “We wanna sing a song that changed our lives and we need you guys to help us out; is that cool?” FGL performed a crowd favorite and four-time platinum, party song, “This Is How We Roll” to end a fun, electrifying night at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. For exclusive videos from the show, head to our Instagram Story Highlights.

The Can’t Say I Ain’t Country tour will head south to Virginia and North Carolina next weekend. For those who live in upstate, NY, the tour will be stopping in Syracuse on August 15th and at Darien Lake on August 24th.

To keep up with Florida Georgia Line and the tour, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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NYCS Swag Spotlight: Sam Williams

Sam Williams

Sam Williams, son of Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of Hank Williams is this week’s Swag Spotlight and we talked all about his legacy and the career path and music he is now creating to carve out his own piece of this music genre. At just 22 years old, Williams has just released a new single, titled “Gemini” which perfectly describes the zodiac sign and all that call it theirs.

Obviously growing up in a famous family, country music was in his blood. His grandfather’s career, though short, is nothing less than legendary and many of the artists that we interview today state that Hank Williams’ music shaped their love for the genre and influenced them. His grandson, however, explains that there wasn’t a jukebox in their home playing his music or his father’s music, that he grew up listening to rap music as well and clearly remembers buying Chris Browns’ debut album. After attending Belmont University to learn more about the industry that he was almost destined to end up in, Williams explains that he appreciates all genres and loves finding new, old music to love. “I have a likening to country music but probably not as much of the modern popular country music,” he tells us. “I love to discover a classic or legendary artist who everyone else knows but since it wasn’t my era, I wasn’t too aware of it. For example, Gillian Welsh, “Look At Miss Ohio” it’s a classic but I don’t really know that song because it wasn’t my time period.” He even explained that just a few months ago he heard his grandpa’s song “Why Shouldn’t We Try Anymore” for the first time and it’s now one of his favorites.

He explains how growing up he had different dreams that didn’t involve music. “When I was 12-13 years old I really wanted to have a sneaker company or something like that. I was also, always very into politics, I think my Dad always thought I was going to do something like that but at the end of the day, I had a voice that was given to me.” Although his grandfather is regarded as one of the most influential artists in country music in his short time on this earth, his legacy, and how he died was something Williams has to come to terms with before making the decision to step into the same industry.

Currently, he listens to everything from Dolly Parton to Billie Eilish, Beyonce, and Drake, and discusses with us that those different genres are crucial to how he is now developing his own sound. His newest single, “Gemini” started out as a poem and has been a song he wrote with fellow songwriter, Jaida Dreyer. “We were getting to know each other and talking in a write one day and she was talking about an idea of straddling a line, something parallel, left and right, right and wrong and I was talking about zodiacs and Gemini’s and how they have 2 personalities.” The twangy guitar along with his rustic voice, “Gemini” is a balance between modern and traditional music.

Williams concludes with his upcoming plans for the rest of the year, gearing up to release a collaboration with an artist he says “we all know and love”. He’s hoping to release an EP by the end of the year.

To keep up with Sam Williams, follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

“Gemini” is 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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NYCS First Impression: Ryan Hurd Panorama EP

Ryan Hurd Panorama

For those who have been fans of Ryan Hurd for years, the Panorama EP is an old-friend they first met years ago. For those of us who are newer fans of Hurd, the EP is a welcomed new release from one of Nashville’s most talented and prominent singer-songwriters.

Originally written and recorded in 2015 when the Michigan native was just starting to make a name for himself, the four-track collection is a celebration of Hurd as both a writer and artist. Each of the EP’s four tracks were co-written by Hurd with a variety of other Nashville heavy-hitters, including Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon, Maren Morris, and the late Andrew Dorff.

He took to Twitter just prior to the release, writing, “Two more things. Even before we were anything romantic, singing with Maren has felt like magic. This was the first thing we ever together that wasn’t demos, and to still get to do it today makes my heart very happy.” He then continued, “The second thing: I grew up with
@aaroneshuis. We started making music together when we were 14. He’s made every recording you’ve ever heard from me and this one is still our favorite.”

Although the EP was initially released four years ago, today marks it’s first wide release. It’s a four-track collection that shows the different sides of Hurd, from the wistful title track to the brooding “Mississippi to Me” and the hopeful “Good As You Think I am” to the darker “I’ll Be the Moon.”

The EP’s titular track is a simple message that everyone needs to hear once in awhile, as he reflects on a moment of tranquility with the person he loves and enjoying the moment. “Laying back on a blanket/ Looking at a blanket way up high/ Between the darkness in the distance/ And the way the whole thing shines,” Hurd sings. “Makes you feel like you see God/ Makes you feel like you’re alive/ For the first time/ Like you were my first time.”

“Mississippi to Me” is a darker cut about loss and a relationship ending, as the singer-songwriter grapples with a breaker. “You don’t want to hurt me/ But you ain’t in love with me.” He reveals on the heartbreaking track. “You’re talking reasons/ but you lost me back at I’m leaving.”

There’s the introspective “Good As You Think I Am,” which was co-written by Dorff and Morris, and reflects on a man trying to live up to what the woman in his life believes he can be. Speaking to Sounds Like Nashville, Hurd revealed, “I think when you see yourself through the lens of someone else’s love it changes you. This song hits me because the melody lives up to the sentiment in the lyrics. As a love song, it’s such an overwhelming realization, trying to become the person that she sees, wanting to live up to the love you’ve been given.”

The EP concludes with the brooding “I’ll Be the Moon,” a song previously released by Dierks Bentley on his 2016 Black album that featured none other than Morris. Hurd’s version here is less produced and more stripped, fully putting the powerfully painful lyrics on full display. Here, he’s a man so in love that he’s willing to settle for being the other man. He’ll take her where can, however, conceding, “I don’t want to be your secret/ But I will if you want me to/ You can leave me in the dark/ If that’s all I get from you/ He can be the sun/ I’ll be the moon.”

In advance of the release, the Michigan native expressed his gratitude to his fans, writing, “I don’t have a much to say tonight except that sometimes life is all about timing. If you’ve been here since the beginning or if it’s brand new to you, thank you for listening to Panorama tonight.”

Earlier this year, Hurd sold out New York City’s Bowery Ballroom, and he spoke to NYCountry Swag a few weeks ago at the Taste of Country Festival at Hunter Mountain. While no local shows are currently announced, Hurd will be joining Old Dominion’s Make It Sweet Tour for much of the rest of 2019.

To see tour dates and more, visit his official website or follow him on FacebookTwitterand Instagram.

Panorama EP is 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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