NYCS First Impression: Clare Bowen Self Titled LP

Clare Bowen

Australian born singer-songwriter and actress, Clare Bowen rose to fame on the popular television show Nashville, where she starred as singer-songwriter Scarlett O’Connor. She is now embarking on the role of a lifetime, braving the music industry as herself, emerging as her own artist in her breathtaking debut self-titled record.

Bowen’s latest project features eleven tracks, all produced by Josh Kaufman, with an all-star crew of collaborators contributing to the songwriting process, such as Lori McKenna and Nathan Chapman. Bowen also created many of the tracks alongside her husband, Brandon Robert Young. The record relies on the imaginative lyrics, story-telling aspects, and Bowen’s incredible vocal delivery.

It beings with her debut solo single, “Let It Rain,” a whimsical story about getting through and persevering after experiencing heartbreak. The story of resilience is evident throughout the mid-tempo song and stands out even more in the music video, which premiered months prior. “Tide Rolls In,” although more upbeat and theatrical, is another track off the album that features the same message, confronting adversity with resilience and letting life ebb and flow as it should.

Bowen continues captivating listeners with her enchanting voice throughout all of the songs on her record; however, the slower-tempo, more lyrically-driven songs prove to be her sweet spot. The folk-infused track, “All The Beds I’ve Made” creates empowering imagery, as she sings about wanting to stay in bed forever with her love. Although a seemingly simple concept, it’s relatable, yet intricate. The songstress’ husband lends his voice to the track too, which adds to its unique beauty.

Similarly, “Grace of God & You” showcases Bowen’s vocal ability yet again. The song focuses on the importance of God and love. She sings “all I need is the grace of God and you,” a beautiful sentiment that comes across powerfully. In “Sweet William,” Bowen channels her inner Regina Specktor, once again delivering a mesmerizing track with a simple melody. She sings about lost love in the simplistically striking song.

Adding some depth to her record, Bowen shines on the unexpectedly catchy “Lijah & The Shadow.” The bluegrass-inspired track embodies a sultry flavor, while still painting a picture for the listener. Sonically similar, “Little By Little,” encourages fans to take it one step at a time, reminding people “to take that leap of faith / you’ve got what it takes / we’ve only just begun.”

Finally, Bowen’s self-titled project ends with “Warrior,” which is arguably the most poignant song on her record. It’s both a tearjerker and empowering, packing a quiet punch with every lyric. The song was inspired by Bowen’s experience with childhood cancer but can be uplifting for anyone who is going through something difficult.

The singer exclaims in the impactful chorus, “They’ll call you a hero, guardian angel, one in a million who didn’t stand a chance / call you a survivor / say you’re a fighter / turned this battle into a dance / warrior, warrior.”  Her determination and sheer will to survive through the trials and tribulations life throws at you make this one of the most impressive songs on the entire LP.

Although she may not fit the ever-growing country music ‘mold,” Bowen is a force to be reckoned with. As long as she continues to have something to say, we’ll continue to listen and be inspired, as other fans are sure to do as well.

Bowen will play a string of shows across the United States to celebrate the release of her new LP. She stops at the City Winery in New York City on July 29th. For tickets and more information, head to clarebowenofficial.com.

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

Clare Bowen 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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King Calaway Releases “Seven Bridges Road” Featuring Ricky Skaggs

King Calaway Ricky Skaggs

Last month, our favorite country boy band, King Calaway joined forces with country music hall of fame member, Ricky Skaggs on none other than the Grand Ole Opry stage to sing an epic rendition of The Eagles classic “Seven Bridges Road.” Today they dropped a live recorded version of the song across all streaming platforms, marking their first new track, since the release of their stripped-down version of their debut single “World For Two” and their original track, “No Matter What.”

After being called ‘The Eagles Meets One Direction’ by Billboard, it is only fitting that the group sings an Eagles jam. The cover is a refreshing take on the classic rock song. The boys of King Calaway give the track new life, adding a bluegrass-inspired vibe to the song. Just like on their debut self-titled EP, King Calaway truly shines with their heavenly harmonies and unique musical arrangements. Each member of the group plays multiple instruments, and they all sing! On “Seven Bridges Road,” their drummer, Chris Deaton even has a solo, while Austin Luther plays an impressive stand-up bass.

Check out the live performance below.

After getting to know King Calaway and witnessing their magic at an exclusive NYCountry Swag showcase back in January, we are truly excited about their future success. The singers have already opened for the iconic Garth Brooks, performed at CMA Fest, and made their television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

King Calaway will be touring all summer, playing their own gigs and radio events, as well as, opening for successful musicians, such as Rascal Flatts. Go to kingcalaway.com for a full list of tour dates and more information. Don’t forget to keep checking our calendars to see if the band plays a show near us soon!

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

“Seven Bridges Road” 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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NYCS First Impression: Lacy Cavalier ‘k’ i’m done’

Lacy Cavalier K Im Done

At only 22 years old, Lacy Cavalier is a young country artist who certainly isn’t here to play around. Having known that she was made to perform her entire life, the release of her newest EP k i’m done certainly has the potential to gain her the attention and following that her honest, relatable and badass lyrics deserve.

k i’m done features 6 songs that have a pop-country feel and showcase her heart, independence, God-given talent, while at the same time promoting female empowerment. These songs are the type that you will want to blast in your car after a break-up to remind yourself who you are and give you the strength it takes to move on, while at the same time provide you with Instagram selfie captions and lyrics to post for days.

The lyrics of these songs are not only relatable but are very reflective of our society and common views on dating in 2019, something that many people have found almost impossible. Cavalier’s intentions were definitely not to write your average country love song, but to share her stories and feelings in a raw and realistic way, while at the same time displaying her passion and seriously incredible vocal range.

Through songs like “Distraction”, “Cheating on U” and “Single” she shares her experiences of leaving a toxic relationship only to see that person get into another relationship immediately after and dump their problems on someone else. “I been taking my time but you took no time to get back to your game”, she sings in “Single”.

In the track released last week, “Tea”, Cavalier is giving a subtle heads up to her ex’s new love interest, letting them know how awful the guy really is. “Let me serve you some tea, he ain’t what you think”, she sings. And in “Dumbest Thing”, she gets real about accidentally contacting someone who you know you shouldn’t only to realize how ridiculous your thoughts were the next morning, something many of us have experienced first hand.

Last, but certainly not least, “Blue Suede Couch” will have you wanting to listen to her story about a past relationship on repeat for her exceptional vocals on this track. The songstress reminisces from an old couch that has seen the good times and the hard times throughout the story.

She’s soulful, honest and engaging and this 6 song project certainly tells her story and will have you wanting to be her best friend and make you feel bad for anyone who has wronged her in the past. The combination and blending of R&B, pop and country storytelling will definitely encourage repeat spins of k i’m done.

To keep up with Lacy Cavalier, follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

k i’m done 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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Nick Wayne Releases Next Single “I Knew It Was You”

Nick Wayne I Knew It Was You

Nashville’s remarkably talented singer-songwriter Nick Wayne released his newest song “I Knew It Was You” today from his soon to be completed album, Coffee Black. It is no surprise that Wayne’s meticulous crafting of story-telling is second to none in this latest song. “I Knew It Was You” is an upbeat love song about being absolutely sure you’ve met the person you are going to spend the rest of your life with.

Wayne, a lyrical genius tells a vulnerable story about meeting someone and falling in love without any hesitation. He describes this in the very first verse of the song, singing, “There was something in the air, something in your eyes, something in the static, on that night, coming through the speakers like God himself, before that green-lit clock on the dash hit 12.” His soulful voice paired with concise well-defined lyrics are infectious, especially in the chorus as he sings, “I knew it was you, knew it was love looking back now I don’t know what it was, but I knew it was more than just that night in that gold F-150, more than just a Friday night another couple kids kissing – in the rain, under the stars, tattooing your name all over my heart. It’s hard to explain how there was no second-guessing, no maybes, I know it sounds crazy, but I knew it was you.”

Wayne has been releasing songs throughout the year in a very unique way under two different projects: Coffee Black and Bourbon Neat. By the end of the year, he will have released an entire album worth of material. “I Knew It Was You” is his latest after releasing “Maybe I Do” under Coffee Back and “Drink” under Bourbon Neat. Wayne brings a new refreshing voice to country music, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the remaining songs for each of the albums.

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

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

Full Lyrics of “I Knew It Was You” below.

“I KNEW IT WAS YOU”

There was something in the air
something in your eyes
something in the static
on that night
Coming through the speakers
Like God himself
before that green lit clock on the dash hit twelve
I knew it was you, knew it was love
Looking back now, I don’t know what it was
But I knew it was more than just that 99 gold F150
More than just a Friday night another couple kids kissing
In the rain, under the stars
tattooing your name all over my heart
It’s hard to explain how there was no second guessin, no maybes
I know it sounds crazy but I knew it was you
Maybe I was stupid
Maybe I was young
But in that moment
I knew you were the one
I was so certain,
I called my mom the next day,
Said I made up my mind and it still ain’t changed
I knew it was you
I knew it was more than just that 99 gold F150

More than just a Friday night another couple kids kissing

 

     

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Renee Blair Questions Her Perfect Man in “Girlfriend”

Renee Blair Girlfriend

Renee Blair signed a publishing deal with SMACK in 2017 and has been on the rise ever since. Writing hits including “Better Off” and “Gotta Quit Drinking,” Blair is gaining recognition where it is due. Opening for the legendary Willie Nelson and others as well as labelmate Walker Hayes, Michael Ray, Billy Currington, Mitchell Tenpenny and more. Blair visited us earlier this year for a Swag Session as well as a Swag Spotlight the year before. She has been on our radar for a while now and we know that her new song is going to impress.

Over the last two months, the “Better Off” singer has been hinting at new music and lyrics like “why you gotta be perfect” and “I don’t want to wait my turn,” leaving fans what the new single could be about. She shared on Instagram earlier this week that she “met the perfect guy. I thought he was the one, but he had one flaw, he had a GIRLFRIEND.” And just like that, her latest hit song was announced!

Released today, July 12th, the new single was written by Blair with Matt McGinn and Jordan Schmidt will bring a summer heat to your playlist. Her blend of country and R&B makes for such a unique style that invites everyone to sing and dance. In the song, she keeps asking herself questions like “why you gotta be breaking my heart before we even start?” and “what are you trying to do to me?” The track is relatable for anyone wishing that someone was single and not taken, it’s is something we have all felt a time or two, making it the perfect situation to write about. Although Blair puts a twist on what could be a somber song and turns it into an upbeat jam. We have seen photos of her in the studio this year and are hoping for more tunes to add to our summer playlist soon!

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

“Girlfriend” 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.

Full Lyrics of “GIRLFRIEND” below. 

Why your eyes got to be my favorite shade of blue and why you keep on looking at me like that
Why does nobody else make me feel the way you do? Cuz the only thing I’m thinking right now is damn
CHORUS
WHY YOU GOTTA HAVE A GIRLFRIEND
WHY YOU GOTTA BE TAKEN
WHY YOU GOTTA BE BREAKING MY HEART
BEFORE WE EVEN START
WHY YOU GOTTA BE PERFECT
WHAT YOU TRYIN’A DO TO ME
WHY YOU GOTTA BE ALL THAT I WANT
LET ME SAY IT AGAIN LET ME SAY IT AGAIN
TAG: WHY YOU GOTTA HAVE A GIRLFRIEND
WHY YOU GOTTA WHY YOU GOTTA YEAH YEAH (repeat tag)
Verse 2
God I wish that I could just go back and meet you first cuz I’m dying to know how good it is kissing you
Every minute I keep getting more jealous of her
I wanna do everything she gets to do
CHORUS REPEAT
BRIDGE
Why can’t you be single why you gotta be with her I just wanna have you I don’t wanna wait my turn why you gotta have a girlfriend (repeat)

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New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 7/12/19

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

This weekend we’ve got new music from Kenny Chesney, Nick Wayne, Lacy Cavalier, Renee Blair, Chris Young ft. Lauren Alaina, Clare Bowen and so much more Dylan Scott, newcomer Twinnie and a very cool collaboration with Ed Sheeran, Christ Stapleton, and Bruno Mars.

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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Swag Sessions Featuring Runaway June

New York Country Swag caught up with the ladies of Runaway June during one of our Live Swag Sessions. We first featured the trio last August before their EP was available and the same week that they had announced they would be joining Carrie Underwood and Maddie & Tae on tour. Today, they have released a full-length debut album, Blue Roses and they just finished the first leg of the Cry Pretty 360 Tour.

After they performed their top 13 single “Buy My Own Drinks” and the title track, “Blue Roses” the trio talked with our Managing Editor, Christina about the Carrie Underwood Tour and all about the inspiration behind the emotional title track.

Watch the full Swag Session above and take a listen to Blue Roses here. For more about Runaway June check out our very first Swag Session with the ladies from last August and our most recent interview at Taste of Country Music Festival 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.

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

 

 

 

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Kassi Ashton & Her Girl Gang Dance In “Field Party” Official Music Video

Kassi Ashton Field Party

Photo Credit: Kristin Barlowe

One of our 2019 Artists to Watch and 6 Rising Females Who Will Make Country Radio Pay Attention, Kassi Ashton continues to impress with her sultry voice and compelling lyrics make her stand out in a crowded field of country stars. The singer/songwriter signed to UMG Nashville in conjunction with Interscope records is this genre’s new upcoming queen. Her newest music video to her song, “Field Party,” definitely cements her as a powerful new artist to keep on your radar.

The video stays true to its title, as it depicts a true country field party, with Ashton and friends partying and having the time of their lives out in an open field. They’re dancing, singing, and overall having an awesome time, making viewers want to get in on the action. This smooth and soulful song is perfect to add to any summer party playlist, no matter the size or the location. Anyone who listens to this song or watches the music video will want to shake in their boots!

The song even ends with the perfect opportunity to show off your dance moves, with the lyrics “Step to the left (Oh no) / Pop it out to the right (Pop it out, pop it) /Make ’em shake in their boots, girl.” Ashton and her girl gang demonstrate this easy but catchy dance that you and your friends could certainly learn and do at your next country tailgate.

This summer party song will definitely make any event more fun and the video will make anyone want to drop what they’re doing and throw a field party with all of their best friends. Ashton surely knows how to have a great time and is staying true to her California, Missouri roots even while she is pursuing her music career in Nashville.

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

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10 Of The Best Country Music Girl Power Anthems

Girl Power Anthem

Country music is known for a lot of things: relatable lyrics, rich storytelling, and incredible artists. Among many of these artists that have helped the genre to thrive and reach new listeners, young and old, are a variety of powerhouse women. Whether they’re singing about love and heartbreak or killing comparison and chasing their dreams, we’re always ready to listen. Here are 10 of our favorite girl power anthems that have been released in the last few years:

“GIRL” – Maren Morris

The title track of Morris’ sophomore album is emotional yet upbeat. She reminds women everywhere that it’s natural to feel insecure, but at the same time, that they don’t have to fall prey to their insecurities and tear other women down in the process. “There’s enough to go around,” she sings.

 

“Miss Me More” – Kelsea Ballerini

What’s sassier than telling your ex-boyfriend that you don’t miss him at all? That you miss your old self more. But Ballerini isn’t just sassy on this post-breakup tune, she’s also confident, mature, and determined to move forward. As she sings, she’s “found [her] independence” and she’s never sacrificing it again.

 

“Cry Pretty” – Carrie Underwood

Carrie grabs her listener’s ear and heart on this confessional track from her sixth studio album of the same name. Pain is never pretty, but it’s an inevitable part of life and Carrie delivers vocals that hit just when they need to. One of her most relatable tracks for sure.

 

Country singer and ‘Travelers’ actress MacKenzie Porter shuts down flaky guys who just don’t want to commit in this playful bop full of clever one-liners. “I’m sorry, we’re closed. Come again never,” she says in a spoken vocal right before the final chorus.

 

“Wasting All These Tears” – Cassadee Pope

Cassadee Pope mourns the end of lost love, though not for long on this song from her first album, Frame by Frame. With a chorus that feels larger than life, the singer-songwriter is in control of both her vocals and her narrative. Her ex isn’t worth another tear.

 

“No Saint” – Lauren Jenkins

Country newcomer, Lauren Jenkins combines raw storytelling with a palpable rasp and shares her struggle with forgiving an ex-lover on “No Saint.” Admitting one’s flaws is never easy, but she embraces them, singing, “I don’t want to hate you/Heaven says I need to forgive you/But I ain’t no saint.” Check out a live performance of this one during our Swag Session with Lauren Jenkins. 

 

“A Little Bit Stronger” – Sara Evans

When a woman gets her heart broken, she can do one of two things: let it destroy her or let it make her stronger. Sara Evans chooses the latter and produces one of the most optimistic post-breakup tracks to date.

 

“Fly” – Maddie & Tae

Chasing one’s dreams is always scary, but Maddie & Tae refuse to be ruled by fear on “Fly” as the duo harmonize perfectly on this track from their first album, Start Here.

 

“Girl Goin’ Nowhere” – Ashley McBryde

No matter who you are or what you do, you’ll always be met with critics of some sort. Ashley McBryde discredits hers on “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” She’s living her dream in spite of their cynicism and letting them know all about it.

 

“I’ve Done Love” – Jana Kramer

For Jana Kramer, love is stronger than a drug-induced high on this tune about the often tumultuous nature of relationships. “It ain’t a thrill inside a pill that makes a junkie out of me,” she sings.

For more of our favorite Female Empowerment, Girl Power Anthems check out our Spotify playlist below.

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NYCS First Impression: Twinnie “Social Babies”

Twinnie

Girl power within country music is in full force in 2019 and is not going anywhere in the near future. Seeing women in a predominantly male-based genre creates a great balance in country music, and country star Twinnie Lee Moore is a prime example of women taking over. Twinnie is an England television actress turned to a blend of country-pop perfection which can be heard through her March EP, Better When I’m Drunk. She definitely is one to watch this upcoming year with her latest release, “Social Babies.”

“Better When I’m Drunk” is the title of this EP, the first track on this release, and is a happy hour breakup song that it could make anybody want to dance and sing-along. The catchy pop styled lines such as, “Just when I think I’ve had enough/Then that bartender lines them up” and “I like you better when I’m drunk/ Better intoxicated” combined with the country style instrumentals really instills a party feel. In contrary to “Better When I’m Drunk” and its happy hour upbeat vibe Twinnie gives fans a ballad to show a different side of her artistry. Combined with its lyrics regarding relationship issues and her beautiful vocals it truly can take one’s breath away. “Superhero” depicts a struggling relationship in which not even a personified superhero could help fix. Twinnie then continues this illustration of such a relationship when she sings, “I thought I was unstoppable but you paralyzed me.” The way she uses physicality (much like the strength a superhero would have) to show how this other party in the relationship treated her sends a strong message to her audience and makes for an emotional ballad. The last song on Twinnie’s EP called “Type of Girl” strengthens her girl power persona even more! It gives a peek into her as a person in an upbeat optimistic way.

In addition to a 2019 EP Twinnie recently released her new single “Social Babies.” While this song has a catchy chorus and makes listeners want to singalong it expresses the struggles of social platforms nowadays. Twinnie sings “Remember back then when we were young/ Everything was simple and games were fun.” to show that before the perfect Instagram picture or status update was necessary to everyday life their lives were much easier. She also includes lyrics that illustrate how society views people and the need to look perfect for social platforms at all times when she sings about her aviators in the chorus. The concept of “Social Babies” is such a great idea to produce into a song especially because the entertainment industry is heavily influenced by social media.

While England may seem far away for some American country fans Twinnie Lee Moore is not going anywhere when it comes to country music. Her fresh voice, pop beats, and country instrumentals really define her as an artist and help blend her into a phenomenal musician.

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

“Social Babies” and Better When I’m Drunk EP are now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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