Up and Coming Female Duo Jill and Kate Release “Better”

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Jill and Kate Better

Here at NYCountry Swag, we love championing new artists and especially love empowering female artists in the industry. Jill and Kate are a talented female country duo that have been in the industry since 2015, best known as former background singers for superstar, Kelly Clarkson but are just now breaking into the more mainstream music scene. With a successful podcast, ‘Girls Just Pod to Have Fun,’ a creative blog, and an impressive Twitter following, the women are primed for success at anything they set their hearts and minds to.

Their new single, “Better” is an intriguing departure from their last single, “Nashville.” While “Nashville” was a heartbreakingly beautiful ballad, “Better” is a more sassy country song laced with pop influences, showing off another side of the duo’s talents and impressive harmonies. Jill and Kate’s new single encourages partnership and community, which is something they tend to preach via their social media account. The ladies believe that life is “better’ together.

Jill and Kate Better

On their Instagram, Jill and Kate shared a picture of their single’s cover art, captioning it, “Doing life alone is not how we think it’s supposed to be. You guys know we are big on community and connection, and we are so pumped to finally be releasing this song “BETTER” about how life is “BETTER” when we do it together! […] Our hope is it brings you joy, hope, and connection….oh and that you can drive around with your windows down while singing along at the top of your lungs!”

The songstresses definitely succeeded with their expectations for the song. It’s definitely a track with catchy lyrics and an upbeat sound that is sure to make you want to turn up the volume and sing along.

“Do it, do it alone / We could do it together / Don’t you think that would be better / Don’t you think that would be better / We’ll do it, do it alone / We could do it together / Don’t you think that would be better / Don’t you think that would be better / Better than being alone / Better than being alone.”

Stay tuned for our Swag Session with Jill and Kate on Monday! Also, the ladies will be performing tonight at Rockwood Music Hall. Grab your tickets here.

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

“Better” 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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Logan Mize Releases Nostalgic “Only In This Town”

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Logan Mize

Kansas country artist Logan Mize is a singer-songwriter, who truly cares about his fans. With a fan-driven EP in the works, coming later this year, and his single “Better Off Gone” climbing the charts, the independent artist is keeping fans excited for more music. Mize delivers on another song, releasing “Only In This Town” today (5/3).

The song features Mize’s unique southern-rock vibe and intriguing vocals. Written by the singer with songwriter Casey Beathard, the lyrics are an ode to Mize’s hometown, but can easily make the listener nostalgic for their own hometown. “Only In This Town” is slated to be one of the five tracks off Mize’s upcoming EP, entitled From The Vault. Each song, including this cut, are tracks that the singer-songwriter has played at shows with his road band. The tracks were recorded later.

The performer credits his tour band for helping him record and finish the track, adding in a recent press release that, “It was mostly my touring band, including the late Derek Wyatt, who passed last year. Derek was the #1 reason I felt comfortable in the studio. He was so uplifting and complimentary to all of our playing but you can hear on the track who was bringing the most energy.”

The track fits in perfectly with what is popular in country music right now, while still having a unique flair to it. The song and Mize’s artistry are unapologetically raw, authentic, and special, making it easy to see why he is successfully breaking down barriers as an independent artist.

“They don’t give a damn / Who I think I am / No they hold my feet to my family name / I’m just one of them and that won’t ever change / Only in this town / Does it feel like home.”

The NYCountry Swag Session alum continues playing his headlining tour, ‘Better Off Gone Tour’ through the beginning of June, hitting the midwest area later this week For tickets and more tour information, head to loganmize.com.

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

“Only In This Town” 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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Billy Ray Cyrus Is Back with Two New Songs

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Billy Ray Cyrus

Billy Ray Cyrus released two new songs in anticipation of his new album The SnakeDoctor Circus, which is now available for pre-order from BMG. This album brings back the pairing of Billy Ray Cyrus and Don Von Tress, who wrote: “Achy Breaky Heart” on Cyrus’ record-breaking debut album Some Gave All.

“Guns, Gold, and Guitars” is a far stretch from “Achy Breaky Heart” with its gritty texture and lyrics. The instruments give a bit of an old school country vibe that contrasts well with Cyrus’ low notes and the high rock call voice of the backup singers. It describes the feeling of the chickens in the coop revving up and ready to break out, wanting the “real stuff”, guns, gold, and guitars.

“Goddess of Democracy” is similar in its classic country essence, and speaks to the pride and sacrifice of all the American people. “Talk about freedom boys / Wouldn’t you love to have some now / When you gonna make that choice / The golden calf or the sacred cow?”

“This record is very personal to Don Von Tress and myself, but it’s also meant to be a platform for the listener to interpret whatever is important to them and their beliefs,” Cyrus said in a recent press release. “This record is a concept album and meant to be listened to in its entirety. It’s a story. The last song on the record pretty much sums up, not only the album but also my life. It’s called ‘I’ve Been Around’.”

The Snake Doctor Cirus is slated for release May 24th, 2019.

To keep up with Billy Ray Cyrus, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Both “Guns, Gold and Guitars” and “Goddess of Democracy” are available now 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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Luke Combs & Florida Georgia Line Win at the Billboard Music Awards

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Luke Combs was the big winner in the country genre at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards which took place last night (May 1st) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The singer-songwriter took home Country Album of the Year for This One’s For You, Top Male Artist and Top Country Artist. Florida Georgia Line, Dan + Shay, Carrie Underwood, and Kenny Chesney also picked up a Billboard Music Awards.

Luke Combs is having a huge award season as he gains three more awards to add to his astonishing resume. Combs has already won the iHeartRadio Country Artist of the Year and the ACM New Artist of the Year. The success is well deserved as Combs has had three songs, “One Number Away”, “She’s Got the Best of Me” and “Beautiful Crazy” reach number one on the Billboard Country Airplay in 2018. “Beautiful Crazy” is currently number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. It has been on the charts for fifty-one weeks and in the number one spot for ten.

The only televised country award presentation was given to Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha for the Top Country Song, “Meant To Be”. The smash pop-country hit spent 50 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart, surpassing the record that was previously held by Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Backroad”. This song was also nominated for Top Radio Song but lost to Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” featuring Cardi B.

“As artists, we all get to experience so many unbelievable things,” Hubbard said as he and Kelley went on stage to accept their award. “But in our opinion, at the end of the day it’s all for nothing if you’re not using your platform for better, if you’re not using your platform to spread love, to help those in need, to be a light to your community.”

“Speechless” was the lone country performance last night as the Grammy Award-winning duo of Dan + Shay took the stage with gospel-pop singer, Tori Kelly. Kelly is familiar with collaborating with country artists as she was featured on Chris Lane’s “Take back Home Girl” track and the remix version of Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man”. Her mezzo-soprano voice paired beautifully with Mooney’s incredible tenor vocals.

Dan + Shay took home the award for Top Country Duo/Group and were also nominated for five others, including Billboard Chart Achievement Award, Top Country Artist, Top Country Album, Top Country Song (“Tequila” and “Speechless”) and Top Duo/Group overall. It will be fun seeing two of the biggest country duos, Florida Georgia Line and Dan + Shay on tour together this summer.

Carrie Underwood was awarded Top Female Country Artist, topping Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris. Underwood released her sixth studio album Cry Pretty in September which reached number on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums. Underwood was not in attendance because her Cry Pretty 360 Tour with special guests Maddie & Tae and Runaway June kicked off in Greensboro, North Carolina last night.

Kenny Chesney won the Top Country Tour award, topping Luke Bryan and Shania Twain. Chesney’s Trip Around the Sun Tour, featuring special guests Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion and Brandon Lay, stopped at 39 locations around the US in 2018, performing in amphitheaters, baseball and football stadiums. The tour generated over 100 million dollars in total revenue and nine of his shows had over 50,000 fans in attendance. NYCountry Swag had the pleasure of attending his show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Read all about it by clicking here!

To see pictures and highlights, follow the Billboard Music Awards on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Click here to see the complete list of winners or watch the whole show on NBC.com.

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Blake Shelton Chats About His New Movie ‘Ugly Dolls’ on Ellen

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Superstar Blake Shelton appeared on NBC’s ‘Ellen’ with host Ellen Degeneres earlier today (5/1). The pair discussed Shelton’s many ventures, his new music, and of course his relationship with pop icon Gwen Stefani.

Ellen introduced the singer, sharing, “Our next guest went from being People magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ to the mayor of Uglyville in the new animated film ‘Ugly Dolls’, please welcome my friend, Blake Shelton.” She also joked earlier in the show that Shelton’s real name is “Mr. Stefani.” Shelton shared how much he loves reconnecting with Ellen stating, “Thanks for having me back. You have me on this show all the time now. I love it!”

Although known primarily for being a successful country music singer-songwriter and performer, the interview focused more around Shelton’s other ventures, including his judging gig on The Voice, his new movie, ‘Ugly Dolls,’ and of course his relationship with long-time girlfriend, Gwen Stefani. Ellen and Shelton had a witty, friendly, and humorous banter going throughout the entire segment.

The entertainer shared with Ellen about his new role as the voice of a character in the animated children’s film ‘Ugly Dolls,’ as well as how he brought Stefani and her children to the premiere. Both had a laugh when Shelton shared that he only has “one voice,” as it was easy to recognize it in the clip of the new movie that was shown. When it came to The Voice, Shelton boasted about his stacked team, shouting out one of the contestants, who he shares is a “rapper and singer.”

Of course, the interview wouldn’t be complete without Ellen boldly encouraging the performer to propose to his girlfriend. She gifted him with a clock, adding that he should give it to Stefani, and maybe she’ll propose to him! To cap off the segment, the pair played a game, inspired by Shelton’s new film, which showed off the lighthearted and fun nature of their working relationship and friendship.

Make sure to check out Shelton’s new movie, ‘Ugly Dolls,’ in theaters this Friday, May 3rd, and don’t forget to watch Season 16 of The Voice, Monday and Tuesday nights on NBC. As far as music goes, keep an eye out for more new music, following the release of “God’s Country”, most likely coming soon.

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

 

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Swag Sessions Featuring Lauren Jenkins

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New York Country Swag hosted a Swag Session with Big Machine Label Group’s singer-songwriter Lauren Jenkins. Jenkins most recently released her album No Saint as well as a short film that she coproduced and stars in, Running Out Of Road.

Jenkins explained her process of writing, recording, co-producing and starring in her short film as well as creating her debut album.

Watch the full Swag Session above and take a listen to Lauren Jenkin’s music here.

Watch Jenkins’ full short film “Running Out Of Road” below.

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 Lauren Jenkins on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Lauren Jenkins

NYCountry Swag Managing Editor Christina Bosch & Founder, Stephanie Wagner with Lauren Jenkins

 

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Maren Morris Lyrics to Use As Instagram Captions

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Maren Morris

Maren Morris has had quite the year thus far with her sophomore record GIRL debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart and shattering the debut streaming record for a country album by a woman with a whopping 23.96 million streams in its first week. From inspiring and empowering, to sassy, heartbreaking and loving, Morris’ lyrics resonate with her fans in a compelling manner. We’ve compiled some of Morris’ best lyrics to accompany your Instagram photos for the next time you catch her live!

1. “I don’t wanna wear your crown, there’s enough to go around” – GIRL

2. “Cause all the little lies rolling off your lips is money falling from the sky.. sh*t I’d be rich” – Rich

3. “And it feels like I’m getting into trouble but I’m gonna do it anyway” – The Feels

4. “Not everybody gets what we’re going through but all my favorite people do” – All My Favorite People

5. “When I was looking for the words somebody said it first like they knew me, they were singing right to me” – A Song For Everything

6. “Oh I’m just tryna make good a little bit greater, I’m cooking up my own flavor” – Flavor

7. “But don’t you know that it’s the low that makes the high so sweet” – Second Wind

8. “The best things come when you don’t even try” – Great Ones

9. “You’re my color custom made, think I finally discovered you’re my perfect shade” – Shade

10. “Now heartbreak ain’t a competition but I took it in a landslide” – To Hell & Back

11. “Baby would you be my sugar?”- Sugar

12. “Told myself I wouldn’t do this again, but how much you wanna bet, I’mma do this again?” – Rich

13. “I find my soul revival, singing every single verse. Yeah, I guess that’s my church.”- My Church

14. “If you don’t like the heat, then get out of the kitchen”- Flavor

15. “Your gold love gets me through”- Gold Love

16. “Most loves don’t make it through, but the great ones do.” Great Ones

17. “When the bones are good, the rest don’t matter.” The Bones

18. “The weight of the world’s got nothing on me.” – Good Woman

19. “Everything looks clearer looking in your eyes.” – Shade

20. “I’m gonna be somebody’s lucky penny someday.” – Loose Change (from Highwomen album; Maren’s solo song)

21. “Girl don’t lose your halo.” – GIRL

If you are catching a show be sure to tag us in your posts for a chance to be featured on our Instagram!

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

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Chris Stapleton & Pink Collaborate On “Love Me Anyway”

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Pink Chris Stapleton

Country singer Chris Stapleton and pop singer Pink have a new song together called “Love Me Anyway” for her new album called “Hurts 2B Human”. The piano ballad is a collaboration of two artists from two very different genres coming together to create a stunningly beautiful song.

Pink co-wrote the track with Allen Shamblin and Tom Douglas, who are the writers behind Miranda Lambert’s hit song “The House That Built Me.”  With the help of the pop star, the duo has created another personal song that will for sure be making its way to the top of the charts.

“Love Me Anyway” shows a vulnerable side of both artists. It’s about a girl asking her significant other could he love her no matter how mean she may get, if they’re miles apart from each other, if she flirts with someone else, etc. These questions are 100% relatable as who hasn’t asked their significant other if they would love you anyway even if you did something stupid?

Stapleton’s iconic voice comes in just shy of the second chorus but shows his true talent in the last minute of the song when you hear him sing, “Could you? (Could you still love me?) / Could you? (Pick up the pieces of me?) / Could you? (Could you still love me?) / Could you love me anyway?”

This isn’t the first time Stapleton has crossed over into the pop world as he is known for collaborating with Justin Timberlake on the song “Say Something”  as well as their iconic performance together at the 2015 CMA Awards. It’s also not Pink’s first time teaming up with a country artist as she can be heard with Kenny Chesney on the award-winning song “Setting the World on Fire.”

Stapleton has been busy lately. Did you know he made his acting debut in the latest ‘Game of Thrones’ episode as a White Walker? He is also currently on tour and will be making a stop at the PNC Bank Arts Center on August 9th! Get your tickets here.

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

“Love Me Anyway” 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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Brandon Lay Puts His Own Twist on “Walkaway Joe”

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Brandon Lay Amazon Original Walkaway Joe

At the beginning of last year, we named rising country star, Brandon Lay an NYCS Artist to Watch for his enticing debut single “Speakers, Bleachers & Preachers” and his promising music career. Flash forward to 2019, Lay has performed hundreds of shows as an opener for Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, and Thomas Rhett. Additionally, he was named ‘Vevo’s 2019 DSCVR Artist to Watch” for 2019, representing all country music as the only country artist chosen.

Now, Lay is back with an Amazon Music exclusive cover of Trisha Yearwood’s “Walkaway Joe.” The Trisha Yearwood classic is a song that resonates across the country music genre to artists and fans alike. Lay recognizes it as an honor to sing such a heartbreakingly beautiful and esteemed track by a legendary country artist. He shared on his Twitter, “I’m lucky to have been exposed to great music in an era where females dominated. I think “Walkaway Joe” is a reminder of that prime era. I was humbled to put my spin on it knowing no one could ever beat Trisha’s.”

It is great to see a male country artist support women in the industry. Lay’s rendition is laid back, heartfelt, and features his slight twang effortlessly. The country crooner puts his own spin on the classic, while still keeping with the integrity of the track. We look forward to seeing what Lay has up his sleeve next, as he is slated to deliver more music this year.

Catch the singer at Taste of Country Music Festival at New York’s Hunter Mountain June, where New York Country Swag will also set-up shop for the third year, so make sure to stop by! Additionally, Lay will be playing at other festivals over the summer, including Wisconsin’s Country Thunder and Canada’s Boots and Hearts Music Festival. For tickets and more information, head to brandonlay.com.

To keep up with Lay, follow him on Instagram,  Twitter, and Facebook. “Walkaway Joe” is currently available to stream and purchase only on Amazon Music.

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Swag Sessions Featuring Adam Craig

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New York Country Swag hosted a Swag Session with Broken Bow recording artist Adam Craig at the Boogie Room at The Mondrian Park Avenue Hotel. Craig just finished his radio tour around the country and last month released two brand new songs which he performed for us, “Whatever You’re Drinking To” and “If You’re Lucky”.  The latter hit the country radio airwaves just yesterday.

After performing both songs, Craig sat with our Managing Editor Christina to chat about the single, and why he knew even though he didn’t write it, he had to cut it. They also talked about his upcoming plans for this summer.

Watch the full Swag Session above and take a listen to Adam Craig’s music 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 Adam Craig on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Adam Craig Swag Session

NYCountry Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner & Managing Editor, Christina Bosch with Adam Craig

 

 

 

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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