Seaforth Release Four Song ‘Love That’ EP

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The Australian country duo and 2019 NYCountry Swag artists to watch, Mitch Thompson and Tom Jordan, better known as Seaforth released their first EP at midnight titled Love That, after their catchy hit song with the same name. The EP contains the two pre-released songs, “Love That” and “Talk to Me” as well as two new songs “Good and Gone” and “Taken Your Picture”.

“Good and Gone” is written by both band members along with Gordie Sampson and Josh Miller, and is about a guy at a bar getting over a breakup, She has moved on to someone else and he’s alone drinking his sorrows away. Although it’s meant to be a sad song, it has a very up-tempo, pop-infused chorus.

“You know I miss seeing you ’round / But I hope you don’t show up right now / ‘Cause I’m gone / Sittin’ and sippin’ somethin’ a little too strong / Taking a shot for everything that went wrong / And that’s a lot, it’s killing me / Killing me that you’ve gone”

“Taken Your Picture” is another love song but with a more melancholy tone. This one is about a guy reminiscing on a missed opportunity with a girl. Written by both band members with Deric Ruttan and Jonathan Singleton, the chorus describes the exact moment he should’ve leaned in for the kiss but didn’t.

“We were watching that sunlight fade / You were sittin’ on the porch at my place / Kind of playing with the tear in your jeans / Your eyes kind of cutting right through me” 

It is not uncommon for Australian artists to make it big in the genre. Keith Urban, more recently Morgan Evans and many others have had an incredible amount of success in country music. We saw Seaforth open for Kane Brown’s One Night Only show at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Their humor, positive attitude, charming personality and most importantly, their tremendous amount of talent will lead them to a lot of success in the industry. We are excited to watch them grow and see their career take off!

To keep up with Seaforth, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

“Good and Gone” “Taken Your Picture” 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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Maren Morris’ Haunting Game of Thrones Inspired “Kingdom Of One”

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Maren Morris Kingdom of One

For seven seasons HBO’s phenomenon Game of Thrones has stunned audiences with its hard-hitting dramatics, loss of beloved characters and incredible storylines. One thing that does make all of the difference is the breathtaking score that plays throughout each episode, making somber scenes more emotional, battle scenes more thrilling and character deaths more tragic. As the much anticipated first episode of the series’ final season taking place this Sunday, the network announced they would mark the occasion of the ending of the show with original songs recorded by the some of modern times biggest artists like SZA, Ellie Goulding, The Weeknd, X Ambassadors, and country music’s very own Maren Morris. The full soundtrack, For The Throne, will be available everywhere you buy or stream music on April 26th but released today, (April 12th) was Morris’s song from the album “Kingdom of One”.

Her haunting vocals on the ballad fit perfectly into the cunning lyrics written by Morris, Eric Frederic, Nate Mercereau, Sam Harris and Wayne Hector. “Would you sell your soul, burn it all, everything that you love, finally become second to none, in a kingdom of one” For fans of the show, they know the references to burning everything to the ground for the right to sit on the Iron Throne and to rule the seven kingdoms is not unheard of.

Sharing on social media Morris captioned a teaser clip of the song; “channeled my inner Daenerys Targaryen for this one. who’s ready for the @gameofthrones premiere this weekend? let “Kingdom of One” take you there…”

Morris is no stranger to crossover songs that have hit it big, her collaboration with Zedd and Grey “The Middle” was a huge song in 2018, garnering billions of streams and award nominations. To find out who will end up on the Iron Throne, tune in this Sunday, April 14th at 9:00 PM on HBO for the final season of Game of Thrones premiere.

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

“Kingdom of One” 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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Little Big Town Celebrate Female Empowerment in “The Daughters” Video

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After an incredible and emotional performance at the ACM’s last week, the award-winning group Little Big Town debuted their official music video to their latest single, “The Daughters.” Directed by Dano Cerny, viewers are taken on a journey where the social norms of women are challenged to a promising place where honest lyrics shape a bright future to which any girl’s dream can become a reality.

Set in a high school gym, the group sings the ballad with beautiful contemporary dancers surrounding them. Little Big Town tells us a story of a young girl growing up in different decades – from the 1950’s all the way to 2019. Viewers are taken back to 1955 where the young girl is a student learning proper etiquette from her teacher accompanied by fitting lyrics, “Pose like a trophy on the shelf and dream for everyone but not yourself. I’ve heard of God the son and God the father, I’m just looking for a God for the daughters.”

Fast forward 30 years and we get a glimpse into 1984. The girl is part of a cheerleading team, however, would rather be playing basketball. Unfortunately, there was only an all boy’s basketball team. Although at this day in age, she was able to learn how to play basketball and is shown practicing outside with a boy. At the very end of the storyline in 2019, the girl enters the gym wearing her basketball jersey and is finally able to play the sport she has wanted to play. Little Big Town’s video of “The Daughters” proves we have come a long way when it comes to gender equality. It instills hope that the future is bright for young women to confidently do exactly what they want to do.

Little Big Town is scheduled to release a new project this year, and with a compelling and empowering first single like “The Daughters,” there is great anticipation for the rest!

To keep up with Little Big Town follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Dierks Bentley Features His Adorable Son in “Living” Music Video

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Dierks Bentley Living

Country star, Dierks Bentley released an adorable video for his current single “Living”. The video shows Bentley going around town doing tons of fun activities with his son, Knox.  “It’s basically just me and Knox, just a day in the life,” Bentley explains to People. “The two of us, just doing what we’re doing when we’re off the road, which is a lot. We pack a lot into one every day.”

Watch the video below!

His latest album The Mountain is all about appreciating life and nature. The opening lyrics of “Living”: “This morning I got up at 6:01, I walked out and saw the rising sun and I drank in it, like whiskey”; one would believe he got up voluntarily to watch the sunrise. However, the video puts an ironic twist to it as Knox runs down the stairs and jumps on his father. Bentley gets out of bed looking exhausted and steps on his son’s toys as the sun from the window blinds him; definitely not drinking it in like whiskey. To Bentley’s displeasure, Knox begins to play the drums. His father comes in the room to stop him but then Bentley sees the look on his son’s face and picks up a guitar and the two start a jam session at six in the morning.

After spending time in the backyard, Bentley and Knox hit the road for some more fun activities including the Water Park, the arcade laser tag, karaoke, go-carting, ice cream and more. At the ice cream parlor, Bentley gets jealous of his son when the attractive women behind the counter starts to flirt with Knox.

Dierks Bentley Living

At the end of the video, Bentley and Knox cash in their tickets to win a big plush bear at the prize stand. As they are walking back to their car, they pass a mother holding her young daughter’s hand. Knox, being the little gentleman he is, runs back and gives the little girl the big stuffed bear. The two hug and Knox runs back to Bentley, who high fives his son. A heart-warming moment to an already loveable music video.

This video emphasizes the difference between breathing and living. You have to appreciate your life and take advantage of every opportunity you get. Living for Bentley is spending quality time with his son and he does not want to miss out on his time being a father. 

Knox’s is Bentley’s youngest child at five years old. He has two other daughters, Evalyn “Evie” Day (10) and Jordan Catherine (8).

Keep up with Dierks Bentley on his socials, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

You can see Bentley on his Burning Man Tour with Jon Pardi, Tenille Townes and Hot Country Knights. The tour is stopping at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ July 26th and at Jones Beach on Long Island August 2nd.

 

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New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 4/12/19

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It’s our favorite part of the week, New Music Friday! This week Maren Morris released “Kingdom of One” to go hand in hand with the highly anticipated final season premiere of the HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’. One of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Seaforth released an EP with their two previously released songs “Love That” and “Talk To Me” and gave fans two new songs “Good and Gone” and “Taken Your Picture”. Muscadine Bloodline released “Girl From Mississippi” while Keith Urban recorded his version of Foy Vance’s “Burden” which he performed on the ACM Awards last week.

Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:

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Mo Pitney’s New Unreleased Song “A Music Man” Might Be His Best Yet

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Mo Pitney

“Somewhere along the way, our desires get hijacked by selfish things—whether it’s money, pride or fame, and you lose the reason why we started doing what we’re doing. For me, it was playing guitar and singing.”

That’s Mo Pitney’s honest introduction to the story behind his unreleased song, “A Music Man.” Set to be the opening track on his upcoming sophomore record, this epitomizes what country music is fondly described as: “three chords and the truth.”

As Pitney described in the video below, it took him a long, winding road to find true joy and purpose of being an artist as he questioned his purpose, because of the sheer realization that “pride and thankfulness can’t go together.”

“A Music Man” is an invitation to reflect on our journeys, whether you’re in the music industry as a creative or on the business side, or even outside of it. We all have a purpose, and while we live that out as we try to search for the greater purpose of it all, Pitney reminds us not to get caught up in the fame and glory—to not lose sight of the genesis of that love and passion.

Back in 2017, Pitney was part of NYCountry Swag’s Country Night in NYC, where he performed his debut single, “Country,” and other album cuts like the faith-leaning “Everywhere”, poignant “I Met Merle Haggard Today” and title track, “Behind This Guitar.” Fast-forward to almost 2 years later and 3 years after his debut record, the 26-year-old Curb recording artist is gearing up for his next highly-anticipated release, and we’re more than ready for it.

We don’t generally do this, but we thought it would be fitting to include the full lyrics of this song. Take a read of it, line by line, and let the weight and heart behind each lyric sink in.

“I didn’t come here to be famous, or to see my name in lights / I didn’t come here for the money, awards don’t even cross my mind / But as long as I can remember, I’ve had a guitar in my hand /  It’s like God looked at me from heaven, and said I think I’ll make a music man /  And it’s deep down in my bones, woven in my heart and soul / just a kid there on my bed, trying to get out what hurt his head

Now I live out on the stage, there’s people here to hear us play / So I’m just giving you a song you might remember when I’m gone / You might ask what keeps me going through the airports and the rain? / I just love to see your faces though I may never know your names / Truth is, I think I’ve found my purpose down here in the grand design / That’s just to sing the words God gives me, to know He’s with me all the time / And it’s deep down in my bones, woven in my heart and soul / still a kid out on the road, don’t ever have to be alone

Now I’m on another stage, you’re all here to hear us play / So I’m just giving you a song for you to remember when I’m gone / Let me leave you with this song—you might remember when I’m gone”

The heaviness in your heart right there? Don’t brush it aside. That, ladies and gentleman, is the power of music and impeccable songwriting from the heart, courtesy of Mo Pitney and Bobby Tomberlin.

The sophomore slump may be a legitimate fear and situation for some artists. But if “A Music Man” is any indication of what is going to be offered in the upcoming record, we firmly believe that it will put propel Pitney to greater heights and fortify his position as a permanent staple in the genre we all love– country music.

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

 

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Tucker Beathard Plays An Intimate Show at Mercury Lounge in NYC

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Tucker Beathard

Tucker Beathard returned to New York last night to play at the intimate Mercury Lounge. Opener Everest Cale – a band named “Brooklyn’s Least Brooklyn Band” by Interview Magazine. Frontman Brett Treacy got the crowd pumped up but also played a few slower more emotional songs, like “Goodbye” off their EP titled Beast. They covered Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” and had the crowd swaying and singing along.

Tucker Beathard and his band took the stage, dressed in all black singing “Faithful”. The crowd was fired up and sang along with almost every song as Beathard poured his heart out from one song to the next – songs full of emotions and truth. The track “Brother” was full of memories and words of support. He briefly touched on the history with his former label and how grateful he is to now have a label (Warner Music Nashville) behind him who will let him write and create the music he wants. “Leave Me Alone” was filled with raw emotion and feeling, belting out “Just leave me alone/Just let me let go/I won’t be your backup/Better than nothin’/Or your anything”. It seemed everyone in the room could have identified with that song at that moment.

Tucker Beathard

The singer-songwriter then asked the crowd “Y’all ready to crank it up a little bit”. He introduced the band and they rocked out for the song “Whiskey In A Wine Glass” and for a moment you were no longer at a country show. You were watching a musician play what he wants to play and put every bit of energy into those songs and the show without having to conform to a specific genre of music. Beathard asked for requests from the audience during an acoustic portion of the show and sat on the stage with a guitar, throwing it back to “20-10 Tennesee”

He said, “I am really blessed to call this my job and I appreciate y’all paying money to come out tonight”. He said he was going to dedicate his next song to the military and expressed his thanks for anyone that serves and performed “Fight Like Hell”. Throughout the course of the night, the crowd had yelled and shouted for the band to play his hit “Rock On” and for the last song of his 90-minute set, he gave the crowd what they asked for saying “I want everyone singing this” – and he got just that. Everyone in the room cheered once the beat started and sang along to every last word. Tucker Beathard is a true talent and phenomenal musician and should be on everyone’s radar as one to watch!

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

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What We’re Listening To: April Picks

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NYCountry Swag’s “What We’re Listening To” playlist highlights the wide range of our team’s favorite songs and artists when it comes to the country music genre.  At the end of the day, we are all fans first with a passion for country music and are eager to share with you all what we’ve got on repeat each month.

Find below each of our team member’s favorite songs and why in our April picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

APRIL PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Maybe We Will” – Noah Schnacky
Songwriters: John Harding, Noah Schnacky and Ilya Tvhinski

“This month I’m listening to Noah Schnacky’s, “Maybe We Will”. Right from the beginning of the track, the opening instrumentals automatically give you a beat you can sway along to. The story in the lyrics paints the picture of two friends who could potentially be more and creates an illusion of what could happen if it all works out.

“‘Cause we might be each other’s / Last first kiss / This could be the story / That we tell our kids”

The line “last first kiss” is what really gets me. The brilliantly crafted lyric depicts that maybe this first kiss they share could very well be their last first kiss. The song goes on to illustrate the couple’s future together – a house on the hill, a story they can tell the kids, maybe it won’t work out… but maybe it will.

I’m such a fan of Noah Schnacky and of this song, along with his first release “Hello Beautiful”, if those two songs are any indication of what’s to come from this talented young artist, then I think we are going to be hearing his name in the country music world much more often.”

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” – Brooks & Dunn feat. Midland
Songwriters: Ronnie Dunn

Growing up listening to ’90s country, I have always been a fan of Brooks & Dunn. Their songs are timeless and for as long as I can remember, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” has been a staple song throughout my life, I even danced to it at my wedding (wearing cowboy boots of course). When I saw the tracklist for their latest album, REBOOT, I was ecstatic that fans, especially New York City country fans who may not otherwise know of the best selling duo of all time, now would learn to appreciate their incredible stories and catchy songs because some of their favorite current artists are featured on each track.

Midland lending their incredible talent and unique country sound to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” is a no brainer, in fact, each of the collaborations were perfectly picked. Without changing or updating what already is considered a classic, the reimagined song breathes new life into the line dancing friendly tune. When you listen, just try to “heel-toe-do-si-do-” 

 

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Some Of It” – Eric Church
Songwriters: Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Clint Daniels, Bobby Pinson

“My favorite song off his latest album Desperate Man, “Some of It” is a serious, yet catchy tune in which Church talks about how lessons are learned. Some you read about, some you learn from mistakes, some come from breakups and some come with age.

“And none of it ever comes easy / A bunch of it you maybe can’t use / I know I don’t prob’ly know what I think I do/ But there’s somethin’ to / Some of it”

This song is relatable to everyone because there is always something to be learned from the past. I think about high school when I listen to this song because high schoolers take in so much information and go through so many experiences that, looking back on them, were pretty much useless. However, some moments, some mistakes, some things will always stick with you because of that lesson learned. Those experiences, big or small, will leave a lasting impression that will influence you for the rest of your life. There is definitely something to be said for some of it.”

 

Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Beautiful Lies” – Jana Kramer
Songwriters: Bruce Wiegner, Jana Kramer, Joshua Tangney

” “Beautiful Lies” is just one of those songs that makes you feel all of the feels. I have been a fan of Jana Kramer since her One Tree Hill days and man, I forgot just how good her voice is. As everyone knows, Jana has been through a whirlwind the last few years and this song shows you exactly what she was feeling through it all. If I had to describe this song in one word it would be ‘chills’. It’s one of those songs that just makes the hair stand up on your arms. I am so happy that she released this song and I am looking forward to more new music from her.”

 

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “Fat Kid” – Austin Jenckes feat. Lori McKenna
Songwriters: Andrew Dorff, Lori McKenna, Neil Mason

” “Nostalgia”– that’s the one word that best encompasses and describes this song. We all have felt, at some point in our almost-picturesque life, like outliers. We may be happy with our choices, but something unsettles us about a certain aspect of it. This is when Austin Jenckes’ emotional delivery gets credits for it, along with the honest writing of Lori McKenna (who sings harmonies) and Neil Mason (of The Cadillac Three). Personally, “Fat Kid” resonated with me because it aches the heart in the best way possible. The one lyric that struck me was: “That summer before your senior year, you lost a damn good friend. / And finally on a Sunday morning, you learned how to say Amen.”

This song is an anthem you’ll have to hear for yourself. If you’re the cool kid, you have more in common with the outcasts than you know. And if you feel like an outcast, look deeper– you’re more than that. Your uniqueness makes you special– so, so special.”

 

Julia Grubbs, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “Rivers” – King Calaway
Songwriters: Bruce Feelder, Olly Maryland, Ruth-Anne Cunningham, Teddy Geiger

“If you haven’t heard of King Calaway, you are truly missing out. This newly formed group of six fun-loving and insanely talented men recently released their first EP on January 25th. I went to their debut concert in NYC, courtesy of New York Country Swag, having never heard any of their music, and immediately knew they were a force to be reckoned with. I’ve been unable to get “Rivers” out of my head, playing it nonstop, and recommend it to all my friends, country-lovers or not.

All six of the band members sing and the resonance of their voices together just sounds so right; not to mention the amazing rhythms that take front and center at times during the song. The guitar solos make you jam out while listening, and it’s a truly empowering song to have in your headphones while walking around the city. They truly just love to perform, sing, and play, and it’s evident in this song.

“I know where we belong / I know where we feel free / And it goes on and on, like rivers to the sea”

If you want a song that just makes you want to dance, this is the one. I can’t wait to hear more amazing things from them.”

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Mr. Lonely” – Midland
Songwriters: Cameron Duddy, Jess Carson, Josh Osborne, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally


“The last year or so I have found myself really liking the more Texas style of country music including artists like Aaron Watson, Parker McCollum, Jon Wolfe, and Midland. The trio just came out with their newest single “Mr. Lonely,” the first song off their second album, and I loved it upon first listen. The upbeat tempo with the old school guitar riffs makes for a dance hall song. The lyrics instantly transport you back in time right into their music video, with jukeboxes, dusty floors, and swinging doors. The powerful twangy vocals on this track hit the nostalgic spot that these types of songs create. If any song of theirs has the potential to become their next hit, its “Mr. Lonely.” ”

 

Abby Kaye-Phillips, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “My Side of the Fence” – Dan + Shay
Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Shay Mooney

“There’s no such thing as too many good country love songs and “My Side of the Face” is my current obsession. In a different take on what it means to find your soulmate, the ballad perfectly describes how it feels to have absolutely no interest in anyone else because you already have the only person you could possibly need.
 
“I ain’t looking over fences trying to find a better view / My search for all that ended when I first laid eyes on you / And the grass is always greener / ‘Cause the sun shines when you smile / And when I’m holding you the world makes sense / On my side of the fence” “

Tricia Murdy, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “One Man Band” – Old Dominion
Songwriters: Brad Tursi, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen

“Been flyin’ solo for so long / nobody singing the harmony” is how this catchy new tune from Old Dominion opens. This one is a bit slower than what we’re used to hearing from the group, but it’s just as catchy and lyrically amazing. This song resonated with me so completely. After being single for 7 years and really coming to terms with being alone, I finally met someone wonderful. “And I found you like a melody. You were singin’ in the same key as me.”

It really put into perspective that while I was okay alone, I did hope to find someone to complement me. This song is beautifully written and I am sure many people will be able to identify that desire for a partner whether it’s to share a song, a stage or a life with. I expect this one to be just as big a hit as all their songs have become!”

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Keeping Score” – Dan + Shay feat. Kelly Clarkson
Songwriters: Dan Smyers, Jordan Reynolds, Laura Veltz

“Since the release of Dan+Shay’s self-titled album last June, I’ve been basically obsessed with “Keeping Score,” their collaboration with Kelly Clarkson. After seeing the trio perform it at this weekend’s ACM Awards, the song has soared back to the top of my playlist. When it comes to world class vocalists, Clarkson and Shay Mooney are in a field of their own, going note for note throughout this track. Yet, they never overshadow each other, and the result is truly a delightful duet.

With a seize the day message focused on not worrying about “keeping score” of things that don’t matter, the song is a relatable ballad with an exceptional hook and an even more exceptional vocal performance. “Keeping Score” is poised to be another huge hit for Dan + Shay if it’s released as a single, and based on the buzz from their ACM performance, it most certainly should be.”

 

Olivia Reese, Contributing Writer

Pick: “In Between” – Scotty McCreery
Songwriters: Frank Rogers, Jessi Alexander, Jonathan Singleton, Scotty McCreery, 

“The first time I heard “In Between” by Scotty McCreery was when the album Seasons Change came out. It immediately became my favorite song on the album as the lyrics are so relatable to me. The concept of being between different types of phases in life, cultures, interests, and geographic regions is extremely applicable to my life and this song perfectly sums it up. “I’m a little bit of bottle cap / Little bit of pearl snap button down shirt / Little bit of big city concrete / But a lot more small town dirt.” “

 

Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer

Pick: “We Make Our Own” – Smithfield
Songwriters: Ben Stennis, Jennifer Fielder, Seth Mosley, Trey Smith

“After getting to see the talented duo Smithfield perform live for the first time last week at Joe’s Pub, their new EP has been on repeat. Every song on the EP is great but the title track “We Make Our Own” has been stuck in my head all week. I love its catchy uptempo beat along with what the song symbolizes for the duo. They made their own path with not only this song but the entire project.

“Those were the nights, they have no tomorrow / Yeah they went on and on and on / Just like the tires on a ’95 Bronco / Nobody to slow us down” “

 

Julia Singer, Contributing Writer

Pick: “I Hope” – Gabby Barrett
Songwriters: Gabby Barrett, Jon Nite, Zachary Kale

“When I first heard “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett being played on the radio earlier this month, I was immediately intrigued by her strong voice and powerful lyrics. This emotional song reveals honest feelings about Barrett’s hopes for her ex’s new relationship. By listing instances that many would define as “relationship goals,” such as:

“I hope you’re both feeling sparks by the end of the drive / I hope you know she’s the one by the end of the night / I hope you never ever felt more free Tell your friends that you’re so happy / I hope she comes along and wrecks every one of your plans / I hope you spend your last dime to put a rock on her hand / I hope she’s wilder than your wildest dreams” . Barrett then combats these by singing: “And then I hope she cheats / Like you did on me”

I’m always down for another strong female being played on country radio, and “I Hope” provides all the sass and realness that country music thrives on. After placing on the last season of American Idol, Barrett is now out making herself a name in country music and I am so here for it.”

 

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Neon Moon” – Brooks & Dunn feat. Kacey Musgraves
Songwriters: Ronnie Dunn

“It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but as a country music fan, I’ve never listened to Brooks & Dunn until they began releasing songs from their newest album Reboot. I know it’s crazy, but I am so thankful they collaborated with a bunch of newer country artists for this record, to spark the interest of myself and I’m sure many other people who also have not been avid listeners of theirs. I love every single song featured on this album, but my favorite has to be “Neon Moon.” Kacey Musgraves is just one of my favorite people for many, many reasons; one being, of course, her unique, incredible voice. I love the whole vibe of this song, the lyrics are relatable and inviting.

“Oh, if you lose your one and only / There’s always room here for the lonely / To watch your broken dreams / Dance in and out of the beams / Of a neon moon”

I will for sure be listening to more of Brooks & Dunn from here on out!”

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” – George Strait
Songwriters: Bubba Strait, Dean Dillon, George Strait

“This month, I have been listening to the fun, feel-good song “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” by George Strait.  Strait co-wrote “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” with his son Bubba Strait and Dean Dillon, and released it as his first single off of his new album Honky Tonk Time Machine.  When listening to the song, I am immediately transported to a small Texas bar with people line dancing and enjoying the night.  The musical instruments of the fiddle and the guitar along with Strait’s country twang create easy, enjoyable listening.  Lyrics such as “The jukebox plays Hank, ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’, dance floor holds the folks trying to forget who they are, that’s what happens in every little honky tonk bar,” capture the joy of the nightlife in a two-steppin’ honky-tonk and I am loving it!”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Cover Me Up” – Morgan Wallen originally by Jason Isbell
Songwriters: Jason Isbell

“Every time I listen to a Morgan Wallen song, I am instantly hooked- I still listen to his debut album If I Know Me straight through on a pretty consistent basis. He’s one of the new country artists I’m most excited about, which leads me to my April song pick, Wallen’s cover of Jason Isbell’s track, “Cover Me Up.”

I’ve been in love with his version of the song since he recorded it on YouTube a few months back. It’s one of those covers that feels authentic to an artist; despite, not originally being their song. “Cover Me Up” and its poetic lyrics show off Wallen’s vocal range, rasp, and vulnerability in a more mature and developed way. It completely excites me for a future record and more new music from Wallen. I can’t wait to see how his sound continues to develop, and I hope to hear more deep, personal, and tender songs from Wallen in the future.”

 

Listen to our picks on our “What We’re Listening To” playlist on Spotify and be sure to give it a follow, so you can catch our monthly updates.

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Brooks & Dunn and Midland Perform on The Tonight Show

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Country music legends Brooks & Dunn are back, making waves once again with their recently released album Reboot which is comprised of new versions of their biggest hits while collaborating with today’s top country artists. Continuing to celebrate their album release week the duo joined forces with country trio Midland to perform one of their classic hits “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night.

Before taking the stage, host Jimmy Fallon introduced the groups to the audience saying, “Get ready for this! Everybody are you ready? Turn up the volume right now performing their hit “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” with Midland from their new album Reboot give it up for country icons Brooks & Dunn!”

Kicking off the performance, Midland’s lead singer Mark Wystrach set the stage standing front and center signing the opening lyrics before stepping back for the duo, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks to come forward. Dunn joined in with his smooth vocals while Brooks laid down some serious harmonica with Midland members Cameron Duddy and Jess Carson providing background vocals. The duo and trio combined their talents, intertwining their groups effortlessly creating one powerful collaboration while bringing their country roots to New York City’s Studio 6-B. The cowboy rockers gave everyone watching in-studio and at home a yeehaw good time and a performance to remember.

After their performance, Fallon came running back on stage yelling while hugging each member saying, “Oh man come on! Brooks & Dunn that is how you do it! Oh my goodness, that is how you do it right there!” clearly impressed by the high energy performance. 

To keep up with Brooks & Dunn follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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Country Songwriters That You Need To Know

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One of the best things about country music is how many of our favorite artists are also songwriters. Even if they don’t record their own hits (a great example is Little Big Town smash, “Better Man” which was actually penned by Taylor Swift) it’s normal to see songwriter credit given to the same names we hear on the radio, see on tour, and follow on streaming platforms.

But there’s actually a *not so secret* network of songwriting royalty that fly under the radar, despite their ability to churn out hit after hit for the biggest performers of our generation. Here are some songwriters that you need to know:

 

Shane McAnally – Perhaps one of the most well known Nashville writers (and certainly most active on social media thanks to his adorable kids) is country king, Shane McAnally. With an artist roster including Lee Ann Womack, Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, Midland, and Kacey Musgraves, there isn’t a single top country chart he isn’t all over.

Caitlyn Smith – This vocal powerhouse has recently started to release her own music, but you’re much more likely to know her for a slew of number one songs including, “Let it Hurt” recorded by Rascal Flatts, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton duet, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”, and even pop hit, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” co-written by Meghan Trainor and performed featuring John Legend.

Lori McKenna – Solely responsible for writing Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”, Grammy award winner, Lori McKenna is one of my most sought after songwriters who doesn’t even live in Nashville. McKenna resides with her family in Massachusets but travels to Nashville often to write some of the biggest songs in the genre. Along with Hillary Lindsey and Liz Rose, she wrote Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush”. She has also just released her 11th studio album, The Tree.

Ashley Gorley –  With more than 100 country cuts to date (yup, you read that right) there may be no one as established in the songwriting world than Ashley Gorley. When you’ve written for the greats (George Strait, Darius Rucker, Bon Jovi, and Tim McGraw to name a few) and newer talent (Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, and Chase Bryant) it’s hard to imagine there is anyone in town that won’t take a meeting.

Heather Morgan – Co-founder of all-female seasonal writers’ round “Girls of Nashville” (with previously mentioned Caitlyn Smith) is this Texas gal. You can find Morgan on not one, not two, but seven Brett Eldredge hits, and who knows how many more in the works.

Kelley Lovelace – This Tennessee native known mostly for writing almost every Brad Paisley single, can also be found on track listings for the likes of Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Terri Clark, and Carrie Underwood.

Natalie Hemby – Great songwriters aren’t reserved for country and Natalie Hemby is a perfect example of lending talents to other genres. Famous for Miranda Lambert songs including, “Automatic” and, “White Liar”, her claim to fame this past year was writing “Always Remember Us This Way” alongside the one and only Lady Gaga for the Golden Globe-nominated film, “A Star is Born”.

Luke Laird – Few songwriters can snag the coveted “Triple Play Award” given by the Country Music Association to those with three or more number one hits in one year, but Luke Laird has done it SIX times! With over 20 #1 Billboard singles, including multiple hits for Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, he has also written and produced songs for Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Darius Rucker, and many more.

Nicolle Galyon – Dan and Shay’s smash, “Tequila” was easily the biggest song of 2018, and it was actually written by an incredibly talented woman. With credits like Kenny Chesney’s, “All the Pretty Girls”, Lee Brice’s  “Boy”, and Raelynn’s “Lonely Call”, and pop hits including Camilla Cabello’s, “Consequences”, it’s only a matter of time before she becomes the household name.

Josh Kear – Not to be confused with Josh Kerr (who you probably also love for co-writing some Kelsea Ballerini favs…) this veteran is no stranger to the top of the charts. From Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton to Lady Antebellum and Dierks Bentley, there are few people as successful in the country writing circuit.

Hillary Lindsey – An absolute powerhouse for female stars for the last two decades, this Grammy winner has written for Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, and Taylor Swift, just to name a few. Who run the world? (Country) Girls.