Sheryl Crow Releases Johnny Cash Duet “Redemption Day”

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Sheryl Crow Redemption Day

Photo Credit: Kharen Hill

Nine-time Grammy award winner Sheryl Crow duets with the late, great, Johnny Cash on her newest release of “Redemption Day.” The track originally appeared on her Grammy-winning, triple-platinum self-titled album in 1996. The new take on the song as a duet is the lead single from her forthcoming album slated for late summer this year.

The inspiration behind the writing of this song was when Crow visited Bosnia with then-First Lady Hilary Clinton. “I’d never been anywhere even close to a war-torn area,” Crow expresses in a recent press release. She visited military bases and even played for troops while there, but when she returned home, the news was covering the devastating genocide that was taking place in Rwanda. This lead to the writing of such an eye-opening song about the motivation and reality of war.

In 2003, Cash took a strong liking to the song and wanted to record it himself. “He asked a lot of questions about different lines and what I meant,” she recalls in a recent press release. “He didn’t want to put his voice to the song without being able to believe it, heart and soul.” Cash’s version of the song was intended to be the key track for his next album, but he died later that year. The song didn’t see the light of day until 2010 when posthumous American VI: Ain’t No Grave was released.

Crow also released the chilling music video for the song earlier last week during an event at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The music video shows the singer on the piano in a beautiful field which is quite the contrast to the images of past horrific moments in history that flash across the screen. The visual features archived videos of Cash himself. A stand-out scene is a young boy who serves as the portrayal of all children. He’s watching the harrowing news on the television while trying to understand what’s happening himself.

Cash is one of several duet partners featured on Crow’s forthcoming album. Additional collaborations include Keith Richards, Stevie Nicks, and St. Vincent. Fans can catch Crow this summer at Pier 17 on July 28th and at Bethel Woods Center For The Arts on July 29th. For tickets click here.

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

“Redemption Day” 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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The Best Advice We’ve Learned From Country Songs

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Lee Brice

We all love a good tailgating song, an empowering break-up anthem or a heartbreaking ballad, but the songs we listen to over and over again are the ones that pull at our heartstrings; those songs that simply teach us life lessons. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ten times a country song gave us the best advice.

 

1. It is most important to be a good person.

Tim McGraw’s iconic song “Humble And Kind” is the perfect reminder to mind our manners, but more importantly to have empathy for others. It is a straightforward message from one of country music’s greatest artists to be a good person. “Hold the door say please say thank you / Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie / I know you got mountains to climb but / Always stay humble and kind.”

 

2. It’s the little things in life that mean the most.

This line is not only a lyric to Zac Brown Band’s hit, “Chicken Fried,” but also great advice. Zac Brown Band reminds us in this song to not sweat the small stuff and to cherish the little things like a “Cold beer on a Friday night / A pair of jeans that fit just right / And the radio up.”

 

3. Your loved ones are always with you, no matter what you believe.

In “The Journey of Your Life,” Jake Owen reminds us to look to whatever we find strength in to get through the ups and downs that life throws at us.“And no matter what dreams you’re chasing / Never get above your raising / And may the simple things be amazing / On the journey of your life” 

 

4. Know your worth.

Earlier this year, Maren Morris delivered a girl power anthem in the most vulnerable way with her song “GIRL.” The title track encouraged women (and men) to value themselves, while still empowering others at the same time. “Girl, don’t you hang your head low / Don’t you lose your halo / Everyone’s gonna be okay.”

 

5. We can always go back home.

Chase Rice honors his North Carolina roots in “Carolina Can,” discussing how when he needs to humble himself and remember his upbringing, he can always go home to the town and people that raised him. We can do the same. It’s awesome to experience life in a new place, but home will always remind us of who we are. “Now that six string dream on a crazy course / Has got my compass losing North / And I need someone to remind me who I am / Oh, Carolina can.”

 

6. Stay in the moment.

We are all guilty of getting too caught up in future plans or reminiscing about the past, that we forget to stay present. The truth is, time goes fast and we’re never promised tomorrow. This is why it is so important to be present and really take in each and every moment, as Trace Adkins tells us in “You’re Gonna Miss This” “You’re gonna miss this / You’re gonna want this back / You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast / These are some good times / So take a good look around.”

 

7. Work hard, play hard.

The ever talented country duo, Brooks & Dunn just remastered some of their most popular hit songs, including “Hard Workin’ Man,” with Brothers Osborne. No matter what version you love, the men keep reminding us that it’s both important to play hard, “Come Friday night, I like to party hard,” but still work hard, “Come Monday mornin’ I’m the first to arrive / I ain’t nothin’ but business from nine till five / I’m a hard, hard workin man.”

 

8. Sometimes you need a drink (or five).

Drinking may not be your vice, but really this piece of advice encourages us to let loose and have some fun, regardless of what that means to us. Sometimes we need a little escape from reality and just need to have a good time. Eric Church reminds us to do just that in “Smoke A Little Smoke.” “Act like tomorrow’s ten years away / And just kick back and let the feelin’ flow / Drink a little drink, smoke a little smoke, yeah.”

 

9. Everything gets better, so don’t give up.

There’s a ton of country artists that encourage us to never give up, even during trying times, but Rodney Atkins manages to uplift us like no other in “If You’re Going Through Hell.” “If you’re going through Hell / Keep on going, don’t slow down / If you’re scared don’t show it / You might get out / Before the devil even know you’re there.”

 

10. Love like crazy.

Leave it to Lee Brice to sing one of the most profound and relatable choruses. “Love Like Crazy” reminds us all to love, even when it might be hard. “Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you / Go to work, do your best, don’t outsmart your common sense / Never let your prayin’ knees get lazy / And love like crazy.”

 

Bonus: Chase your dreams.

Here at New York Country Swag, we encourage you to go after your dreams, just like some of our favorite artists do each and every day through their music careers and just like we’re doing with NYCS.

We pride ourselves on championing rising artists, such as Mitchell Tenpenny, Brandon Ratcliff, Abby Anderson, and Jimmie Allen, but what they all have in common is they’re chasing their dreams, no matter what the sacrifice.

Take a listen to the complete playlist below, while you crush your goals and follow your dreams, wherever they may lead you.

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Get to Know the Opening Acts on this Summer’s Hottest Country Tours

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Tour Opening Acts

There are so many great opening acts during a tour and in fact, it is these acts that become the artists on the main stages at festivals and headlining arenas. When first getting their career started, Brad Paisley opened for George Jones, Luke Bryan for Travis Tritt, Miranda Lambert for George Strait and Keith Urban, and Carrie Underwood for Urban as well. These are the stars that go to the merch table after they perform and take photos with fans. Who knows, maybe you will get a photo with some artists before they become big! We have gathered a list of the tours across the country this summer, and we suggest getting there early for the amazing acts each artist has opening for them.

Riley Green is having quite the start to his career with his debut single “There Was This Girl” climbing to the top of the charts. We hosted him for a Swag Session back in October where we talked about his accidental songwriting-singing career and his new record deal with Big Machine Label Group. Now he has the #1 song! He will be heading out on the road with Brad Paisley and Chris Lane on his 2019 World Tour. With his immediate and growing success, Green is an act that you will not want to miss.

Talk about girl power! Carrie Underwood is embarking on a brand new tour with some of our favorite female acts. The Cry Pretty 360 Tour will include Runaway June, and Maddie and Tae. The girls from Runaway June joined us for a Swag Session last summer, playing their girl power anthems.  Tenille Townes is joining the ‘Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars’ tour with Miranda Lambert.  Townes told her story in our Swag Spotlight.

One of country music’s newest rising members Jimmie Allen is gearing up for the “Raised On Country” tour with Chris Young and fellow opening acts Dylan Scott, LOCASH, Chris Janson. Allen is one of our NYCS 2018 Artists To Watch and even came to the Big Apple for a Swag Session in 2017. With the success of “Best Shot” and his duet cover of “Shallow” with Abby Anderson, Allen is proving his talents are endless. LOCASH also just recently joined us to promote their newest album Brothers with our latest Swag Session. We saw Scott at Gramercy Theater earlier this year when he sold-out the venue and there is no doubt that he brings 100% to each show. All three of these acts each have found so much success individually and who knows, there may be some onstage collaborations during the shows so make sure you get your seats early.

Brandon Ratcliff is one of our 2019 Artists to Watch and was our first Swag Spotlight of the year. With new singles “Rules of Breaking Up” and “Number In My Phone” Ratcliff is starting to gain quite the fan base. He is joining Brett Young, whose single “Here Tonight” just reached #1, on Kelsea Ballerini’s “Miss Me More” tour.

Other artists to watch early are Mitchell Tenpenny, Brandon Lay, Morgan Evans and more. Listed below are amazing acts that are opening for our favorite superstars this summer. Make sure to see which ones are coming to a town near you, grab your tickets, and get there early for a great night of music! Head to our calendar to find out when these tours hit the NYC area. 

Brad Paisley
Chris Lane
Riley Green

Carrie Underwood
Maddie and Tae
Runaway June

Chris Stapleton
Margo Price
Brothers Osborne

Chris Young
Dylan Scott
LOCASH
Jimmie Allen
Chris Janson

Charlie Daniels and Travis Tritt
Love and Theft

Luke Combs
Cody Johnson

Florida Georgia Line
Hardy
Morgan Wallen
Cannon Smith

Hunter Hayes
Levi Hummon

Jason Aldean
Carly Pierce
Kane Brown

Kelsea Ballerini
Brandon Ratcliff
Brett Young

Luke Bryan
Jon Langston
Cole Swindell

Maren Morris
Cassadee Pope
Raelynn

Miranda Lambert
Ashley Monroe & Angeleena Presley (Pistol Annies)
Ashley McBryde
Tenille Townes

Old Dominion
Michael Ray
Jordan Davis
Morgan Evans
Mitchell Tenpenny
Brandon Lay
Carlton Anderson

Rascal Flatts
Lee Brice
Billy Currington
Jordan Davis
Jimmie Allen
Morgan Evans
LoCash

Thomas Rhett
Dustin Lynch
Russell Dickerson

 

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Rodney Atkins Is Grateful For Love on “Thank God For You”

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Rodney Atkins Thank God For You

Country artist Rodney Atkins just released his fourth song “Thank God For You” in anticipation of his fifth studio album Caught Up In The Country slated for release on May 10th. With the album being released in less than a month Atkins has been giving fans a sneak peek of what to expect by releasing a series of songs in advance.

For those who have been waiting years for a new release from the singer-songwriter can finally listen to his new tunes. With four tracks now released it is clear to see that fans will not be disappointed with Atkins new album. His track “Thank God For You” gives fans an uptempo fun loving song that shows his appreciation for the woman he has in his life. It is a song that anyone can relate to, having that one person that you are truly thankful for.

“I thank God there’s angels for young wild rebels / Girls who can dance you away from the devil / And make my world spin ’round the way you do / I thank God for the days on the front porch swinging / Holding your hand, the whole time thinking how lucky I am / Thank God for you”

That’s not all for the release of his new song, he also included a lyric video that tells the song’s story from start to finish. The video includes a compilation of heartwarming videos featuring couples of all ages, women, and children. Bringing to life the lyrics while showing off the songs heartfelt and meaningful message.

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

“Thank God For You” 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 Swag Spotlight J.Antonette

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J. Antonette

Our Swag Spotlight this week is a New York native, singer-songwriter J. Antonette. Growing up in Utica, NY she has heard her fair share of “New York isn’t country” but she begs to differ, being just twenty minutes from cows in any direction. When she was younger she listened to the Dixie Chicks, Alison Krauss, and Reba McEntire, even naming her first dog Reba. Her parents listened to all different genres of music but she recalls her mother being a die-hard Michael Bolton fan and taking her to his concert when she was only five years old. She remembers being close to the stage and Bolton coming down into the audience, holding her hand and singing to her, a moment that came full circle later in her life when she had the opportunity to sing background vocals for the Grammy winner.

Another artist’s career that she followed from a young age was Melissa Etheridge. “I remember I would sing “Come To My Window” and “I’m The Only One” into my hairbrush staring into my mirror,” Antonette explains. Another full circle moment, and a highlight of her life, she ended up falling into a gig singing background vocals for her as well. “I fell into the background singing thing, I never thought I would be a singer, I wanted to be a writer and only a writer,” she tells us. “I was really afraid to be the front person, I still get anxiety because it’s a lot of pressure.”

After traveling back and forth from New York to Nashville and L.A, she made the commitment to split her time between both places. “I think that the New York country community has gotten stronger but I wanted to surround myself with different writers, that was just recently back in January that I made the move”. Since making the move, she has focused on songwriting and deciding on exactly what she wants to say with her music. She is also constantly on the road whether she is opening for artists, singing background vocals or performing at her own gigs. “I really feel like no one can put a limitation on your own destiny if you work really hard and are talented. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss being around my family and friends in New York,” Antonette tells us.

She started songwriting when she was a little girl, using it as a therapy to get through childhood struggles with her family. “I struggle to be vulnerable, in those moments of writing, I felt like I won’t be judged for my thoughts or feelings.” She tells us that her latest single “Something I Said”, was written when she was driving to the beach out in Montauk, New York after dealing with a nasty breakup. “This guy was just awful and at the end, I laid it out, I was brutally honest and of course when I was honest he got offended,” she explains. Take a listen to “Something I Said” above.

She is looking ahead to writing and releasing a full-length EP before the fall and continuing to make connections and friends in Nashville.

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

“Something I Said” 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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Brantley Gilbert Released ‘4/20’ Inspired “Welcome to Hazeville”

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Welcome to Hazeville

Country music’s bad boy, Brantley Gilbert is back with another hard-hitting collaboration. Back in December, the singer-songwriter released his duet with fellow songstress, Lindsay Ell, “What Happens in a Small Town,” which was subsequently sent to country radio. Now Gilbert has joined forces with Colt Ford, Lukas Nelson, and Wilson Nelson in “Welcome to Hazeville.”

In celebration of ‘4/20,’ the singer-songwriter premiered a new song, accompanied by a cheeky video for the track. Many country singers have been vocal about their support of recreational marijuana use in the past, but none more than Willie Nelson himself. Several artists have shared stories about “..hanging down with Willie on that laid-back vibe,” and mentioned those times in their own songs, such as Brothers Osborne’s “Weed, Whiskey And Willie.” Watch the video for “Welcome to Hazeville” below. Make sure to be on the lookout for a surprise ending.

Written by Gilbert with Ford, Rodney Clawson, and Andrew DeRoberts, “Welcome to Hazeville” is a lyrically clever track that mixes genres and musical arrangements. The men clearly had a fun time recording the song, as well as, appearing as cartoons in an animated video for the track that appears to mimic the vibe of Scooby-Doo cartoons. The video, like the song, is meant to be light-hearted and fun; despite, the controversial topic. Gilbert, like many other country artists, have never shied away from telling their truth in their music.

Although Gilbert has not yet shared the release date of his next record, the recording artist will be embarking on his headlining ‘2019 Not Like Us Tour,” bringing special guests Michael Ray and Lindsay Ell along for the ride. For tickets and more information head to brantleygilbert.com.

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

“Welcome to Hazeville” 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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Morgan Evans Mashes up “Day Drunk” and “Tequila”

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Morgan Evans Day Drunk Tequila Mashup

Morgan Evans just wrapped up opening for Dan + Shay on the first leg of their sold-out Dan+ Shay Tour which we caught earlier this year at Hammerstein Ballroom, and it seems like he is already missing the duo. In a newly released video, Evans shows what happens when you take his hit song “Day Drunk” and mix it with Grammy-winning song “Tequila”.

Accompanied by a looping pedal and acoustic guitar, the mashup starts with the Australian-native showing off his beatboxing talent. He then goes into singing the first verse of “Tequila,” hits the pedal to go right into “Day Drunk,” then switches it back just in time for the “Tequila” chorus. “Tequila” was written by Dan Smyers, Jordan Reynolds, and Nicolle Galyon while Evans co-wrote“Day Drunk” with Chris DeStefano and Lindy Robbins. With a similar rhythm, these two great songs flow right into one another without skipping a beat.  If you didn’t know the two songs were separate, you would think this was an original song.

In a recent press release, Rolling Stone called the mashup a “summery slam dunk.” And we couldn’t agree more. It’s a great tune to play at your bonfire or BBQ this season!

Evans isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He’ll not only be making appearances at a few festivals, including Carolina Festival, but the singer-songwriter is also hitting the road with Rascal Flatts on their Summer Playlist Tour. The artist doesn’t stop there, in the fall he will be headlining a run of shows over in Europe.

Evans is certainly making a name for himself in the country music genre, and we can’t wait to see what the talented singer does next. Watch Evans work his magic on this mash-up and his pedal loop above.

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

 

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Thomas Rhett Gets Sentimental on “Remember You Young”

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Thomas Rhett Remember You Young

As an artist, there’s nothing Thomas Rhett can’t do. He’s made us dance with “T-Shirt” and “Craving You”, he’s made us swoon with “Die a Happy Man”, and now he’s making us cry with his newest release, “Remember You Young.” Co-written by Rhett, Jesse Frasure, and Ashley Gorley, the track is a nostalgic one, recalling the younger days of his life and of those in it.

Today (April 19), Rhett took to Twitter to share the meaning of the song to him, “This song is about the moments with loved ones solidified in my mind forever. What my eyes will see even when we’re grandparents to our babies’ babies.”

Leading up to the release of “Remember You Young,” Rhett has been teasing the track on social media, posting old photos, adorable videos of his children, and snippets of the song’s poignant lyrics. There’s the shout out to his childhood friends who are all grown up, straight-laced and married now and the recollection of closing down college bars with his college sweetheart turned wife, Lauren Akins. However, it’s the verse dedicated to his children that’s sure to choke you up.

“And hey, babies, crawling on the carpet / No, you won’t be that little for long / One day, you’ll move away, but you’re still gonna stay / This innocent after you’re gone/ ‘Cause no matter how much time goes by/ And no matter how much we grow up/ For worse or for better, from now ’til forever / I’ll always remember you young.”

Based on that verse alone, the song is sure to be played at weddings for years to come. This song should do for Rhett what “Die a Happy Man” did back in 2015, and further propel him into country superstardom. While Rhett shines on all types of tracks, it’s on the heartfelt and meaningful ballads that he’s at his best, and “Remember You Young” is no exception. The song will appear on Rhett’s forthcoming Center Point Road album, due out May 31.

Thomas Rhett will bring his Very Hot Summer Tour 2019 to Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 20, with supporting acts Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson, and his father, Rhett Akins. Tickets are available here.

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

“Remember You Young” 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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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