What To Look Out For at This Year’s ACM Awards

ACM Awards

The 54th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards are Sunday night (April 7th), and it’s going to be the ultimate country party. With more performers than ever including never-before-seen pairings of our favorite artists, here are some things to watch for this weekend as country music descends on Las Vegas.

 

Reba’s Reprise. Country legend Reba McEntire is back for the third year in a row to emcee the festivities. This year’s show marks her 16th time hosting or co-hosting the show – talk about a legacy! McEntire is also among the list of performers.

 

Baby fever. There may be more diaper talk than usual in red carpet interviews this year. Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Jake Owen, Midland’s Jess Carson, and FGL’s Tyler Hubbard are just some of the country stars who either recently expanded their families or are expecting in the coming year.

ACM Awards

Collabs, collabs, collabs. Live performances are always a highlight of awards shows, but this year our favorite artists are teaming up to blow our minds with some incredible collaborations. The lineup includes Dierks Bentley with Brandi Carlile, Brooks & Dunn with Luke Combs, Dan + Shay with Kelly Clarkson, Khalid with Kane Brown, Maren Morris with Brothers Osborne, Eric Church with Ashley McBryde, and Florida Georgia Line with Jason Aldean.

 

Ultimate couple goals. Country artists don’t just sing about great love, they seem to find it in each other too! Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, and our newest country couple, Carly Pearce and Michael Ray to name a few, are bound to give us all the feels on the carpet and in the audience. Those who go to awards shows together stay together, that’s how the saying goes, right?

 

New music. Little Big Town has already announced they’ll be debuting song, “The Daughters” on the show, but that may not be our only first taste of new music. Rumor has it Carrie Underwood might also premiere a new single, especially after she introduced, “Cry Pretty” on last year’s ACMs as her official comeback performance after a nasty injury in 2017.

 

Jason Aldean’s top prize. With 13 ACM awards, 29 nominations and 22 career #1 hits, it’s no wonder Jason Aldean is being honored this year with the sixth Dick Clark Artist of the Decade award. Past recipients include Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Alabama, Garth Brooks, and George Strait. Aldean will accept the award and perform during the live broadcast.

Up and coming artists. In addition to the greats we’ll see on stage and in the audience this weekend, newer faces will also be on display. Jimmy Allen, Runaway June, Brantley Gilbert, Maddie and Tae, Easton Corbin, Tracy Lawrence, King Calaway, Chase Rice, and LOCASH are all playing throughout the weekend at affiliate ACM events for fans who make the trek to Sin City. Check out some of the artists that NYCountry Swag has championed throughout their careers who have either been nominated or won awards in the past here

For the list of performances that have been announced click here and for all of the nominees, head here.

NYCountry Swag’s 35 Signs Your Heart Beats For Country Music

“Without [country] music, life would be a mistake.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Country Song

  1. Your favorite radio country morning show is better than coffee.
  2. It takes you less than 24 hours to memorize every word to a newly released single.
  3. You can’t possibly pick a favorite song because you have hundreds.
  4. You have a go-to playlists for every mood and every occasion.
  5. Your Twitter feed is all country lyrics.
  6. Wherever you’re from, Nashville feels like home.
  7. You’ll drive ANY distance to catch your favorite artist in concert.
  8. Or spend an entire paycheck on VIP passes or front row seats.
  9. You never make plans on CMA or ACM awards nights.
  10. You have multiple album copies because you listen so often you wear through CDs.
  11. Country music is the only thing that can cure even the worst day.
  12. You back up your computer/phone obsessively to make sure you don’t lose any music.
  13. You can name your first concert and the first album you ever bought.
  14. And you’ve probably spent more on tour merch than you’ll spend on your first house.
  15. Your favorite gifts to receive are all country music-related.
  16. Road trips are the best excuse to listen for hours uninterrupted.
  17. You have or have considered getting country lyrics tattooed on your body.
  18. When a friend is going through something, you make them a country playlist.
  19. You burst into song when your favorite song comes on in a public place.
  20. You do your best thinking when you have music in the background.
  21. The perfect chorus hits you right in the feels.
  22. And an epic bridge can give you chills.
  23. You’ve actually made lasting friendships in the crowd at a country concert.
  24. If someone says they don’t like country you stare because you couldn’t have heard right.
  25. You’re incapable of going an entire day without listening.
  26. Country music has gotten you through some of the toughest times in your life.
  27. You already know what song you want to dance to at your wedding, and it’s country.
  28. Anyone who listens to country is an instant friend.
  29. And anyone who hates on it is an instant enemy.
  30. You know every word to more songs than you can possibly count.
  31. The shower is your personal country karaoke stage.
  32. So is the car.
  33. You know what country album would be the soundtrack of your life.
  34. The answer to “OMG have you heard _______’s new song?” is always yes.
  35. And finally, you would be completely lost without country music.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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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Meet The Team: CS Contributing Writers

Country Swag is proud to introduce our team of contributing writers.

As fans first, we make it a priority to continue to share the unique voices of our team members and highlighting all of the aspects of the country music genre far beyond our home base in New York City.

Learn more about our contributing writers below:

 

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Lucie is a born and raised New Yorker currently studying music at Connecticut College. Aside from listening to country (and all) music, Lucie loves to write songs, go to flea markets, and hang out with friends & family. Catch her on Instagram: @luciebernheim  

 

 

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Dylan is a recent grad of St. Thomas Aquinas College and a former collegiate track and field athlete. He resides in Long Island, where he now plays softball and attends numerous shows at Jones Beach. His three loves are the Yankees, country music and his dog, Bailey. Follow him on Twitter: @D_Best23 and Instagram: @d_retired_runner

 

 

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Kristina is from Syracuse, NY and now lives in Manhattan. Country music, Bravo, college football and October are just a few of her favorite things. Follow her on Instagram: @kcallahan.

 

 

 

Caleigh DeCaprio, Contributing Writer

Caleigh grew up on Long Island. She majored in Global and International Studies at Bard College where she played Basketball and Lacrosse. While Keith Urban is her favorite entertainer, artists are Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, and Ryan Hurd are close seconds. If she’s not at a concert, she’s at the beach or rewatching FRIENDS or Madam Secretary. You can connect with Caleigh on Instagram: @caleighdecaprio or Twitter: @caldecap

 

 

Julia Grubbs, Contributing Writer

Julia was born and raised in Kentucky, but now calls NYC her home. She is a dancer and an accountant, avid country music fun, and lover of all things the city has to offer. Extreme dog-petting and laughing are two of her greatest skills. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter: @jwgrubbs

 

 

Abby Kaye-Phillips, Contributing Writer

Abby is a native Rhode Islander currently based in Nashville, TN. Her love of all things music attracted her to the south, but the hospitality, food, and warmer weather definitely sealed the deal! Her three favorite things are country music, Grey’s Anatomy, and video chatting with her identical twin sister. You can connect with Abby on Instagram: @abbykp143

 

Rebekah Milsted, Contributing Writer

Rebekah was born and raised in a small town in South Jersey. Country music and the Philadelphia Phillies are her two favorite things besides her husband of course. You can connect with Rebekah on Instagram: @rbm53 and Twitter: @rbm_53

 

 

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Nicole grew up on Long Island, saying that she liked “all types of music, except country.” That all changed when she randomly attended a Rascal Flatts concert at MSH in 2007 & was immediately hooked. In addition to her love of country music, Nicole loves all things Disney-related. You can find her on Instagram: @NicolePiering

 

 

Interested in becoming a contributing writer for Country Swag? Learn how you can apply here.

NYCountry Swag’s Artists to Watch Earn ACM Nominations and Wins

ACM Awards

LAS VEGAS, NV – April 15: Luke Combs (R) and Nicole Hocking attend the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 15, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jason Kempin/ACMA2018/Getty Images for ACM)

Here at New York Country Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers, finding and championing new and up-and-coming artists and introducing our followers to the best of the best of the rising acts. Over the past three years, we have highlighted multiple artists that are now household names and have hits at the top of the charts. With the ACM Awards at the end of the week, we are highlighting some of the artists from our watch list that have attended, been nominated, and won awards!

Back in 2017, we highlighted Luke Combs who is clearly making quite the name for himself. In 2018, Combs was already nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year and just last week Combs got a surprise phone call from none other than Carrie Underwood who announced that this year, he is taking home the award. Will he also snag the win for Male Artist of the Year? Guess we will have to wait and watch to find out.

The next artist is one that has been a part of NYCountry Swag since the very beginning, Russell Dickerson. In 2018 he was nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year. This year his very first single and first chart-topper, “Yours” is up for a nomination for Song of the Year and we are pulling for Dickerson to come up with a win!

Other artists we have highlighted include High Valley, who have been up for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year two years in a row. Brett Young took home New Vocalist of the Year in 2018.  The upcoming girl trio, Runaway June, are making a massive impact with their newest single “I Can Buy My Own Drinks” earning them a nomination this year for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year.

“Take it from me” but Jordan Davis has made quite the jump in his career with his debut album Home State, which has already earned him two #1 songs. He was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year and while the award already went to Luke Combs, we see many more nominations and potential wins in Davis’ future. Others include Jimmie Allen who is making his ACM Award nomination debut with New Male Artist of the Year and Danielle Bradbery making hers for New Female Artist of the Year.

From our most recent batch of Artists to Watch comes Mitchell Tenpenny, whose hit single “Drunk Me” has shot up the charts, granting him his very first number one single. He was also nominated for New Male Artist of the Year along with Jimmie Allen, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, and Michael Ray.

While not all of the artists we highlight have had their shot at the award show just yet, they still get to be involved in all the fun that comes with it. The red carpets, after parties, meeting fans outside the arena, and more, it is still an incredible honor just to be invited.

Tune into the 2019 54th Annual ACM Awards this Sunday, April 7th on CBS at 8 PM ET and follow us on Twitter as we live tweet the event.

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High Valley Releases New Single “Single Man”

High Valley Single Man

 

Rising Canadian country music duo, High Valley, is back with their highly anticipated single titled “Single Man” from their forthcoming album. Brad and Curtis Rempel are the brothers that comprise the bluegrass-influenced duo. In 2017, the duo was on New York Country Swag’s Artists to Watch list and have been rising ever since.

The new single is upbeat which is the vibe the duo usually goes for when putting out songs. “Fans always say, ‘Man! Your records are so upbeat, and we can’t help but smile when we listen to them,’” Brad says in a recent press release. “That’s honestly the greatest compliment anyone could give us. Because we’re not that band that’s gonna be singing these hurtin’ and break-up and cheating songs. That’s not real life for us. There’s a lot of positivity over here.”

Recently, the duo’s career has taken off following the breakout success of their 2016 debut album, Dear Life, which features the gold-certified single “Make You Mine” and “She’s With Me,” the duo’s first Top 10 at country radio. The two also clinched two consecutive ACM nominations for New Vocal Duo and were brought out on the road by Old Dominion. They also embarked on their own headlining dates like the Highway Finds Tour which we caught back in 2017.

In the past year, the band has been holed up in the studio writing and recording for their forthcoming album. The new single is just a taste for fans of what’s expected in the future.

Both members of the duo insist that the new single may very well be their most revealing song yet. Brad talked about the reason behind penning the new song, “I wanted to be brutally honest. The lifestyle as a single man on the surface looks amazing. You have a relaxed accountability that comes with this sense of freedom, and yet true happiness exists at a far more profound level. Most importantly I wanted to write a song that said, ‘I promise you I wouldn’t be able to find any single man on this planet that if he saw what I had — my wonderful wife and my family — he wouldn’t say, “Dude! Can we please trade places?’”

The journey is not over yet for the duo, its actually just beginning. “Single Man” is now in the hands of the world and with a new album on the way, the future is looking very bright and fans can enjoy the ride with them.

“To keep up with High Valley follow them on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Single Man” 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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Ashley McBryde Opens Up About Pursuing Her Dreams in CBS Interview

Ashley McBryde CBS

Ashley McBryde with co-writer of “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” and “Livin’ Next to Leroy,” Nicolette Hayford, on CBS This Morning (Monday, April 1, 2019)

In an emotional yet inspiring interview with “CBS This Morning,” Ashley McBryde talks all matters related to her struggle to make it in the music industry, family disapproval of her career choice, and the ultimate passion she has for music. It began with a clip of Carrie Underwood surprising McBryde with a phone call announcing “You miss, are the ACM New Female Artist of the Year,” ahead of this Sunday’s award’s show. Not only is McBryde already a winner, but she is also up for Female Artist of the Year, and she will be performing on the big stage in Las Vegas alongside Eric Church on Sunday.

McBryde has come a long way to finally earn her spot in country music. The road was not always easy, as it took her many years playing in dive bars and keeping her head up when no one believed she could make it her way. When trying to break into the country music industry, McBryde was told to lose weight and to look a certain way, and she was not about to give into that. The singer-songwriter decided instead to put pen to paper and write about it. McBryde says one of her rules when it comes to writing is, “Don’t write anything down until somebody cries – we like to dive deep.”

Her incredible ability to create an emotional connection and tell a story through her lyrics is what took her from living in small-town Arkansas, all the way to Nashville and the top of the country music charts. One song in particular, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” talks about keepin’ on when no one else believes in you. McBryde admits, “I don’t know that I’ve written one more important than ‘Girl Goin’ Nowhere’ – yet.” That particular title track to her highly successful debut album Girl Going Nowhere landed her a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album.

McBryde’s favorite and most personal song on Girl Going Nowhere is “Bible and a .44” about her father. McBryde’s father did not approve of her being in the music industry and felt that it was no place for his daughter. In fact, he told her, “Promise me that when you’ve made your money you’ll go to medical school.” Her father is a doctor, and a farmer who is currently fighting a degenerative disease. McBryde admits, “I am careful the things I share with him because it is important to me and its not always important to him,” and would assure her Dad, “I’m not just playing bars anymore, I’m playing arenas, we’re traveling the world.” His response was, “I’m proud ‘for’ ya, didn’t say ‘of’ ya.” A teary McBryde admits, “everybody wants their Pop to be proud of them.” Fortunately, McBryde sought encouragement from her mother who believed in her wholeheartedly, and through writing music and performing she continued her journey to stardom.

Now it’s time for McBryde to pay it forward, she says “More times than I’ve got yes, I’ve got no.” She lovingly gives advice, “if anybody has told you not to passionately pursue what sets your soul on fire – they are wrong, don’t you dare give up and if you do, you better not let me find out about it.” McBryde hopes that her fans can relate to her lyrics and songs, as writing them and performing are like therapy for her. The passion for music radiates through McBryde, as she says, “This is the only thing I know how to do and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability, and when the level ups itself, I will up myself to that level,” and it is safe to say there is no slowing down one of the most admirable and talked about artists in country music today.

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

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Brothers Osborne Make Their Day Time TV Debut on Ellen

Brothers Osborne Ellen

Photo Credit: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.

Five-time GRAMMY-nominees Brothers Osborne made their daytime TV debut on Ellen. The duo performed their newest single “I Don’t Remember Me (Before You)” from their latest album Port Saint Joe. Ellen introduced the brothers saying “Our next guest has four ACM nominations this Sunday night. Here to perform their hit “I Don’t Remember Me (Before You)” please welcome, Brothers Osborne.”

What makes the duo work so well is their ability to show off their two-sided approach. Opening with John’s electric guitar chords and TJ’s hushed vocals, the song about a former self talks about how they changed after finding love. On Ellen, they alternated between TJ’s commanding baritone and John’s live-wire guitar playing as the song builds all the way to its finish.

Brothers Osborne were also recently nominated for four Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards in three categories, “Duo of The Year,” “Video of the Year,” for their song “Shoot Me Straight,” as well as their feature in Dierks Bentley’s “Burning Man,” and “Music Event of The Year.” Last year the pair earned 2018’s ACM awards for “Duo of the Year” and “Video of the Year” and hopefully they can grab a few more this time around. Tune in on Sunday night, April 7th on CBS at 8 PM ET.

The band is currently on tour all over the country from multiple upcoming sold out shows, festivals and adding in some dates overseas, there are plenty of chances to catch the duo live. For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit www.BrothersOsborne.com

 

To keep up with Brothers Osborne follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Jake Owen Plays Brand New Album For Sold-Out NYC Crowd

Jake Owen NYC

Last night those who were lucky enough to grab tickets early were in attendance at a New York City night club turned country music venue to catch Jake Owen’s triumphant return with brand new music and his new label, Big Loud Records. Chase Soundcheck Presented Jake Owen at Marquee NYC and fans arrived early to wait on line to get a premiere spot to catch the country star.

Rocking a new style, a green and purple western shirt, and a black fedora hat Owen took the stage confident, ready to share this new album with his fans. Greetings From…Jake was released last Friday and Owen has been promoting the new music all over the country, most recently playing the Today Show in the Artist’s Lounge. He kicked the night off with the ACM nominated song “Down To The Honkytonk” and immediately phones flew up to capture the song. Promising the crowd that he wouldn’t leave the stage before playing songs that they knew and loved, he took advantage of the moment to play almost the entire album front to back, explaining which were his favorites and why.

“I’m playing y’all a lot of these new songs off the new record tonight, I hope you know that I hope you’re prepared, I might throw an oldie or a goodie in there I promise, but I’ve really got to introduce you to this new music that I’ve been working hard on, are you guys cool with that?” The fans cheered him on, just as excited to sing along to their new favorites.

Switching gears from the debut single “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” to “Grass Is Greener” to “Señorita”  he passionately sang 10 of the songs from Greetings From…Jake and he was pleasantly surprised when he could hear the lyrics being sung back to him. He admitted that since the record was so new, it was the very first time he and his band had played a lot of the songs live, and hoped that the audience liked what they heard.

Jake Owen NYC

Before singing one of the more touching songs on the record, Owen shared; “I’ve been playing this song for about a year or so and I’ve kind of noticed throughout the year of playing it, not only does this song mean a lot to me but I’ve noticed it means a lot to a lot of other people.”  He continued ” My buddy Michael Ray just asked me if I would sing this at his wedding for him and Carly Pearce so, I never sang at a wedding before other than my sisters wedding, and I was just a kid and I sang “Boot Scootin’ Boogie, so this will be cool to do my own song”. He then serenaded the crowd with a loving rendition of “Made For You”.

As promised, he ended the night by singing fan favorites “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”, “Beachin'”, and “Anywhere With You” as well as some incredible classic country covers like “Family Tradition”, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name”, and a rousing rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog”.  He even had some fun by rapping Biggie’s “Juicy” and throwing in a little Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song.

Overall, Owen brought the party on a Tuesday night in New York City at an unlikely venue for country music. His energy, passion, and talent were shining examples of Nashville meets the Big Apple and this new music will certainly carry him into the next generation of country music lovers. Head to our Instagram for exclusive clips of the show and read more about Greetings From…Jake in our First Impression review.

To keep up with Owen follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

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Smithfield Kick Off Their ‘We Make Our Own Tour’ in NYC

Last night, country duo Smithfield bought their first ever headlining tour to Joe’s Pub at The Public in lower Manhattan with special guest, Carolyn Miller. Luckily for us New Yorkers we got to experience an intimate night of good food and great music to kick off their ‘We Make Our Own Tour’ right here in New York City.

Smithfield We Make Our Own Tour

Justin Aharoni Photography / @jaharoni / Whole Trout Media

Kicking off the night, New York native Carolyn Miller took the stage going straight into her 20-minute acoustic set performing her song “Something Right About A Wrong Turn.” Getting the crowd ready for what was to come, she showcased her incredible vocals and stage presence performing a set of her original songs, “Save It, and “Strangers In This Bar.” While also covering a song that is dear to the singer-songwriter’s heart telling the crowd, “One of the first country songs I could ever remember hearing was this one…I was about 6 or 7 years old when I got this cd and I heard this song and fell in love with it and the storytelling. This is one of my favorite songs of all time, this is “When You Say Nothing At All” by Alison Krauss.” Performing the song effortlessly, she gave the audience a beautiful rendition to remember.

That wasn’t all for the singer-songwriter, Miller gave everyone who attended an exclusive premiere of her brand new song coming out on April 26th called “What You Can’t Have.” Before ending the night with her last song, “Remember Love,” she thanked the crowd for coming out mentioning how excited she was to see Smithfield coming up next.

Smithfield We Make Our Own Tour

Justin Aharoni Photography / @jaharoni / Whole Trout Media

Next up was the headliner themselves, Smithfield, kicking off their set with their uptempo title track “We Make Our Own” from their recently released EP Smithfield: We Make Our Own. Right off the bat, they were full of energy, getting the crowd ready for a great show ahead. As the night was just getting started the duo, Jennifer Fielder and Trey Smith took the time to welcome and thank everyone for coming out saying, “Y’all this is our first time headlining in the city so we are so excited to be here with you guys tonight, thanks for coming out to Joe’s Pub!… We know New York City is like the biggest market for Sirius XM, so they gave us our first shot to hear our first song on the radio and it’s a little song about skinny dipping,” going into their song “Nothing but the Night” followed by their new song “Counterfeit.”

Before going any further, Fielder gave the audience a little background on the duo mentioning to everyone that they grew up on different musical backgrounds as kids with Fielder being a country girl while Smith is a rock n’ roll guy. The duo got creative telling the audience, “We did a little mashup of our greatest heroes in music and we want to showcase that tonight, the songs that we love, why we do what we do up here on this stage.” They performed an epic 5-minute mashup of 90’s hits from both genres featuring songs “That Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain, “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls, and “This Kiss” by Faith Hill, showcasing their undeniable talent no matter what song it is.

Smithfield We Make Our Own Tour

Justin Aharoni Photography / @jaharoni / Whole Trout Media

Keeping up the energy they kept the night going performing songs of their own “Slippin,” and “Me No You,” along with covers “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake and “Come Back To Me” by Keith Urban. Before slowing it down Fielder asked the audience, “Are y’all cool if we just play this next one broken down just me and Trey and an acoustic guitar? Cause that’s where this whole thing started. The first time we came to New York was on the Highway Tour and we just played me, him, and a guitar.” The next song up was a very personal and special song to Fielder “If It Ain’t You,” the duo showcased their harmonies and incredible vocals syncing together effortlessly.

Before ending the night, Smithfield couldn’t leave without singing the song that started it all. Smith began talking with the audience saying,” Y’all this song we always called our little song that could cause it’s gotten us so many things in our career so far and the outpour we saw from you guys on this song, just the reaction I don’t say this lightly it meant the world to us really that you listened to it that you commented on it, thank you for being here tonight it really means the world to us guys. This is our first headlining tour, thank you for coming to the ‘We Make Our Own Tour!’ It’s a great way to kick it off!” Going into their emotionally driven ballad “Hey Whiskey,” before bringing the beat back up with their last song of the night singing their current single on country radio  “Our World.”

For those willing to travel you can catch Carolyn Miller on Chase Rice’s  ‘Eyes On You tour’ at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey on April 25th!

To keep up with Smithfield follow them on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

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[Watch] Kree Harrison Reveals Visuals for “I Love The Lie”

Country songstress, Knee Harrison rose to fame as the runner-up on the 12th season of American Idol. Since that accomplishment, the powerhouse vocalist has taken her time honing in on her sound and talent, releasing her first single in three years last month entitled, “I Love the Lie.” The single is slated to be the first song from her forthcoming sophomore record. On Thursday (3/27) Harrison premiered the music video for the track exclusively on CMT.

“I Love the Lie” is a unique take on missing all the seemingly good parts of a relationship, even though you know it all turned out to be untrue. The track, penned by five-time Grammy winner country superstar, Chris Stapleton, was seemingly made for the songstress’ voice. Harrison’s sweet and soulful tone is on full display, as she tells her story.

“I miss being the thing you needed / When you were feeling lonely / I love the lie, I love the lie / I miss hearing you say goodbye / Said you always hated leaving / I love the lie, I love the lie.”

Directed by Alex Berger and Slater Goodson, the music video features Harrison narrating, as a potential couple share different experiences together. At the beginning of the video, a woman, donning a 1940s-inspired, old Hollywood glam outfit is greeted by a man with flowers, on stage. Throughout the video, it is unclear if the man and woman are just acting and rehearsing for a show or if the relationship lines are blurred. The visuals create the perfect imagery for the honest and relatable words Harrison is singing into her own dressing room mirror. Make sure you watch until the very end for a surprise ending.

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

 

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