Steve Moakler Releases Nostalgic “Slow Down” Music Video

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Rising country music singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, Steve Moakler, had quite an exciting 2018 with the release of his brand-new album, Born Ready, as well as embarking on two national tours. While on tour, Moakler and his wife received some big and exciting news. They were going to be parents for the first time. This new chapter in his life inspired the track “Slow Down” off his fifth album.

In an interview with Cowboys and Indians, Moakler said: “This album was inspired by the road, not just the road that I’ve been on playing music, but the road that we’re all on, trying to close the distance between where we are and where we want to be.” The 12-track album explores a different side of Moakler and adds the perfect amount of rock ‘n’ roll to his traditional country vibe.

Moakler’s new album is full of great songs, but one of the album’s highlights is the stripped-down, guitar-driven jam “Slow Down.” A recent press release said: “The personal meaning behind the track, “Slow Down” off his full-length album, Born Ready, has come full circle — as he embarked on his two national tours, he and his wife found out shortly after they were expecting their firstborn in the middle of touring.”

Before Moakler released the official music video for the song, he released a short behind-the-scenes video where he explains the inspiration behind the song: how success and time on the road led to a loss of a sense of home till he met his wife, Gracie, and how he lives with the tension of being torn between who he loves and what he loves. We interviewed his wife Gracie as our very first Woman of the Month, read more about her here.

Moakler officially released the touching music video for “Slow Down”, that includes his wife, Gracie and their son, Jackson. The video gives a nostalgic feeling as it’s filmed in a home-video style. It shows memories of being on the road and never before seen footage of his new family.

“To keep up with Steve Moakler follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Jordan Davis Performs “Take It From Me” on Good Morning America

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Here at NY Country Swag, we are always proud to see one of our NYCountry Swag’s 2018 Artists to Watch make another huge step in his or her career, and this morning was no different. After scoring yet another #1 song, Jordan Davis set off to New York City to make his Good Morning America debut.

While some people consider signing a record deal, scoring a number one song, or playing the Opry stage making it in the industry, for Davis’s grandma, its playing GMA. Even though he’s scored two No. 1 songs and scored several awards nominations this is the big step in her eyes. Davis said in a recent press release “To be honest with ya, in the eyes of my grandmother, I’ve officially made it. In her eyes, I’m on GMA, I might as well be in the Musicians Hall of Fame over here, you know?”

Kicking off his debut, he was introduced to the audience by host Ginger Zee, “Rising country star Jordan Davis. He was named Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2018 and here he is with his number one hit off the album Home State this is “Take It From Me.” Surrounded by blues, purples, and pinks, the lighting set the mood and upbeat feel of the song. The “Take It From Me” singer killed the performance with his raw vocals and guitar licks. Add flashing lights as a backdrop and Davis swaying back and forth and you get one phenomenal Good Morning America debut.

Davis is currently up for New Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards and after hitting it big at the iHeart Awards recently, he has a great shot at scoring another. He is currently on the road with Old Dominion as part of the Make It Sweet Tour with a few more upcoming stops before joining Rascal Flatts in July for the Summer Playlist Tour.

To keep up with Jordan Davis follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Maren Morris Joins “Watch What Happens Live”

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Marren Morris joined “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen last night alongside fellow guest Teddi Mellencamp from the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Cohen introduced Morris as a housewife superfan, loyal to the Beverly Hills Housewives. He congratulated Morris with the release of her new album “Girl,” saying Morris is “a woman whose voice is what your ears want.”

Cohen surprised Morris by proving what a huge fan she is of the Beverly Hills Housewives by showing an Instagram clip of where she once pretended she was a housewife, almost like an audition tape for the show! She then had 45 seconds on the clock to ask Cohen and Mellencamp whatever burning Bravo questions she wanted. Next up was a fun game called “Why Don’t You Just Meet Me In The Middle?” Perfect for housewive’s fan Morris and fitting because of her smash single “The Middle”, she was given scenarios of Beverly Hills Feuds and she chose who she thought should forgive first and makeup.

Cohen even got Morris to share that the “Real Housewives” had actually made it into their wedding vows! Maren laughed and gave us the details about the exchange of vows between her and Ryan Hurd. “He said, I promise to love you through everything, the blah-blah-blah to the this and watching ‘Real Housewives’ to this, ” Apparently, he tries to pretend that he’s not a fan and doesn’t keep up on them, “And then he somehow knows all of the information, the inner workings of what’s going on.”

It was then time for some fan questions for Morris, with the first one being, “How did you and your friend Kacey Musgraves initially meet? Maren responded, “Kacey and I are both from Texas, and we started going to the same auditions, and Oprys and talent shows when we were kids and that’s how we met.” Another question that came through was “What was the most intimidating part about performing with Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus at the Grammys and what did you all talk about backstage? Admitting she was nervous because it was ‘Dolly’ Morris said, “Dolly immediately made me feel so welcomed to be there, and she and I joked about how short we are” while they were backstage. The final question brought up the other pop stars such as Demi Lovato and Camila Cabello and how they passed up recording “The Middle,” and if she had ever reached out to them. Morris doted on them explaining that “they’re huge stars” but they “chose to do other songs at the time.”

Cohen praised Maren’s rendition of “The Middle” by saying, “What a gift it is for your life.” Morris humbly answered, “I come from the country world, and I am a songwriter but on this song, I just knew it was such a hit I didn’t care that I wasn’t a writer on it – and thank God I made the decision” All in all, It has been an incredible month for Morris, since releasing her album on March 8th, GIRL now sits at number 1 on the Top Country Album Chart and has broken the record for the largest ever debut streaming week for a country album by a woman, with 23.96 million streams in its first week.

Check out clips from Morris’ visit to “Watch What Happens Live” for a good laugh and enjoyable entertainment by clicking here.

 

/Cover Photo Courtesy of Bravo TV.com/

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Chris Young Showcases How He Was “Raised On Country” in New Video

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Raised On Country

Last week, the multi-platinum entertainer, 11-time chart-topper and Grand Ole Opry member Chris Young debuted the rowdy music video for his latest hit, “Raised On Country.” Young, who is known for sticking to his traditional country roots, has been named by Associated Press as “one of Nashville’s finest traditionalists.” “Raised on Country” was co-written with Corey Crowder and Cary Barlowe, and the music video was filmed at the historic country radio station 650 WSM and at a local Nashville dive bar.

Directed by Peter Zavadil, Young and a couple of bandmates make their way into the legendary station to a surprised radio host. The musical threesome go “ON AIR” and give an entertaining performance. Before you know it, their energizing voices are radiating through a stereo at a hometown bar. In no time at all, the entire bar fills up with people listening to Young and his band singing. He gives credit to his musical influences during the chorus with lyrics, “I was raised on Merle, raised on Willie / Got my Honky Tonk attitude from Joe Diffie / Daddy did too, it’s family tradition / If someone cranks it up, you can’t help but listen / My upbringing sounds like George Strait singing / And I gotta give props to the radio / ‘Cause if you know me, I was raised on country”

According to Rolling Stone, Young said, “As a member of the Opry, I was honored to be allowed to film ‘Raised On Country’ in and around the WSM Radio Tower and the same airwaves where songs from my musical icons have played over the years.”

“Raised On Country” is certainly a huge indicator of the energy Young plans to bring to his live shows as he will be kicking off his 2019 “Raised on Country Tour” May 16th in Alpharetta, Georgia. Turn the volume up on your own speakers and check out this boisterous music video below.

 

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Rascal Flatts Up Close & Country for NASH FM 94.7

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Rascal Flatts Nash FM 94.7

Yesterday after an early morning at Good Morning America, Gary, Joe Don, and Jay of Rascal Flatts were the very first artists to perform at NASH FM. 94.7’s brand new home, the Radio.com stage for an exclusive Up Close & Country performance.

Radio personality and DJ, Katie Neal welcomed the trio to the stage and after a few laughs, Jay DeMarcus joined Gary and Joe Don joking around that he was in the bathroom when they were announced. The band interacted with the small studio audience of lucky winners throughout the 5 song set, asking them to sing along and thanking them for coming.

They kicked things off with their most recent number one, “Yours If You Want It” backed by their full band of incredible musicians. Right off the bat their signature sound and harmonies were shining through, proving that their two-decade career of making country hits is long from being over. Next up they sang their current single “Back To Life” which was actually co-written by Dan + Shay’s, Shay Mooney. “Because he loves Gary’s voice so much, and listened to Gary growing up, he writes really well for Gary and what Gary is drawn to melody wise, so it was just kind of a no brainer,” Jay DeMarcus explained about cutting the track. The duo joined Rascal Flatts last year on their ‘Back To Us’ tour and they took time to recognize how incredible it was to watch their careers explode, ultimately watching them win two Grammy awards. We caught that show at Northwell Health at Jones Beach, check out a full recap here.

Rascal Flatts Nash FM 94.7

They discussed with Katie Neal about the decision to put their next full-length album on hold and release one single at a time. “This way if we do a single at a time, or 3 or 4 at a time, they all get and deserve the respect to be heard, I think,” lead singer Gary LeVox explained. “We’ve left so many great songs, that will probably never see the light of day on albums and now the way that things have changed, we have the opportunity that everybody will get to hear them.”

They talked about their Summer Playlist Tour and how it becomes harder and harder each year to pick songs for the setlist because there are those staple songs that fans expect to hear each year. They also chatted about the great list of openers including Lee Brice and Billy Currington on select dates. “Well, it’s called the Summer Playlist Tour so we just wanted it to be as many different varieties of people as we could to kind of make it a huge party,” Jay DeMarcus said.

Throwing it back to one of their classic songs, they performed “Fast Cars and Freedom”, a definite fan favorite. They ended the Up Close & Country performance with two of their biggest and most popular hits, “What Hurts the Most” and their iconic cover of “Life Is A Highway”. After performing they generously took time to meet each and every single fan present at the studio. Rascal Flatts The Summer Playlist Tour kicks off in May and goes through the entire summer. Click here for a full list of dates.

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[Listen] Rachel Wammack’s New Single “Enough”

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Rachel Wammack Enough

 

Rachel Wammack’s latest single “Enough,” was released on March 15, 2019. Co-written with Laura Veltz and Sam Ellis, “Enough” is a descriptive track that conveys that simplicity is the key to life. Despite having goals and dreams, appreciating the good things that you have, love and family are what really matters.

It provides two messages that everyone needs to be reminded of, which are to not take for granted those that love you and to not get caught up in lofty desires or material items.  “If none of my dreams come true/If it’s down to just me and you/In this custom, hand-picked, signature brand of love/Well, baby it’s enough, enough.”  The lyrics are clearly influenced by traditional country love songs while having a slightly more pop-influenced melody, creating a unique fusion of sounds. “It’s something, isn’t it?/But it’s nothing without you in it”.

We caught the rising artist open for Brett Young last year on the CMT On Tour, read our recap of the great night of music here. Having had notable success from her self titled EP, which was released last year, Wammack is in a place to grow and further solidify her presence as an up and coming woman in country music. She is one of many new female artists pushing that the status quo is changed so that more women are recognized not only through radio airplay but within the genre as a whole.  Additionally, Wammack was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country 2019, among other illustrious honors and recognition.

 

 

Be sure to catch her at one of her upcoming shows including Tortuga Music Festival, Stagecoach Music Festival, and Country LakeShake.

“Enough” 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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Rascal Flatts Perform “Back To Life” on Good Morning America

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Yesterday, March 18th, superstar vocal group Rascal Flatts performed their latest powerhouse single, “Back To Life” on ABC’s Good Morning America. The single is currently ascending at country radio and follows back-to-back chart-topping singles “Yours If You Want It” as well as “I Like The Sound Of That”. The performance of their stirring new track includes their signature harmonies and the amazing vocals that they are known for.

Co-anchor Robin Roberts asked lead singer Gary LeVox what the band was most excited about this summer. He responded, “Getting out in front of the fans again and we got so many great, talented artists coming out with us so it’s going to be a great summer.”

Introducing the band to the live studio audience and viewers at home, Roberts said “It’s going to be a great summer indeed. Their newest single “Back To Life”, Rascal Flatts!” Based on what we have heard about the upcoming tour, we have to agree! With a crowd of fans singing along, and the New York lights behind, the vocals of LeVox and guitar playing and backup vocals by DeMarcus and Rooney, it made for the perfect performance. What strikes us about the performance, and all other performances, is the pure, unfiltered sound that the trio brings to the table.

The trio also recently released a special live version of their new single “Back To Life (Live From Red Rocks),” taken from their unforgettable sold-out show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. Rascal Flatts are also gearing up for their ‘Summer Playlist Tour’ with opening acts such as Lee Brice and LOCASH along with Billy Currington, Jordan Davis, Jimmie Allen and Morgan Evans on select dates. One of their stops is the Taste of Country Festival up at Hunter Mountain and if you are going we hope to see you there!

 

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NYCS Swag Spotlight Heath Sanders

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Heath Sanders

A viral moment on YouTube changed this week’s Swag Spotlight, Heath Sanders’ life forever. The Marshall, Arkansas native grew up in a conservative, religious home and he tells us that music was always running through his veins. “The drums were my first love, I would walk around tapping on things all the time when I was a kid, my parents thought I was crazy,” he recalls. “They finally broke down and bought me a drumset when I was 10 years old and I fell in love with that.” As a child, he remembers listening to a lot of classic, southern gospel music like The Isaacs, Fred Hammond and Bebe and Cici Winans but as he matured into his high school years, Garth Brooks became one of his biggest influences, along with Brooks & Dunn and George Strait.

After learning to play the guitar when he was twenty-one, he tried his hand at songwriting, but after a few failed attempts and what he calls “pretty terrible songs,” he didn’t approach the craft again until March of 2018 when he sat down to write his first single, “Bloodline”. He was inspired by the video above going viral of him singing Chris Stapleton’s “Either Way”. “I woke up on that Sunday morning three days after it had gone viral and for the first time in 13 years, I felt like writing a song,” Sanders said.

As he was sitting down with a pen to paper writing “Bloodline” he got a call from the host of the nationally syndicated Bobby Bones Show, Bobby Bones himself who wanted him to come down to Nashville and perform live on his show. The video now has garnered over 1 million views, giving Sanders an opportunity he never thought he would have. In the room that day was Brian Wright, EVP of A&R for Universal Music Group Nashville, Lauren Thomas, Director of National Promotion for SONY and singer/songwriter/producer and one half of Sugarland, Kristian Bush, all who said Sanders should definitely be pursuing music. Bush said:  “You definitely need to do this for a living, if you’ve got the courage for it, you should do this for a living”.

After that performance, Sanders made the decision to give up his work in the oil field, move to Nashville and continue to chase the dream and the chance that that national radio appearance and viral moment granted him. “I’ve always been a realist, so I never pursued it but fate didn’t give me an option, so I’m just rolling with it,” he humbly explained. He is grateful for the fan base that he has built around him and knows that as long as he has something to say that they want to hear, he will work to put out those songs.

Most recently, he was signed to a worldwide publishing deal with SONY/ATV Publishing after his self-penned song “Down On The South” was released. He explains that the song was written quickly after a conversation with songwriter Mark Alan Springer, who told him to “just write what you know, quit worrying about what you think everyone wants to hear, or what you hear on the radio, just write your heart.”

Since that first appearance, he has now opened for national acts including Justin Moore, Cody Johnson, Drake White, and Chase Rice. His undeniable talent and traditional country vibe will have fans loving his honest songwriting and relatable lyrics. He looks ahead to the rest of this year and playing more shows and releasing a few brand new songs. Be sure to follow his journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

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NYCountry Swag’s 2nd Annual ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’ Recap

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Sunday (Mar 10.), New York Country Swag hosted its 2nd annual ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’ event at Refinery Rooftop.  This event which celebrates all women in honor of International Women’s Day is a great way to acknowledge our family, friends, industry partners and followers who inspire us every single day.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

The day kicked off with VIP guests arriving at 11 AM, grabbing their custom made champagne glasses and heading to our mimosa and bloody mary bar to create their own one of a kind cocktails.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

Once again, Nomi Beauty was on site to beautify our guests by adding braids and curls to their hair and Nails by Mandy added glitz and glam to their nails. To welcome guests, DJ Artie from DJ’s @ Work was spinning some of the best songs performed by females in all different genres.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

Our general admission guests arrived at noon and our sold-out brunch had officially begun. Local New York/New Jersey country artist Lauren Davidson was back again this year to kick off the live music portion and performed not only a few of her original songs including “To The Moon and Back” and “Pouring Rain,” but also sang an incredible version of Maren Morris’ “GIRL” which was perfectly fitting for our day of celebrating all of the ladies in the room. Her mash-up of Spice Girls “Wannabe” and Britney Spears’ “Hit Me Baby One More Time” had the entire room of guests singing along, loving every moment.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

NYCountry Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner and Managing Editor, Christina Bosch

 

After a brief introduction and thanks to our partners, In Good Company Hospitality, Refinery Rooftop, Refinery Hotel, Nomi Beauty, Nash FM 94.7 and all of the Swag Bag contributors; BBR Music Group, UMG, Warner Music Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, and Dennis Entertainment, Christina and Stephanie welcomed to the stage someone who we are so excited to have back in New York City, NASH FM DJ and personality, Kelly Ford.

 

Babes, Booze and Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

Ford took the stage to thank the country music fans in the room for being so loyal and passionate and for listening to NASH FM 94.7.  She introduced our headliner, Stephanie Quayle saying: “This will be one of those moments that the passionate New York and New Jersey fans will remember. We know how you support artists and you’ll want to support this one. I’m good on the bandwagon thing, I get on early and this one is going to be a huge star.”

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Marko Albrecht for NYCountry Swag

Quayle took the stage to entertain our guests by performing true country music, singing “Seflish”, and her latest single “If I Was A Cowboy”. She had the crowd singing along during her cover of Jon Pardi’s “Dirt On My Boots”.  She played a few songs that she had never played before during her set, giving our guests and followers a sneak peek at brand new music. “Growing up in Montana, and to know that New York has this country music swag, it’s just growing and it’s so special to see so many fans of country music that want more,” she exclaimed.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

After the live music, guests continued the party by heading to our photobooth and taking pictures and dancing to the great girl power anthems.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

As the ladies left, they grabbed their Swag Bags which were filled with merch from five different major music labels and all of their artists. We want to thank all of our partners, and everyone who supports New York Country Swag and allows us to host incredible events like ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’.

Make sure to check out the recap video above and check out more photos from the incredible day on our Facebook here:

 

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[Listen] Renee Blair Releases Clever New Single “Better Off”

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“I feel stupid telling my mom, one more time that we’re back together,” St. Louis native Renee Blair sings at the beginning of her new song, “Better Off.” Honest lyrics like that that are bound to nab a listener’s attention immediately. On the sassy new single, released today, rising country star Blair tells an on-and-off again lover that they’re just “better off” being eternally off.

The song features a unique mix of instrumentation, vocals, and lyrics to create a groovy mid-tempo track that’s oh-so-relatable. Interestingly, upon her signing to Shane McAnally’s SMACK Songs, the superstar writer-producer-mastermind revealed, “She is determined to write the right songs to showcase her unique brand of R&B inspired Country music. She is a true artist in every sense.”

That R&B inspired country music is on full display here, having been tossed into a blender with a hint of pop, creating a catchy melody that’s sure to be stuck in your head. You’ll be singing along after one listen and what’s especially exciting about “Better Off” is the unique way Blair uses the song’s lyrics. She uses her timing and phrasing cleverly here, revealing that “maybe we’re just better off…off” and “we’re kinda like our clothes…on again, off again…” Knowing she’s stuck in an endless cycle of breaking up and making up, Blair suggests that maybe this relationship is better off being finally and permanently off.

Blair first played the song for New York Country Swag back in January when we hosted her for one of our Live Swag Sessions, check out the exclusive acoustic version below.

 

While the Nashville transplant grew up on the likes of Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, and Tanya Tucker, one of her biggest influences is rapper Nelly, and there’s a hint of that cross-genre feel here. “I think it is a huge testament to where music is right now, it’s becoming very cross-genre. I think it’s awesome,” she told NYCountry Swag of the rapper’s collaboration with Florida Georgia Line. “The fans are the best judgment, they just like good music and they don’t care what you call it and I think it is a great way to just bring everyone together.

Co-written by Blair, McAnally, Walker Hayes, Matt McGinn, and Jordan Schmidt, “Better Off” is a great follow-up to her previous release, “Me Tonight,” which showed a softer side of the singer-songwriter. She is currently putting the finish touches on her debut SMACK Songs EP, produced by McAnally.

“Better Off” 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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