NYCS 2018 Artist to Watch Where Are They Now: Danielle Bradbery

Danielle Bradbery

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. Back in January of this year we named the 10 artists below in our “Artists to Watch in 2018” and we are proud to say, we know rising talent before they make it big. Someone to add to your watchlist is Danielle Bradbery.

Danielle Bradbery is Big Machine Recording’s newest upcoming artist who is making quite the name for herself. Throughout this past year, she has been making huge strides in the music business. Bradbery’s newest album I Don’t Believe We’ve Met was one of our favorites released last year. The 10-track album shows the singer as someone who puts meaningful thoughts into her powerful lyrics. From first listen, Bradbery’s latest album is a remarkable testament to the artist who is finally choosing her own path. As a 16-year-old, Bradbery took the reality competition, The Voice, by storm with her strong vocal ability and sweet nature. Now, 21, she understands the importance of being honest with yourself and making the music that you feel best represents you.

Released this past summer, “Goodbye Summer” was Bradbery’s newest single. Racking up streams and airtime around the country, the song has become a summer anthem. The reimagined track also features country superstar Thomas Rhett which just adds an unquestionable strength as a duet. What fans may not know is the song was actually written by Rhett. The two have become quite good friends since Bradbery moved to town and he has helped her get a good jump into the industry.  Singing their hearts out on the sandy beaches of Florida, the video was released and has gathered over 600,000 views. Just like the song, the video also unfolds a summer romance story between a girl and boy, falling in love and spending the whole summer together, until September rolls around and they part ways.

Bradberry also took a selfless approach to the area she filmed the video in. Shot on the beaches where Hurricane Michael hit, she saw how the town was affected. She teamed up with the Rosemary Beach Foundation to help raise funds for the rebuilding and aiding of the surrounding areas. If that was not enough to make you fall in love with her, she has also connected with ABLE, a Nashville-based lifestyle brand. Bradbery and ABLE created a line of jewelry that incorporates her single, “Worth It.” The singer-songwriter designed a number of accessories within the collection, including a ring, necklace, bracelet and more, all of which have the words “Worth It” engraved on each piece of jewelry. The proceeds from these sales go to help people in need in Nashville and beyond.

Bradbery has quite the new year planned as she will head out on the road with Kane Brown as a supporting act for his ‘Live Forever Tour’ this winter. She also has teased that a third album is in the works and says that she is writing every single song on the album, so if this last one is any indication for the next, it will be nothing short of remarkable and inspirational. For updates, a full list of show dates, and more visit http://daniellebradbery.com

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Country Music: Who’s Listening?

Country Music Who's Listening

It’s no surprise that country music and its fan-base has seen unprecedented growth in the past few years, for a variety of reasons. Country songs are being played on pop radio, are on multi-genre playlists, many great cross-genre collaborations happening, country artists are frequently featured on many specials and TV shows, and an increase in social media presence, among other things, has allowed many more people to be exposed to country music. Which leads to the question: When it comes to country music, who’s listening?

According to Spotify, the majority of country music listeners are from the United States, but the genre has grown internationally; since 2015 there has been a 21% increase in foreign listeners. As a result of international growth, artists are increasingly touring more in other countries. Longtime fans know that country music is popular in Canada and Australia, but South Africa, many countries in Europe, particularly Northern Europe, and some countries Southeastern Asia have a significant fan-base as well.

In the United States, country music continues to grow as well. According to research from the Country Music Association, 40% to 41% of females from every generation from Baby Boomers to Centennials listen to country music; in contrast, male listeners are 39% of Baby Boomers and Generation X, respectively, 38% of Millennials, and 27% of Centennials. Overall, 42% of the United States listens to the genre.

Also, according to the Country Music Association, country music has a presence in every major region of the United States, with 30% to 55% of the population of each region fans of the genre. There has also been an increase in the diversity of the country music fan-base as well, as  Hispanic and African American consumers have doubled and tripled, between 2010 and 2005 to 2015.

Nielsen reported in July of 2018 that country music was the leading radio format for this year, which is no surprise. It consistently has been one of the top performing, if not the top performing radio formats for years.  For country music fans, it will certainly be exciting to see how the genre continues to change and grow in 2019. Brantley Gilbert was right in saying that “Country Must Be Country Wide.”

 

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Teddy Robb & Friends with Shane McAnally & Matt McGinn

Teddy Robb, Shane McAnally, Matt McGinn

Photo Credit Molly Holmberg for NYCountry Swag

Teddy Robb, one of our Swag Spotlight’s hosted his last intimate evening of the year with fellow songwriters Shane McAnally and Matt McGinn at the Douglas Cafe in Nashville, TN last night. Gathering more fans, friends, and family than ever, Robb kicked off a great night of music. He sang a new, unreleased song “Drink Around You” and we got another look into his EP which is slated for release in the new year.
Teddy Robb, Shane McAnally, Matt McGinn

Photo Credit Molly Holmberg for NYCountry Swag

The name Shane McAnally speaks for itself, as he has nearly 40 #1 songs and over 100 album/single cuts. Singing huge hits including “American Kids” cut by Kenny Chesney, “Drinking Problem” by Midland, and “Body Like A Backroad” by Sam Hunt, each time it was McAnally’s turn, we were excited to see which song he would play next.
Teddy Robb, Shane McAnally, Matt McGinn

Photo Credit Molly Holmberg for NYCountry Swag

Matt McGinn, a name you may not recognize but whose songs are blowing up the charts. Having two #1 songs this past year, “Heaven” and “Homesick” by Kane Brown, he is proving to be quite the gifted writer. On top of playing his new hit singles, McGinn played a personal song that is unreleased. “7,500 or Best Offer”, tells the story of wanting to sell a pickup truck because all it does is bring back memories and the nostalgia of a past relationship. This song takes a new approach to a breakup song, and we are loving it.

Robb, of course, stunned the crowd with previews of songs coming off of his debut EP which we are not so patiently waiting to hear! Favorites including “Tell Me How” and “Lead Me On” had everyone videoing so they can go back and rewatch.  Head to our Instagram Stories to check out both songs.

Teddy Robb, Shane McAnally, Matt McGinn

Photo Credit Molly Holmberg for NYCountry Swag

In between songs, McAnally talked about how far Robb has come within the last year and the songs he has been able to write. “Teddy’s voice connects and has a place,” McAnally says, as Robb has been gaining fans left and right. Then to everyone’s surprise, including Robb’s, McAnally states, “How a part of the family you feel to us, we really want to make that official and turn this into a full-fledged deal.” Teddy Robb is the newest singer/songwriter with Monument Records after getting a record deal last night and we could not be more happy for him. The sweet moment between McAnally and Robb was captured on Instagram here. Look out for Teddy Robb’s debut EP coming soon and in the meantime check out our highlights from two other events he played at here and here.

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Country Music Festivals Worth Traveling to This Summer

Festival season is right around the corner for country music fans! As we gear up for warm weather and country music, we compiled a list of country music festivals worth traveling to this Summer, from right here, in New York to California, and everything in between.

 

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of CMAWorld.com

CMA Music Festival (June 6th- June 9th)

Arguably the biggest country music event of the year, CMA Fest is held in Nashville, Tennessee at Nissan Stadium. This year the four-day extravaganza is being held June 6th- June 9th. Find tickets to the epic weekend at cmafest.com or just book your plane ticket to Nashville, and experience some of the many free shows held, during the day! Expect to see the biggest names in country music on the line-up, which will be announced sometime in 2019.

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of @CarolinaCountryMusicFest Facebook

Carolina Country Music Fest (June 6th- June 9th)

If Nashville is too far to travel, another great option is taking a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for Carolina Country Music Festival. The awesome beach festivities are being held June 6th through June 9th. Big names like Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, and Florida Georgia Line have already been announced as headliners! Along with some of our personal favorites, Mitchell Tenpenny and Brothers Osborne. For more information head to carolinacountrymusicfest.com.

Taste of Country Festival (June 7th- June 9th)

For our fellow New Yorkers and country music fans around the country, Taste of Country Festival is a perfect option for those wanting to experience beautiful Hunter Mountain in upstate New York, while listening to some awesome country artists. Make sure to snag your tickets and campsites at tasteofcountryfestival.com. Headliners Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Brooks and Dunn, and Brett Eldredge are already confirmed to perform, during the June 7th to June 9th weekend. Still not convinced, check out New York Country Swag’s experience last year.

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of @LakeShakeFest Facebook

Country LakeShake (June 21st- June 23rd)

The 3-day country music festival is coming to Chicago’s Huntington Bank Pavilion and Northerly Island June 21st through the 23rd. This festival is Chicago’s only country music festival on the beautiful lakefront. Tickets and VIP passes are already available on lakeshakefestival.com. Female country stars Miranda Lambert featuring the Pistol Annies, Miranda Lambert, and Lauren Alaina are already booked to perform, along with other greats, such as Luke Bryan and Brett Young.

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of @CountryStampede Facebook

Country Stampede Country Music Festival (June 21st- June 23rd)

The Country Stampede Country Music Festival in Manhattan, Kansas is an awesome outdoor music and camp festival held in a State Park. The festival has been held on the last weekend of June for over 10 years, this year it will take place June 21st through June 23rd. Some of our spotlight artists and swag sessions artists are already on the line-up, including Jimmie Allen and Travis Denning, as well as other great country music artists, such as headliner, Jason Aldean, Old Dominion, and Morgan Wallen. Find information on the festival website, countrystampede.com.

Summer Festivals

Photo Couresty of @WindyCitySmokeout Facebook

Windy City Smokeout (July 12th- July 14th)

If you’re looking for some great country music, beer, and some good BBQ food, Windy City Smokeout might be your festival! The three day Chicago festival is being held July 12th through July 14th for its 7th annual year. For more information head windycitysmokeout.com and look out for tickets becoming available soon. Past headliners include Brett Young, Walker Hayes, and Kane Brown.

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of http://www.countryjamwi.com

Country Jam USA (July 18th- July 20th)

The Wisconsin country music festival, Country Jam USA will talk place this year July 18th through July 20th. Country Jam USA has been a staple, during festival season for over 25 years, featuring popular artists such as Blake Shelton and Eric Church. This year, Toby Keith, Chase Rice, Jake Own, and others have already been announced as performers. Make sure to check out countryjamwi.com for more information, including tickets an camping passes.

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of @WEFestMN Facebook

WE Fest (August 1st- August 3rd)

For fans, who love experiencing some great country music under the stars, WE Fest Country Music Festival is taking place in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The 3-day festival will take place August 1st through August 3rd with Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, and Brooks and Dunn already set to perform. Head to wefest.com for more ticket information, as well as information about the various campgrounds fans can stay at, while they enjoy some great music.

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of @OregonJamboree Facebook

Oregon Jamboree Music Festival (August 2nd- August 4th)

This year on the weekend of August 2nd, Oregon will host country artists like Brothers Osborne, Mitchell Tenpenny, Scotty McCreery, and Lindsay Ell at the Oregon Jamboree Music Festival. The weekend festival’s motto is “2 stages. 25 shows. 1 sweet weekend.” Tickets and campsites are already available at oregonjamboree.com.

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of @WaterShedMusicFestival Facebook

Watershed Music and Camping Festival (August 2nd- August 4th)

For west-coast lovers, fans can head to Watershed Music and Camping festival in Washington state. The festival will be hosted at The Gorge Amphitheatre from August 2nd through August 4th this year. Details have not yet been released this year, but keep your eyes peeled on watershedfest.com for information about passes, camping, and glamping options. Last year the event featured awesome country artists, various stages, a giant Ferris Wheel, and a foam party, all adding to the one of a kind experience.

Country music lovers, make sure to check out one of these great festivals this Summer!  If you’re looking to head to some festivals sooner, check out our ‘Winter’ list here.

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Chris Lane Lyrics to Use for Instagram Captions

Chris Lane NYCS Lyrics for IG

Chris Lane has had a break out year with his sophomore album Laps Around the Sun climbing up the Billboard Top 10 Country Album chart, as well as massive hit songs like “Take Back Home Girl” and “I Don’t Know About You.” We’ve put together some of Lane’s best lyrics to go along with your photos and Instagram captions for the next time you catch him on tour.

1. “That favorite habit gotta have it, you can’t quit. I got your fix” – Fix

2. “She got a smile that makes your worst day feel like it’s your birthday. She’s got a laugh like confetti, would change her name if she’d let me” – For Her

3. “You’re a drive real slow, down a no lane road, to a house on a hill where the wild things grow” – Take Back Home Girl

4. “What’s your name, what’s your sign, what’s your birthday. What’s your wrist tattoo bible verse say. Tell me this, do you kiss on the first date. Don’t hold anything back” – I Don’t Know About You Lyrics

5. “She’s a sunset wish with a ten mill smile, her own kind of beautiful” -Her Own Kind of Beautiful

6. “So go on and run and see what there is to see, but I hope when you’re done you’ll run, you’ll run straight back to me” – Back To Me
7. “Of all my favorite things I wish I hadn’t done, baby you’re number one” – Number One

8. “You already got my loving, and I ain’t gonna stop for nothing. No, gonna love you till the sound goes down, and comes round again” – Laps Around the Sun

9. “When you say you love me, I got that lucky. And I hope that you trust me when I say, I don’t wanna live this life without you” – Without You ft. Danielle Bradberry

10. “It ain’t a secret you’ve been stealing my attention, so tell me every little secret I don’t already know” – All About You

11. “She don’t know I got some big, big plans. Build a little house out on some hand-me-down land.” – Big, Big Plans

12. “Stealing kisses, just go missing, when they ask where we’ve been, we’ll call it fishin” – Fishin’

13. ”Cause my world’s gone numb and I just wanna feel something.” – Life Goes On

14. “For a minute, call her beautiful, she ain’t trying to wind up in love.” – Hero

15. “The fire alarm’s buzzin’ and the firetrucks are comin’ like baby in the pouring rain.” // Old Flame

 

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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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Luke Bryan Plays His Last Show of 2018 in NYC

Luke Bryan NYC

Last night, New York country fans kicked off the week at Hammerstein Ballroom with country superstar, Luke Bryan. Two years in a row, Bryan has played an exclusive New York City show during the first week of December. Last year was an intimate Pandora event in honor of the release of his sixth studio album, What Makes You Country. This year the event was presented by Citi/AAdvantage, releasing tickets exclusively for cardholders, along with Bryan’s Nut House fan club members.

As the music started, the band began to take their spots leaving Bryan to make a solo entrance on the catwalk saying, “How are we feeling tonight?! Where are the country girls at in downtown Manhattan? This is our last show of the year right here!,” before opening the show with his infectious hit, “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” The superstar was not one to disappoint when it came to putting on the best show for his fans. The last time he was in our area was his Metlife Stadium show in June of this year. Just like then, he had a ton of energy on stage and tried to get as close to the crowd as possible. He was constantly on the catwalk, taking audience member’s phones to snap selfies, as well as signing people’s hats throughout the night.

It was a night to never forget, he sang all his hits and fan favorites like, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset,” “What Makes You Country,” “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day,” “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “Crash My Party,” and “Rain Is A Good Thing.” As the night went on he stopped to talk to the crowd about the holidays, exercising, and football, while mentioning, “This is so fun!… It’s just amazing to get to play like 2,000 seaters, it’s been a few years since I’ve done that. Now don’t get carried away I do love playing Metlife now!”

Luke Bryan NYC

Even though it was a Monday night, it didn’t stop the crowd from coming out and having the time of their lives while singing back every lyric all night long. Right before the encore, Bryan sang “Play It Again,” but couldn’t leave the stage until he heard it sang back to him one last time in 2018. The crowd erupted in cheers while he led the sing-along, with every person in the crowd singing the lyrics right back to him as seen in the video below.

As the night was coming to an end, he sang his encore songs, “Move” and “That’s My Kind Of Night,” leaving everyone energized and wanting more. Before leaving the stage for good, he thanked the crowd once again for showing up and saying, “We will see you in 2019! Thank you Hammerstein Ballroom!”

 

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Dan + Shay Perform Their Latest Single “Speechless” on GMA

Dan + Shay GMA Speechless

Photo Courtesy of abcnews.go.com

Platinum-selling country duo Dan + Shay have had the biggest year of their career thus far, with their third studio self-titled album debuting at #1 and having one of the biggest songs of the year with “Tequila,” the two are not finished taking over 2018 just yet.

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney stopped by Good Morning America in New York City earlier this morning to perform their fastest growing number one single “Speechless.” Co-anchor Robin Roberts introduced the duo to the live studio audience and viewers at home, “One of country music’s hottest duos, Dan + Shay. They’re going to sing us into Tuesday with their number one hit, “Speechless,” take it away guys.” Watch the full performance here.

With Christmas trees decorating the stage and the guys assisted by a four-piece band, Smyers strummed along to his own acoustic guitar while Mooney sang outstanding lead vocals. The blended harmonies produced by the two were silky smooth as always.

Prior to their performance, Mooney and Smyers spoke with co-anchor Ginger Zee backstage in their dressing room on GMA’s Facebook live stream to discuss their remarkably successful year, their weddings, the camaraderie of the country music community and touring with the mention of potential new dates being added to their hectic schedules in the new year. You can watch the interview here.

Dan + Shay will also be performing as part of the CMA Country Christmas special which will air on ABC this Monday, December 10th at 8/7c.

The guys will wrap up their run as supporting acts on Chris Young’s ‘Losing Sleep Tour’ this weekend, which stops on Long Island this Friday, December 7th at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum as NashFM 94.7’s Holiday Bash. Tickets are available here.

For a full list of dates along with dates for their tour schedule in 2019, visit http://www.danandshay.com/.

 

Granger Smith’s New Project: ‘They Were There’ A Hero’s Documentary

 

Granger Smith “They Were There: A Hero’s Documentary”
Produced by: Granger Smith
In partnership with Texas Roadhouse and Altama
Directed by: Paul De La Cerda

Granger Smith’s music career is hotter than ever right now, but this country artist has a passion that goes well beyond creating music. In his self-produced documentary “They Were There: A Hero’s Documentary” in conjunction with an original soundtrack released November 30th, Smith pays tribute to five fallen soldiers that sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

In the opening of the documentary, as Smith leaves his wife and children behind to begin his journey, he says “With my job, I always have to be on the road but I can only hope that when they see me leaving and eventually they understand that some of these things that I’m doing is out of an effort to try and make a difference. That is what this is about and that is what this trip is about and that is what this walk in the desert is about – making a difference.”

Smith takes us along an emotional yet uplifting five day trip through the Chihuahuan Desert in Big Bend National Park for the setting of “They Were There.” As he walks he speaks to family members and views personal belongings of each soldier which allows us the opportunity to learn a little more about each hero. Letters from family and journals these men wrote bring us into the life they lived on tour, their character and determination to make this world a better place. Their passion for America and defending our country in order for us to live safe and free is embedded in these men, and their sacrifice for all of us will never be forgotten.

Smith can now add self-producer to his ever-growing list of achievements, and his patriotism as he honors these fallen heroes is remarkable. Smith has performed for troops overseas several times and is an avid supporter of our U.S. military. Fans can experience a beautiful reminder on why we remain a free country by watching the eye-opening and heartfelt documentary “They Were There: A Hero’s Documentary” on his YouTube Channel here:

They Were There Original Soundtrack tracklist:
1) “They Were There” (Granger Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jordan Schmidt, Andy Albert)
2) “You’re In It” (Frank Rogers, Justin Adams, Mark Nesler)
3) “We Got It” (Granger Smith, Jordan M. Schmidt, Justin Wilson, Jamie Paulin)
4) “4 Wheel Drive” (Granger Smith, Frank Rogers, Mike Florentino)
5) “Everybody Lives” (Tommy Cecil, Seth Ennis, Jay Brunswick, Jaida Dryer)
6) “I’m A Fan” (Granger Smith, Justin Wilson, Jamie Paulin, Jordan Schmidt)
7) “Raise Up Your Glass” (Frank Rogers, Matt Alderman, Ty Graham)
8) “Love Ain’t Blind” (Granger Smith, Justin Wilson, Jamie Paulin)
9) “Home Cooked Meal” (Granger Smith, Frank Rogers)
10) “Never Too Old” (Granger Smith, Justin Wilson, Jordan M. Schmidt, Andrew Albert)
11) “You’re In It” (Remix) (Frank Rogers, Justin Adams, Mark Nesler)

 

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CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2019 Announced

CRS New Faces 2019

Earlier today, Country Radio Seminar (CRS) officials announced the CRS 2019 New Faces of Country Music® Class of 2019.

CRS is an annual three-day convention sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, where country music and the radio industry gather to exchange ideas, set trends, introduce brands, launch artists and make decisions that affect every aspect of the genre’s future. Featuring some of the most established artists in the business, the seminar also includes new music from rising new artists.

Each year, a group of five of the previous year’s brightest rising artists are selected to showcase their talent as part of the weekend-long events closing showcase entitled New Faces. This showcase remains one of the most anticipated events of the entire seminar.

The Class of 2019 features the following artists: Jimmie Allen who just recently scored his first ever number one single with “Best Shot,” Russell Dickerson who was recently honored with a BMI award for his platinum single “Yours,” Lindsay Ell who scored a number one single in her homeland of Canada with “Criminal,” LANCO whose album Hallelujah Nights debuted at number one on the country charts earlier this year and Dylan Scott who achieved his first ever number one single last year with “My Girl.”

Last year our team attended the seminar and New Faces Show which featured Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Midland, Michael Ray, and Luke Combs.  Check out the full recap from the week here. Precious New Faces include Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Sam Hunt, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Maren Morris and many more.

The 50th annual Country Radio Seminar will take place this upcoming February 13th through February 15th at the Omni Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.  Be sure to keep up with New York Country Swag for exclusive CRS coverage.

 

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NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Karen Waldrup

“Work hard, don’t stop, persevere and believe, because if you want something in life it’s not always so easy but every single moment that it took to get you to that point is justified.”

Karen Waldrup, this week’s Swag Spotlight spoke with New York Country Swag recently about her journey in the music business and how she is utilizing technology to reach her fans in new and innovative ways.  Growing up in Lousiana, Waldrup recalls her sister sending away for country music CDs and they were always being played in her house.  The Dixie Chicks, Trisha Yearwood, and Dolly Parton are just some of the influences that attracted her to the genre from a very young age.  “I just thought it would be fun to write and create music, it was more about writing but once I started playing out for people I started to get addicted to the feeling of fans connecting to their own story to my music,” she explains.  She started to write songs and learned to play guitar when she was still in high school but it was when she was in college at The University of Southern Mississippi that she started playing gigs and truly pursuing the career.

Moving to Nashville after college she got a job as a salesperson to pay the bills all while continuing to write and play around town. “This town has been such a beautiful gift, it is kind and the community is really nice,” she explains.  Although she’s been in Music City for ten years now, she will never forget her southern Lousiana roots. She integrates a certain amount of soul and blues into the country genre, all the way being proud of who she is and proud that her home state accepts people for the good, bad, and the ugly.

As an independent artist, Waldrup decided to launch an Indiegogo campaign to fund her debut full-length album back in 2016. She recalls a particular moment during a live stream where a woman requested she sing the inspirational “I Hope You Dance” for her daughter’s birthday.  The video almost instantly went viral, racking up over 29 million views and the cover was also appropriately the last song on the record.  Check out the cover song below.

After going viral, the Indiegogo campaign was 100% funded and Waldrup was able to start recording the album she moved to Nashville to create.  Cowriting 9 of the 11 tracks on her debut full-length album Justified, the sing-songwriter says it took a lot of time to decide on the songs that would compile a well thought out, themed record. She wanted to prove that every step along the way was justified to getting her to where she can now release an independent album of her own. “All of these people have justified that I can do this, every bar I’ve played, every private event, I have played in Tulsa, Oklahoma to two people and one was the bartender, I have paid my dues,” she tells us.

Utilizing technology and the power of social media, Waldrup has now built a family of fans across Facebook and Instagram totaling over 500 thousand people. They don’t only use social media to communicate with the artist and her team but also with each other, creating a welcoming space for people who love her music.  She has a series where every Wednesday she posts a new video for her followers, allowing them to see into the life of the singer-songwriter.  Another innovative way the artist is connecting with her fans is through Binge Networks, a network through smart TVs. All of her Waldrup Wednesday videos are now available through the Binge Network app, for more information head to bingenetworks.tv. 

Social media has proved that you can interact with your fans in ways never thought possible before. Waldrup explained that someone said something to her recently and it really clicked how important the internet fanbase can be, “You created a career for yourself that may not have happened otherwise,” she says. “Back in the day if you didn’t have a fancy record deal, go back home.”  Her latest single “Sometimes He Does” was written by Lori McKenna (“Girl Crush”, “Humble and Kind”) was just included in Rolling Stones “10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week” and the video premiered on CMT.com.  “It melts my heart every time I hear it, I heard it 6 years ago and I ended up being able to record it and it ended up on my record by the grace of God,” she says of the single.

As for what’s next, she looks forward to the new year, touring and heading over to the Virgin Islands and Jamaica as well as Europe, promoting her album and meeting more fans.  Keep up with Karen Waldrup on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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