Pistol Annies Grace the Stage in NYC on Album Release Day

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Pistol Annies NYC

Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley, Miranda Lambert

As fans waited for the iconic trio, the Pistol Annies, to take over beautiful Town Hall in New York City, on album release day, the buzz in the room was evident. Concert-goers were eager to see the Annies take the stage, after their several year hiatus for what would be an epic 75-minute performance.

The second the ladies emerged on stage, standing in front of their appropriately labeled mic-stands, Hippie Annie (Ashley Monroe), Holler Annie (Angaleena Presley), and Lonestar Annie (Miranda Lambert), the crowd erupted into applause and were on their feet, where they remained the entire night. Lambert, Monroe, and Presley, clearly feeling the energy, started the show off with their new song “Sugar Daddy,” followed by crowd favorite, “Feel a Sin Coming On” from their 2013 album Annie Up.

Lonestar Annie was first to address the audience and excitedly shared that their record, Interstate Gospel was finally available, just before singing “Bad Example”. Pumping up the crowd, she stated “Happy Friday to everybody. Happy album release day to us. We’re gonna do a bunch of songs about sin and men, and everything in between tonight. We’re gonna be setting a real bad example for you all.” Although a trio, the songstresses truly gave each other the spotlight when necessary, often mouthing the lyrics and dancing with each other, when one of the women had a solo in a song, such as when Monroe acted as lead soloist in “Dear Sobriety,” or when Presley took it home on “The Hunter’s Wife.”

Pistol Annies NYC

Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley, Miranda Lambert

Although beautifully talented in their own right, the ladies truly shine, as harmonizing goddesses, often sounding like one effortless and incredible voice. Their beautiful harmonies were showcased during their performance of Elvis Presley’s “Love Me,” and hard-hitting title track off their new project, “Interstate Gospel.”

The night was filled with many great moments; however, one of the highlights of the night came towards the end of the trio’s 20 song set, when Lambert spoke to the audience yet again, “ We appreciate y’all understanding us telling the truth. We sit around with girlfriends that live really big lives. Should I tell the stats now?! Two husbands, two ex-husbands, two children, one on the way, and 25 years. That’s a lot of shit to write about, you know what I mean. That’s not even counting in-laws, outlaws, mamas, and stuff. We really appreciate Y’all listening to us, and living our stories with us because we’re just trying to tell everyone’s story whether they’re ugly or not.” Concert-goers showed their love and appreciation for the ladies, as the women bared their souls, singing another crowd favorite, “Girls Like Us.”

The performance was relatable, authentic, and enchanting all in one, just like the Annies. The supergroup saved some of their best songs for the end of their set, including their sassy new single, “Got My Name Changed Back” and an old favorite, “Hell On Heels”; both resonating with the intimate group of fans present. The night closed with Monroe’s wedding song, an acoustic rendition of “I Hope You’re the End of My Story.”

New Yorkers were lucky to witness the Pistol Annies’ magic, as they delivered an unforgettable night. Next up, the ladies head to The Novo in Los Angeles on November 7th to close out their trio of concerts to promote their new record. Keep up with the Annies via their social media for more information and updates.

 

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NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Teddy Robb

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Teddy Robb

Photo Credit: Matthew Berinato

One of the most talked about new singer-songwriters in Nashville is our Swag Spotlight this week, Teddy Robb.  Robb grew up in Akron, Ohio and didn’t really start listening to country music until high school.  Before that, he listened to classic rock like Bob Seger, The Eagles, ACDC and Pink Floyd.  He laughs as he explains that he only started listening to country music for a girl. “I thought, ‘No that is just for sad people and for people who’s dog died and their truck broke down’ but then I remember listening to “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney and I was like…oh actually this is really fun I can get into this,” he tells us.  From then on he loved Brooks and Dunn, Tim McGraw and of course, Kenny Chesney.  He didn’t play music growing up, instead, he played sports and even played football in college for a few years but after he stopped playing football he took that passion and newly founded free time and started learning how to play guitar.  After a teacher challenged him to play one night at an open mic night, he fell in love with performing and being up on stage.

“I started playing local clubs in Akron, Ohio and before long I decided I wanted to move to Nashville so one morning I just woke up and said this is the day, I am moving,” he explains his spontaneous decision. He played honky-tonks and cover songs for about a year before once again making a big move, this time to Colorado. He was captivated by the lifestyle, as an outdoorsman, being able to hike and fish in the summer and ski and snowboard in the winter, he loved living there.  All the while, he was playing country music at night, honing in on his craft and perfecting his sound.  He explains that although he was playing country music, every once in a while a request would come in for something a little different, whether it was John Prine, Bob Dylan or Pure Prairie League. This allowed him to open up his musical horizons and eventually create the sound that he now brings back to Nashville. His voice, his delivery, and his lyrics are the perfect blend of laid back folk and modern country.

His travels from Ohio to Nashville to Colorado and back to Nashville again have taught him lessons about himself as a musician and allowed him to learn about the type of music he wanted to create. “On a whim, a little bit of luck and a little bit of hard work, that is how I got here,” Robb tells us. He signed with Sony Monument Records and started getting into writing rooms around town.  “I connected with the SMACK writers, I knew it felt very natural and I knew I wanted to end up being there and then they offered me a publishing deal,” he recalls.  “Since then I have been there writing every day.”

He tells us when he was 20 years old he heard George Strait’s “Troubadour” for the first time, a memory that he will always remember as the moment he knew he wanted to pursue a career in music.  He had the pleasure of being in a writing room one day with one of the writers of that song, Leslie Satcher.  He took the opportunity to explain to her how that song had changed the course of his life. “I’m in a room with somebody writing a song with them and they wrote a song in the past that is a huge reason why I am here today playing music. It was an incredible experience for me,” he tells us. “Nashville is a really special town because of those types of moments.”

Robb released his debut single earlier this year, “Lead Me On” was written with SMACK writers, Matt McGinn, Ryan Beaver, and Aaron Eshuis and produced by Shane McAnally. It is an upbeat honest track, a fun song that has a unique twist, where the singer doesn’t mind the cat and mouse game.  His raspy voice and sultry delivery will have any listener throwing out the relationships rulebook. He explains that he truly loves the song and decided it should be the first single because of its versatility. “It’s the first one I wrote with SMACK writers and I think it leaves us room to go left or right, once we pick another song, that one doesn’t put us in a box of this is what we are, it has a nice availability to go a little more pop country or traditional.”  He performed “Lead Me On” along with other songs recently at an exclusive event in Nashville hosted by SMACKSongs.  Read our recap of the special night here.  He also hosted his own writer’s round featuring Blake Chaffin and JT Harding where he impressed even more fans in Nashville.

Looking ahead, he is playing another writers round tonight (Mon, 11/5), be sure to head to our Instagram for video clips from the show.  He is looking forward to getting out on the road and expanding his reach, playing his new music and eventually putting out an EP of that new music. Grab “Lead Me On” here and follow Teddy Robb on Instagram for the latest updates.

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NYCS First Impression: Lauren Davidson ‘Ballads’

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Lauren Davidson Ballads

CMA artist Lauren Davidson is a New York City/New Jersey-based singer-songwriter that is getting the attention of everyone around her. She tells us in a recent interview is inspired daily by artists from all genres of music including Contemporary Country, Rock, and Pop. Because of this her music has a little something for everyone in it. Last Friday Davidson released her second EP Ballads, the first time she has released new music since 2016.

Fans got a glimpse into the new EP back in June when she released “Pouring Rain”, which quickly became her most-streamed song on Spotify to-date, already raking up more than 17,000 streams. In the song, Davidson tells how she has learned life is not a bed of roses and not always fair. She has been “walking in the pouring rain trying to wash away this aching pain”. The strong chorus kicks in and is bound to be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. It is catchy, has a great rhythm, and meaningful lyrics.  She also joined the New York Country Swag team for a Live Swag Session to sing the new song for our followers.  Watch the full Swag Session below.

The opening track “Just A Memory” starts with Davidson’s powerful vocals as she starts to describe the feeling of being held by a loved one that is now just a memory. Experiencing a first love at 17, she prays that these little memories will always stay with her. While the song is a more upbeat ballad than normal, the meaning and lyrics are hopeful and powerful. It’s a perfect track to introduce the EP. “Hole in My Heart” shows another contrasting side to Davidson. This break-up ballad showcases her soft side while bringing deep lyrics that hit hard.

To top off the EP, Lauren Davidson delivers an upbeat, unrequited love song, “To The Moon And Back”. From the very beginning the guitar riffs that open the song immediately pull you in. The song highlights the ability to love someone completely if they would only let you. It’s a simple concept that her fans can relate to, inspiring repeat spins.

This EP shows off Davidson’s ability to create a well-rounded EP all the while keeping in the theme of ‘ballads’. “Ballads” puts her unique and powerful voice on display, take a listen to the songs below and follow Lauren Davidson on Instagram to stay caught up and be on the lookout for a new single soon.

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Brett Young Marries Longtime Love Taylor Mills

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Multi-platinum selling artist, Brett Young and longtime love, Taylor Mills are officially married! The two tied the knot in a beautiful Palm Springs, California wedding in front of 200 of their closest friends and family, according to People. 

“Being able to be best friends with a person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with is the most important thing. She has a very pure, kind heart,” says singer-songwriter about his bride.

While Young has previously revealed very few details about the special day, one thing he has mentioned is that he did not want to perform at his wedding. Instead fellow country singer, Lee Brice performed “I Don’t Dance” for the newlyweds, followed by Young’s “idol” Gavin DeGraw, performing “More Than Anyone”.

“We chose people in terms of performers that are really important to us and are close friends,” says Mills. Adds Young: “If everybody in the country music family could’ve been there, we would’ve asked them all to sing!”

Brett Young Wedding

Mr. & Mrs. Brett Young, Photo by @dukeimages via People.com

Next up, the couple are heading off to celebrate their new life together with a beachy honeymoon and looking forward to starting a family right away. “We’ve been together for a long time and we do want kids soon,” Young tells People, “This is the beginning of our life together, and I’m excited to say husband and wife!”

Young’s sophomore album Ticket to L.A. is out December 7th and is available for pre-order now. New York country music fans can catch him on his next New York City tour stop on December 9th at PlayStation Theater with guests Tyler Rich and Rachel Wammack.

 

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Lacy Cavalier Releases Poignant Single “Cheating on U”

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Lacy Cavalier, a member of Song Suffragettes, has officially released her brand new single, entitled “Cheating on U,” to all streaming and purchasing platforms. Song Suffragettes is a collective of female songwriters dedicated to showcasing female musical talent in Nashville, Tennessee. Cavalier previously released a vlog style lyric video for the track on her YouTube channel last month, with no intention of releasing it as an official single. In the description of the video, she discusses how important this song is to her and why she had doubts about releasing it. “I wrote this song a little over a year ago and honestly never thought it’d be something I’d release. It felt too invasive,” she honestly writes. “But the more I lived with it, the more I realized that there’s no way I can be the only person that has had these thoughts.”

The singer-songwriter begins the video with a personal message to what seems to be to an ex-boyfriend, which this song is about. Cavalier mouths the lyrics along to the tune while sipping on a glass of wine, roaming around her apartment. The vulnerably honest track tells the intimate story of her past relationship, predominantly the negative aspects. She sings in the chorus, “I wish I didn’t feel like you’re the one / Still, it doesn’t really feel like this is done / When I’m out here on dates, tryna find new love / Yeah it’s been a month or two, since we said that we were through / So why does it feel like I’m cheating on you”. 

Be sure to follow Cavalier on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates and future song releases.
“Cheating on U” is now available everywhere you stream or buy music.

 

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Pistol Annies Continue Album Release Week on Good Morning America

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Pistol Annies Good Morning America

Photo Couresty of @GoodMorningAmerica Instagram

 

The ladies of Pistol Annies are taking over New York City this week to promote their brand new third studio album which released today, Interstate Gospel. Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley, and Ashley Monroe took the stage at Good Morning America in Times Square earlier this morning (Nov. 2) to perform their sassy single “Got My Name Changed Back.”

Closing out the show, co-anchor Robin Roberts introduced the trio, “Some great music to kick off the weekend…here they are with their single “Got My Name Changed Back”.” Assisted by a full country band, Lambert strummed along to her own musical washboard while singing the main vocals. All three women were styled in red carpet ready ensembles; Presley showed off her adorable baby bump in a striking silver sequin dress, Monroe rocked a gorgeous teal fringe jumpsuit, while Lambert stunned in a black mini dress with rhinestone detailing. Each of the members had their alter egos (Holler, Hippie and Lone Star) imprinted on their mic stands. The trio showed off their dance moves while harmonizing beautifully. The studio audience clapped along to every beat during the entire performance and cheered the ladies on once the performance was over. Check out the full performance by clicking here.

The supergroup will be performing at Town Hall in New York City tonight for those who were lucky enough to score tickets to continue celebrating the album’s release. Head to our Instagram tonight for live videos from the show. Be sure to follow Pistol Annies on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for future show announcements and updates.

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Raelynn Blows Hometown Show Away on SIRIUSXM The Highway Tour

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Raelynn The Highway

Photo Credit: Molly Holmberg for NYCountry Swag

RaeLynn recently has teamed with SiriusXM The Highway for a three-show headlining run this fall, alongside newcomer Ross Ellis. Raelynn made her second stop and played at the Cannery Ballroom last night in Nashville, TN in front of family, friends, and a whole room packed of fans.

Ross Ellis started out the night singing his newest hit “Ghost” along with “Love By The Moon” which was cut by Tyler Farr. Growing up in Louisiana, going to the same school and the same fraternity as Tim McGraw, when Ellis came to Nashville his dream cut was McGraw. This past month his dream came true as McGraw cut “Neon Church” which Ellis sang loud and proud last night.

Raelynn took the stage energetic and ready for a show. She played the fan favorites like “Love Triangle”, “Lonely Call”, and “Queens Don’t.” The singer-songwriter also previewed a new song called “Camo.” For her growing up it meant hunting on the weekends but now it has a whole new meaning. Her husband serves in the U.S. Army so now camo means not seeing his face in the morning or even at all.

Raelynn Hardy The Highway

Photo Credit: Molly Holmberg for NYCountry Swag

After taking a little serious note to sing the song dedicated to her husband, Raelynn paused the show to let the fans know what a good “stank” face looked like right before she covered Camila Cabello’s pop hit “Havana.” Whoever had the best dance moves in the crowd got to come up on stage and dance with Rae and the band.  As if the crowd was not already thrilled and dancing, this did the trick. Three lucky girls got up on stage and danced their hearts out. Raelynn brought along a special guest on stage for one song, Hardy. Before Hardy released his debut EP and single “Rednecker”, he was an amazing songwriter. Together they performed his first number one song “Up Down” recorded by Morgan Wallen featuring Florida Georgia Line.

She previewed another new song called “Hometown” about her small hometown in Baytown, Texas. Everyone knows everyone, the love of the mom and pop wing place on the corner, and more. For anyone with a huge love of their hometown, this will be a song for you!

Raelynn ended with her newest hit single “Tailgate,” which has garnered over 4.2 million streams before even being released to country radio. She wrote the song with Canaan Smith, Corey Crowder, and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard.  Raelynn continues to put out songs redefining the genre and lyrics that will pull at your heart. Her voice live is truly authentic and the energy, sass, and dedication she brings to every show in unparalleled. Follow her on her socials and Spotify to be the first to know of new music, tour dates, and more!

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Pistol Annies Perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

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Last night, the talented women of Pistol Annies graced the stage of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and sang one of their new songs “Best Years of My Life” from their highly anticipated third album Interstate Gospel out today, November 2nd.

The country trio comprised of Miranda Lambert (Lone Star Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie), and Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie) sing a beautifully somber ballad about what life is really like for someone despite the expectations or hopes they once had.

Monroe sets the tone of the song with opening lyrics “I picked a good day for a recreational Percocet, I’ve got an itch to just get high. I am in the middle of the worst of it, these are the best years of my life.”

Following Presley’s delicate voice continues the painful reality we are sometimes faced with by singing “I’ve got the hankering for intellectual emptiness, I’ve got the need to ease my mind. I’ll watch some re-runs on the TV set, these are the best years of my life.”

Lambert explained their inspiration behind the song saying “It is a song about everybody, just someone that is trying to do their best and maybe it is not working as well as they wanted it to,” as the idea came from a Mom’s perspective inspired by her friend.

Pistol Annies will be playing tonight in NYC at a sold-out show at Town Hall, check our Instagram Stories for videos from the show. Be sure to get a copy of their album Interstate Gospel where you buy or stream music.

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Luke Bryan Joins American Idol Judges on Live with Kelly & Ryan

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Earlier this week, country music megastar Luke Bryan and his fellow American Idol judges, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie appeared on Live with Kelly and Ryan to get ready for Season 2 of the show. The judges decided to have a little pre-Halloween fun and came out dressed as animals. Bryan was dressed as an eagle, while his fellow judges were dressed as a blow-up sloth and panda. The three also played a game of ‘Who’s Most Likely’ with host Ryan Seacrest. Bryan voted for himself as most likely to sing in the shower. You can watch the interview here.

The three judges looked very cozy together after only working together for one season. Going into the first season of American Idol, the three didn’t know each other very well or had ever really worked together. They now consider each other family.

“I didn’t really know Luke,” Perry said “I had seen him hosting the CMAs and singing ‘Huntin’, Fishin’…’” “She had seen some of my online shaking,” Bryan says with a laugh.  The show has brought the two very close that they even seek advice from one another.  “I call Lionel about my kids,” says Bryan. “I’m like, ‘Lionel, what do I do now? What do I do with this latest thing?’ Lionel has got all the knowledge.”

Bryan’s had a very busy year outside of his American Idol gig. He recently wrapped up his touring year for 2018, where he hit multiple stadiums around the country as well as other big name venues. He also scored two No. 1 hits in 2018 with “Most People Are Good” and “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset,” both from his most recent album, What Makes You Country. He also released the title song as his latest single. Make sure to check out the newest season of American Idol coming in 2019.

 

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[Listen] Chris Bandi Drops New Single “Why I Don’t Drink”

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Chris Bandi

photo credit: Dustin Haney

St. Louis native Chris Bandi, has released his poignant new single entitled, “Why I Don’t Drink.” Co-written with Kat Higgins, the agonizingly intimate track concedes the story of knowing someone is not “the one” but no matter what, after a few too many drinks, finding yourself at their doorstep, deceitfully telling them things you know they want to hear out of loneliness. Acknowledging his continuous habit, Bandi chose to put an end to the one thing that began this endless cycle. He sings in the chorus, “Cause I know what I feel ain’t love / The only time I open up / Is when I’m drunk, standing at your door / These whiskey lies we both believe / Just when you’re gettin’ over me / I’ll break your heart like every time before / I don’t want to tell you things, then in the morning leave / That’s why I don’t drink”

The singer-songwriter previously took this song out on the road once the writing process was complete and knew it was something special from the audience’s response.  In a recent press release, Bandi shared, “Some of the best advice I ever received about writing songs was to try not to write a song. Just tell the truth and say what you know. I knew about growing up, learning from your mistakes and relationships. Mostly, I learned what not to do. I immediately started playing it live with just an acoustic guitar after Kat and I wrote it. “Why I Don’t Drink” was the song that people would always ask about after shows. That’s what first made me think we had something special. I’m so happy to finally be able to share it!”

Be sure to follow the rising country star on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for future announcements and song releases.  “Why I Don’t Drink” is now available everywhere you stream or buy 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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