Where Are They Now? Our 2017 Artists to Watch Update

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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 2017, we named the 10 artists below in our “Artists to Watch in 2017” and we are proud to say, we know rising talent before they make it big.  Check out what each of these artists has done over the past two years and what is coming up for them in 2019.

 

10. Seth Ennis – In 2017, Ennis released his debut EP, Mabelle, which featured his first single “Woke Up In Nashville” which put him on our radar early on.  Most recently he released a heartfelt song “Call Your Mama” which features Little Big Town and has garnered over a million streams on Spotify. The singer-songwriter joins Dylan Scott on tour which hits Gramercy Theatre on January 17th.  Grab your tickets here.

9. Trent Harmon – Harmon spent 2017 writing and working on his debut album, You Got Em All.   The American Idol winner of season 15 set out to prove to his fans and critics that he wasn’t just a competition winner that could sing covers but that he had something important to say with his songwriting.  We caught Harmon back in February in Nashville as he performed his single “You Got Em All” for radio programmers and the audience was blown away by his delivery of the breakup song. He told New York Country Swag during a recent interview:  “I had one job that day and that was to solidify myself a slot for the next year as a relevant up-and-coming artist in the country format,” which he certainly did.  We can’t wait to see what he has in store for fans in 2019.

 

8. High Valley – This Canadian duo since making our Artist to Watch list has toured the country on the Sirius XM The Highway Finds Tour and released brand new music, The Farmhouse Sessions which was recorded appropriately on a farm outside of Nashville. When we caught their infectious, high energy set a little over a year ago, the brothers, led the audience in a dance off and played their top 15 hit “She’s With Me” which elicited a crowd singalong.  The duo has tour dates booked through the new year, playing shows in the U.S as well as Canada. For all of the tour dates head to their website.

 

7. Runaway June –  The ladies of Runaway June are at such an exciting time in their career.  The week that New York Country Swag hosted them for a Live Swag Session, they had just announced they would be joining Carrie Underwood and Maddie and Tae on her Cry Pretty 360 Tour.  Since then they have also released their debut self-titled EP and their single “Buy My Own Drinks” is garnering plenty of spins on Spotify. Watch their performance and interview with New York Country Swag below and grab your tickets to see this powerhouse group of girls at Madison Square Garden on October 2nd, 2019.

 

6. Brett Young – Arguably the artist who has made it the biggest over the past two years, Young released his debut, self-titled album in February of 2017 and since then has had four no. 1 hits including “Sleep Without You,” “In Case You Didn’t Know,” “Like I Loved You”, and “Mercy.”  His brand new single from his forthcoming album, “Here Tonight” is already Top 40 on the Country Radio Charts and steadily climbing. Young is coming to New York City on December 9th with Tyler Rich and drops his sophomore album, Ticket to L.A just two days prior.

 

5. Ryan Hurd – We highlighted Hurd’s incredible songwriting career back in 2017 however since then he has written and recorded songs for himself that have proved he isn’t just a songwriter anymore.  Recently he released two songs, “Diamonds or Twine” and “To A T” which were both inspired by another huge milestone Hurd has accomplished since 2017, he got married. Marrying fellow singer-songwriter and chart-topper Maren Morris earlier this year has given Hurd the opportunity to write about his love for her and when he sings those songs, his delivery and devotion is evident.  We are hoping for a full-length album in 2019 and will keep you posted about future tour dates heading our way.

 

4. Russell Dickerson –  We are proud to champion the very first artist that New York Country Swag ever featured at our very first event back in January of 2016 just a few weeks after our launch! Dickerson played on top of a bar at Libation, a New York City nightclub, the event was sold out long before he had signed his record deal with Triple Tigers.  Since previewing his music for 300 of our lucky followers and a handful of NYCS events later, Dickerson has garnered not one but two no. 1 songs on the Country Radio Charts.  His love song for his wife, “Yours”, made it to the top of the charts and appropriately was the title of his debut album which was released this time last year.  Most recently, his second single to radio “Blue Tacoma” took the top spot. He toured all summer with Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker, increasing his fanbase.  Looking to the new year, Dickerson is working on new music and will hopefully get back on the road. Take a look back at our Country Night with the rising superstar from September 2016 below.

 

3. Walker Hayes – In January of 2017 when our list was published, Hayes had only released his 8Tracks Vol. 1 and 2 to his fans, a unique take on the storytelling country music is so accustomed to.  Over the past two years, the lines of genres have blended, country music has sonically changed and become more fluid and no artist has benefitted more than Hayes.  His blend of hip-hop, R&B and pop all infuse with country lyrics and have created a sound that is undeniable all his own.  We hosted Hayes earlier this year for a Live Swag Session after he released his major label debut album boom. and garnered plenty of success with his debut radio single “You Broke Up With Me”. He just released a new single, “90’s Country” which name-drops 22 different 90’s country songs that Hayes tells us in a recent interview, influenced him growing up and is the first of new music we can look forward to in the new year.  Watch the Live Swag Session from April below.

 

2. Luke Combs –  Another artist who had huge success since 2017, Combs released not only a debut album but a deluxe version with five additional songs.  The album entered the Billboard charts 73 weeks ago and continually makes its way back to the top of the charts, including this week where he holds the top spot for not only album but also the top song with “She Got The Best of Me” at no. 1 for the second week in a row. This marks the fourth chart-topper for Combs, previously he landed the top spot with “Hurricane,” “When It Rains It Pours,” and “One Number Away”.  He joined Jason Aldean this summer on his High Noon Neon Tour which made its way to Madison Square Garden in August.  The sold-out crowd knew every word to each of his songs, even the deep album cuts proving that the country crooner has grown his fan base so wide and is here to stay.

 

1. Drake White – White’s ability to captivate a crowd during his live performances landed him an opening spot on Zac Brown Band’s tour and at festivals across the country. He just released five new songs in an EP titled Pieces which highlights his signature groove and sultry vocals. Next year he is heading overseas to play the C2C Country to Country Festival in Glasgow along with Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum.

 

Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for an update on all of the artists we named to watch in 2018 and then coming soon, our 2019 Artist to Watch list.

 

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The Best Country Bars in New York City To Get That Southern Feel

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The Best Country Bars in New York City To Get That Southern Feel

New York City is known to have it all when it comes to different types of restaurant and bars, but when we are looking for some country music in the Big Apple where can we go for a good time? Get your boots on and head out to the following places for a little taste of the south in Manhattan!

***UPDATED 10/4/21***

 

Hill Country Barbeque Market: Craving some good barbeque and live music bringing back all of those Texas mems?  Hill Country serves Texas style BBQ and has plenty of draft beers to go along with it. This is another awesome option to get some drinks before heading to see your favorite country acts at Madison Square Garden.  Events like trivia night and karaoke are weekly happenings as well as live music that runs Tuesday through Saturday night. This year, they’ve even got a Hill Country Barbecue Rib Kit to enjoy their Texas barbeque at home.

Located at: 30 W 26th St between 5th and 6th Ave

 

Printer’s Alley: Transport yourself to Tennessee in this Nashville themed bar located in the Garment District.  Printer’s Alley plays plenty of country favorites, offers live music, and serves southern comfort food such as taco fries, mac & cheese, and buffalo chicken sliders. Printer’s Alley is great to watch a sports game with a group of friends or to head to before a concert at Madison Square Garden since it is right down the block! It’s your perfect midtown casual bar.

Located at: 215 W 40th St between 7th and 8th Ave

 

The Waylon: A country saloon that might as well be called Hell’s Kitchen’s best honky-tonk, offers live music every Tuesday through Saturday nights. On other nights, you can play songs on their jukebox, or compete in trivia on Wednesdays. They have a backyard garden as well as roadway dining, great for larger groups, and if you want to join in rooting for the Packers. Be sure to try their famous Frito Pie among other southern favorites, such as Fried Cheese Curds. The Waylon is definitely a place to spend a Saturday night out with friends!

Located at: 736 10th Ave between 50th/51st St

 

Doc Holliday’s: The East Village might have a lot of things, but it also has a real roadhouse style classic in Doc Holliday’s. Right from walking in with stickers covering the door, you know you leave behind the expectations of uppity Manhattan and fit right in with others just like you. Play a game of pool and say hi to the regulars; they’ll welcome you in to their over 25-year home.

Located at: 141 Avenue A

 

Flaming Saddles Saloon: Check out this toe-tapping western themed gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen for some country entertainment. Boot wearing men line up on the bar and dance in sync to classic country songs and provide pure fun for everyone. Stop on by and request one of your own personal favorite songs on their jukebox at this cash-only bar with great drink specials!

Located at: 793 9th Ave between 52nd and 53rd

 

Skinny Dennis: Located just across the pond (or river) in Williamsburg, Skinny Dennis brings the heart of the honky tonk to the streets of Brooklyn. With the now famous (and amazing) Willie’s frozen coffee, a true blue vintage jukebox, and a good ole hog on the ceiling, you get boots on the ground country. Live music basically every night of the week makes you feel just like you are walking down Broadway in Nashville. You’ll find it crowded on a Friday night, with the best country-loving Brooklynites out there.

Located at: 152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn

 

Mike’s Wild Moose Saloon in Hoboken: Jump across the other pond 2 blocks from the Hoboken Path station and you’ll hit Mike’s Wild Moose Saloon, with another taxidermied animal hanging on the wall. Great happy hours, colored string lights, and a neon “BAR” sign give this every country bar vibe you’ll ever need.

Located at: 30 Newark St., Hoboken, NJ

 

Brother Jimmy’s: Only currently one location in Manhattan, Brother Jimmy’s serves some of the greatest slow cooked BBQ and brings southern hospitality to the heart of the Northeast. With competition winning black angus brisket on the menu and giant onion rings and frickles as apps, you can’t go wrong. Brother Jimmy’s has a lot of seating and room for games of beer pong, perfect for any homesick southern alums. If watching college football is a favorite pastime, this bar is the perfect spot to cheer on your team and feel like you are sitting at a bar in the south.

Located at: 181 Lexington Avenue

 

The Patriot Saloon: What is better than a bar sporting American flags that plays country tunes on a jukebox?  This dive bar vibe offers arcade games and a pool table along with great drink deals and your ideal delicious bar food. Oh, and don’t be shocked to see a collection of “lost bras” hanging around the bar as The Patriot Saloon takes after the very famous Coyote Ugly theme. Check out their Instagram for witty chalkboard remarks and reminders to keep drinking.

Located at: 110 Chambers St

 

So the next time you and your friends are in the mood for a country night out, no need to book a flight down south just stop by one of these fun places! Make sure to follow us on Instagram at @countryswag for more country happenings in NYC and beyond. Cheers!

NYCS First Impression: Blackberry Smoke ‘The Southern Ground Sessions’

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Blackberry Smoke

The boys of Blackberry Smoke have been garnering fans across the rock and country genre for over a decade. Their smooth, American Southern rock and country sound has always resonated with music lovers. After releasing their sixth studio album, Find a Light back in April, they dropped an accompaniment to that album, an acoustic EP entitled The Southern Ground Sessions.

The record is a captivating six-song EP that the group, consisting of Charlie Starr, Richard Turner, Brit Turner, Paul Jackson, and Brandon Still, wrote and recorded in Southern Ground Studios. In a press release, the leader singer (Starr) stated, “It felt really cool to come back to Southern Ground Studios and play music with some good friends. It was like stripping it down and playing in the living room.”

Just like their previous full-length, independently-released Blackberry Smoke albums, The Southern Ground Sessions is a unique mix of soulful vocals, beautiful harmonies, and lyrics, as well as, killer acoustic instrumentals. Songstress, Amanda Shires lends her vocals to two tracks, “Let Me Down Easy,” as well as, the band’s tribute and rendition of Tom Petty’s, “You Got Lucky.” Additionally, singer Oliver Wood shares his talent on the track, “Mother Mountain,” which was previously released over the summer.

All six tracks transition and flow effortlessly into one another, each showcasing a 70’s musical flair with contemporary lyrics. One of the standout tracks off the EP, “Best Seat In The House,” shows off those 70’s vibes both sonically and lyrically, “ You got a right to  your opinion / You got a right to speak your peace / You got a right to be silent / Well that ain’t ever work for me.”

After listening to the record, it is evident how humbled and excited the band felt to have the tracks available, wherever music can be bought or streamed, sharing on Twitter, “Brothers and Sisters, friends and family: The Southern Ground Sessions EP is officially out everywhere today! We had a blast putting this together and hope you enjoy it.”

For the next month, Blackberry Smoke will continue to tour throughout Europe, returning to the United States just before Thanksgiving, to play their annual, “Brothers and Sisters Holiday Homecoming Show” in Atlanta, Georgia. If the band makes it to the tri-state area, we will be sure to let you know. Go to blackberrysmoke.com for more information about the band.

The Southern Ground Sessions Track List:

  1. Run Away From It All
  2. Medicate My Mind
  3. Let Me Down Easy (feat. Amanda Shires)
  4. Best Seat In The House
  5. You Got Lucky (feat. Amanda Shires)
  6. Mother Mountain (feat. Oliver Wood)

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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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NYCS First Impression: Brandon Ray ‘Body Language’

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Brandon Ray Body Language

 

Back in June of 2017, NYCountrySwag hosted a special night with rising country star, Brandon Ray, at Printers Alley NYC. This past Friday, Ray released his debut EP, Body Language. The six-song release is the perfect introduction for music lovers to Ray, who has spent much of the last year on the road with the likes of Devin Dawson, Cody Johnson, Bobby Bones, and Muscadine Bloodline.

On Body Language, Ray shows off his impressive range, seamlessly melding country, pop, and hints of R&B. The EP opens with the title track, a sexy uptempo about the object of Ray’s attention who needs to “say nothing at all” to catch his attention. Written by Brett Eldredge, hints of the superstar are evident on the song, but it is also the perfect intro to Ray’s music, as he then slows things down with the romantic “Still Got You.” “Even if the oceans all run dry, even if the stars fall out of the sky, even if we lose everything we got, even if the world just stops, I still got you,” Ray croons on this one that’s sure to make listeners swoon.

On “Small Talking,” Ray channels his inner Kip Moore, and this is easily a standout of the collection. “I’m done with small talking,” Ray sings. “Dancing all around it, when we know we both want it.” “Second Thoughts” follows the tone of “Small Talking,” Ray’s deep growl on display. Things slow down on “Bring Your Love Back,” which is a slow, groovy track that shows Ray pleading with an ex-lover over a moody guitar. “Bring your love back,” He pleads. “Show up at my door at midnight, fall into the past, we could pretend that we didn’t end with a bad goodbye… I just miss you tonight.”

The EP ends with “Ends of the Earth,” which has been on our writer Nicole’s playlist since its initial release over a year ago. The track is one of Ray’s best, with a catchy chorus that promises Ray will go to the ends of the Earth to make someone happy. The song caps off the EP perfectly, leaving the listener ready for more. For Brandon Ray, Body Language is a solid debut EP, sure to win over new fans with each listen.

Brandon Ray is currently on tour and you can catch a glimpse of his Body Language as he opens for Jon Pardi and Chase Rise throughout the fall.

Body Language 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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Keith Urban Returns to Brooklyn for ‘Graffiti U’ Tour

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As the ‘Graffiti U’ tour comes to an end, New Yorkers were once again lucky enough to have 4-time Grammy award winner, Keith Urban, return to Brooklyn at the Barclays Center this past Saturday, October 27. This time around he shared the stage with one of his biggest fans and country-pop princess, Kelsea Ballerini.

Keith Urban Kelsea Ballerini Brooklyn

Kicking off the night Ballerini, opened the show with the title track from her sophomore album, “Unapologetically.” This was only the beginning of her 45-minute set featuring all her hit singles over the years, along with some fan favorites. One of her jobs of the night was to get everyone warmed up for Urban and that is exactly what she did. Before singing her hit song “Legends,” she spoke to the crowd telling everyone, “You know I put this next song out around this time last year and just to see the way you let it into your hearts, your lives, and your radios, it’s really changed the entire meaning of the song for me. Since I wrote it a couple of years ago, I learned that the word legend can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people but tonight I just want to dedicate this song to you, for changing my life in such a beautiful way, you’re the legends!” As she belted out the lyrics with everything she had, the crowd softly sang along, showing how meaningful this song really is to her.

As the night went on, Ballerini mentioned to the crowd, “You know I got to play New York quite a few times but this is the biggest room I ever got to play in New York! So thank you, Mr. Urban! So I’m very, very excited to be here tonight!” Throughout her set, Ballerini sang her singles, “Love Me Like You Mean It”, “Dibs”, “Yeah Boy”, “I Hate Love Songs”, and her newest single, “Miss Me More.”

That wasn’t all for the country-pop singer, she covered one of her favorite songs to ever be written, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, performing a beautiful rendition of the song, which is also featured on her new deluxe version of her latest album. Though EDM-Pop duo The Chainsmokers were not there to join her on stage, she performed their duet “This Feeling” for the Brooklyn crowd. As her set was coming to an end, she closed it out with the audience singing along to her hit song, “Peter Pan.”

Keith Urban Kelsea Ballerini Brooklyn

Next up was the headliner himself, Keith Urban. As he took his rightful spot in the middle of the stage, the crowd went wild, while he went straight into playing his songs, “Never Comin Down,” his number 1 hits, “Days Go By” and “Coming Home” which features singer-songwriter, Julia Michaels. After getting the night started, he said to the crowd, “We made it back! Are you guys doing good tonight? Amazing! Three songs in and you guys are singing at the top of your lungs, this is going to be a good night tonight!”

If you have ever experienced a Keith Urban show, you know he loves interacting with the crowd as much as possible and Saturday night was no exception. Before the night went any further, Urban took the time to read everyone’s signs in the crowd, even those at the very top of the arena with the help of his binoculars and a spotlight. During this part of the show he also brings up a lucky fan to the stage and this time it was a girl named Emily, who had the honor of singing part of “Stupid Boy” with him. (Check out our exclusive video from the special moment here) Before continuing his set, he mentioned, “Brooklyn we are in for a long night tonight, heads up! If you want to sing and dance and stand on chairs and completely annoy the people around you this is your night to do it! Be free and have a good time!” This is exactly what everyone did as he performed a two and a half hour set of his hits and fan favorites.

Keith Urban Kelsea Ballerini Brooklyn

Throughout his set he performed his songs, “Female,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color,“ “Long Hot Summer,” “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” “Somebody Like You” and “Gone Tomorrow (Here Today).” Urban, never misses a beat with his performances, all while showing off his incredible guitar solos. That wasn’t all for country superstar, his show was packed with girl power, singing his hits, “Drop Top” featuring Kassi Ashton and “The Fighter” featuring Carrie Underwood. Ballerini also returned to the stage to sing Urban’s duet “We Were Us,” (Check out our exclusive video here) and if that wasn’t enough he brought out an American roots rock band from Atlanta, Georgia called Larkin Poe. Before bringing the duo out, he introduced the two sisters, Megan and Rebecca Lovell to the audience, mentioning actor Russell Crowe told him to check them out. They shared the stage with Urban for two songs, showcasing their powerful vocals as well as their incredible mandolin and slide electric playing. At one point, Megan, on slide electric went head to head with Urban on the guitar, turning it into an epic jam session.

As the night was coming to an end, Urban went through the crowd giving everyone hugs and high fives while making his way to his second stage to perform for the back of the arena. Following the tradition of his shows, Urban gave one lucky fan in the crowd the guitar right off his back, before making his way back to the main stage. He finished off his set with his hit “Wasted Time.” But that wasn’t the end, Urban performed a two-song encore saying, “Brooklyn you still here? Dang, so you don’t want to go home? Ok firstly thank you so much for still being here, I appreciate that, more than you know…It takes a lot to get here so every single one of you I wanna say thank you for choosing to come and see the concert tonight!” He ended the night with his third single off his very first number one record, “But For The Grace Of God” and “Horses”. At the end thanking the crowd for coming out once again, leaving everyone wanting more.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Kelleigh Bannen

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“Is it really true that there isn’t a place for us? We’ve been told that for so long, I was told that 10 years ago and 2011 when I signed my first record deal and now it’s even worse, that we are even less of a presence on the radio and I don’t say that to call out radio, I just want to know is it true that in 2018 there is no room for women in this genre?” 

Kelleigh Bannen

Singer-songwriter Kelleigh Bannen took the time to chat with our Managing Editor recently about growing up in the heart of music city, finding her path to her music career and especially about being a woman in this music industry.  Although she may be a new artist being played across your Spotify or your radio waves, Bannen has been in this industry, working to unveil the struggles and provide an honest look at the life of a singer and songwriter for years.  She did grow up in Nashville but that does not mean that she automatically chose the life she is now pursuing.  “The people that I knew that were chasing country music were our babysitters who moved to town and they would sing jingles and trying to get there break and I really just saw a lot of people come to town and then go home when it didn’t work out. To me as a Nashville native, the music business felt really unattainable,” she explained. She grew up learning to play classical instruments like the violin and even to this day says that it informs the melody in her writing.

She fell in love with storytelling, the way Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, and even Frank Sinatra would express the lyrics in a song.  In high school is when her admiration for women in country music started, looking to Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood for inspiration.  Now, as her own artist creating music, she strives to always write the best song, looking for lyrics that mean something and tell a great story.

Most recently she released a mini EP, The Joneses, featuring three songs all co-written by Bannen.  Her latest single, “Happy Birthday” has resonated with fans and listeners after she premiered it on Sirius XM The Highway which has fully embraced all three songs, playing them for their listeners across the country.  The track tells the story of missing someone on their birthday and making the bold choice to reach out even though it may not be the best decision at the time.  “I love that way that songs happen to you as a writer, you work really hard and you try really hard to do certain things in the writing room but the most magical things that happen, are the things that happen to you,” Bannen explains about the writing process.

Besides songwriting and recording new music, Bannen has her own podcast.  ‘This Nashville Life’ discusses the inner workings of the music industry, the good, the bad, and the sometimes not so pretty.  She features executives, Nashville’s biggest songwriters and influencers in the business looking to shine a light on what fans of the genre may not realize. “I have a neat perspective where I can be an ambassador for our town and I love storytelling and I think there are so many ways to go about it and it’s just another way to be a storyteller and to advocate for our business, not from a financial perspective from a heart perspective,” she says.  “I really care about what we do and I care that great songs still have a place in this world. I really care about people knowing about those stories and another way to let the fan in and connect with what we are doing and let them peek behind the curtain and be a part of it.”  She explains that she loves how in country music the artists and the songwriters have an intimate relationship with their fans and this podcast is just another way to let them be involved in the process behind the songs that they are supporting. Click here to listen to ‘This Nashville Life’.

Finally, we discuss the topic on everyone’s minds this past month, women in country music.  Bannen has a lot to say and laughs telling us, “Okay, this is going to be a long answer…”.  Earlier this month, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild included her name during her acceptance speech at the CMT Artist of the Year event, proving that women are making great music they just need the recognition and chance to be heard.  First, she comments on how much she respects and admires Karen and Kimberly from Little Big Town and explains that they have been huge supporters of her career for many years. After that, she digs into the real problem, being told that there isn’t a place for women in this genre. “I just want to know is it true that in 2018 there is no room for women in this genre? What the heck, I don’t believe that there isn’t an audience for us because we are telling the truth about our lives, we are writing our asses off, we are singing our asses off, I just don’t believe it, I just believe there is a disconnect.”

She says these things, not knocking the men who are out there getting radio play and huge tours, she is happy for their success, however, she knows that it isn’t just the women that need to advocate for other women, the men need to step out and do it too. “What we need is the opportunity and when you hear a song of ours that you love, don’t just text me privately, it is so sweet but I want to be like ‘Hey, thank you, can you please tell someone.’ My girls do it, Raelynn just shared the video this week, Kelsea [Ballerini] did it when the song first came out so, hey dudes, we need you to use your incredible platform to champion us. We are so glad that you get the opportunities that you have we are just asking to champion us too,” she passionately expresses.  She honestly tells us that although she understands how the business works, she hopes that we can break the cycle of women not being played on the radio, therefore they don’t have hit singles and then don’t get picked up for major tours.

As an independant artist, Bannen is continuing to pave her own journey in this industry, releasing music and looking forward to a full-length album in the new year. Be sure to follow Kelligh Bannen on social media, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and listen to The Joneses below.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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Empowering a Different Kind of Hero Through Music

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One of the most rewarding things we have had the opportunity to do with the NYCountry Swag brand is create a line of products that directly supports our heroes. Originally inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments, The Hero Collection allows us to help make a small difference, not only by enabling fans and artists to wear the gear to show support, but also by donating a portion of all sales to different charities and foundations that assist our heroes across the country.

We love being able to use our platform to raise awareness and spotlight different organizations for our every day heroes.

As October comes to an end, we think it is important to reflect on the importance of this month. That’s why in honor of it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our Hero Collection is devoted to a different type of hero, women (and men) who are battling for their lives or survivors of this terrible disease.

The Pink Line from NYCountry Swag's Hero Collection, Breast Cancer Awareness

The Pink Line from NYCountry Swag’s Hero Collection

We’ve created a special limited edition collection of pink line themed products and will be donating a portion of all sales from each purchase to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer. To learn more and shop the collection, click here.

Feeling inspired, below we are highlighting ten powerful country songs geared towards empowering all women to keep going, no matter what their battle is.

 

1. “This One’s For the Girls” – Martina McBride

Key Lyrics: “This one’s for the girls / Who’ve ever had a broken heart / Who’ve wished upon a shooting star / You’re beautiful the way you are”

 

2. “Keeper of the Flame” – Miranda Lambert

Key Lyrics: “I’m bent, but I’m not broken / I’m stronger than I feel”

 

3. “A Little Bit Stronger” – Sara Evans

Key Lyrics: “I know my heart will never be the same / But I’m telling myself I’ll be okay / Even on my weakest days, / I get a little bit stronger”

 

4. “One Day You Will” – Lady Antebellum

Key Lyrics: “Just keep holding on / And every heartache makes you stronger”

 

5. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain

Key Lyrics: “Oh, oh, oh, I want to be free yeah, to feel the way I feel / Man! I feel like a woman!”

 

6. “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” – Martina McBride

Key Lyrics: “When you feel lost and scared to death / Like you can’t take one more step / Just take my hand, together we can do it / I’m gonna love you through it”

 

7. “Follow Your Arrow” – Kacey Musgraves

Key Lyrics: “Just follow your arrow / Where it points, yeah / Follow your arrow”

 

8. “I’m a Survivor” – Reba McEntire

Key Lyrics: “With gentle hands and a heart of a fighter / I’m a survivor”

 

9. “Woman, Amen” – Dierks Bentley

Key Lyrics: “She gives me faith / She gives me grace / She gives me hope / She gives me strength”

 

10. “Female” – Keith Urban

Key Lyrics: “Soul survivor, Holy Water / Secret Keeper, fortune teller / Virgin Mary, scarlet letter / Technicolor river wild / Baby girl, women shine / Female”

Listen to these songs and many more on our ‘Girl Power – Female Empowerment Playlist’

below and be sure to give the playlist a follow.

 

 

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NYCS First Impression: Jessie James Decker ‘On This Holiday’

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Jessie James Decker is getting us all into the holiday spirit with her brand new studio Christmas album entitled, On This Holiday. This cheery collection of ten songs features Decker’s renditions of six holiday classics, along with four original Christmas tunes, all co-penned with Daniel Tashian: “Snowlight,” “Wonderful Day,” “Christmas In Cabo” and “Baby! It’s Christmas.” Plus, fans who purchase the album exclusively at Target will receive an eleventh bonus track entitled, “My Favorite Holiday.”

The singer-songwriter put her own personal twists on “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire),” “Santa Baby,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Her distinct vocals belt out each tune with such grace.

The two standouts of these classic covers have to be “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Decker opted for a bit more of an upbeat tune with both of these songs, while the originals carry on a slower tempo. Each of them has a “sway to the beat” element.

“Snowlight” is a fun song about dancing in the snow with her husband. Decker sings in the chorus,
“Just meet me in the snowlight / Come on and dance with me tonight / The streets are shining so bright / Don’t you love the feeling in the snowlight”.

“Wonderful Day” tells the story of Decker’s version of the perfect holiday day spent with her husband. She sings in the chorus, “The countdown begins / I can’t imagine it without ya / Ain’t it fun, everybody is feeling the love / It’s a wonderful day / Feeling so good to have you home for the holiday / And I can’t wait to unwrap you / Hey, it’s a wonderful day on this holiday / And I can’t wait to spend it with you”.

“Christmas in Cabo” is an island vibe tune about spending Christmas on the beach in Cabo, rather than in the cold weather. Decker sings in the chorus, “Spending Christmas in Cabo / So long Chicago / I need sun rays on this holiday / Taking shots of tequila / So long, we’ll see ya / Let’s have our fun by the sea, adios”.

“Baby! It’s Christmas” is a cheery jam about the best aspects of Christmas time. Decker sings,  “It’s that time again where we all get to be together / The snow is falling in this frightful weather / And I can’t wait to see all the lights on the tree at night / Baby! It’s Christmas, say yeah”. 

“My Favorite Holiday” tells the many reasons why Christmas is Decker’s favorite holiday. She sings in the chorus, “Oh Merry Christmas / Oh you don’t wanna miss this / It’s Santa and his sleigh / It’s Rudolph and his gang / Oh Merry Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday”

To celebrate the album’s release, the country star will be playing a holiday show at City Winery in Nashville, Tennessee on December 5th featuring special surprise guests. Tickets are available here.  On This Holiday 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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Levi Hummon Plays New EP ‘Patient’ at Intimate Nashville Release Party

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Levi Hummon

Photo Credit: Molly Holmberg

Rising country star Levi Hummon is no stranger to the music industry. With a father in the business, Marcus Hummon, writing songs like “Cowboy Take Me Away”, “One of These Days”, and “Bless the Broken Road”, Hummon has been surrounded by talent from a young age. Today he released his brand new EP Patient comprised of six tracks. To celebrate the release of Patient Hummon took the stage at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley last night (October 25th).

This being his very first VIP Party event, Hummon performed an acoustic set of two songs before meeting everyone, signing posters and CDs, and taking lots of photos. Hummon has created quite the fan base for himself since releasing music on Spotify, and other streaming platforms, that has been featured on top playlists such as New Boots and Hot Country. People waited in line at the door for over three hours before the show started to catch the new rising star. Hannah Ellis started off the night singing new songs and included her hit single “Home And A Hometown” which she sang for us just a few weeks ago during our Live Swag Session.

Levi Hummon Patient

Photo Credit: Molly Holmberg

Hummon then took the stage for a nine-song set, opening with one of his latest singles “Change My Life.” In between songs, the singer-songwriter told stories behind the songs, the meaning behind them, and thanked the people that got him where he is today. The rest of the night went by too fast. The crowd was up on their feet, singing every word, and the energy in the room was so infectious it was undeniable. Hummon finished the night with a fan favorite “Songs We Sang”, which has 16.9 million streams, that got everyone clapping and singing along.

After the show, the highly anticipated EP was released on all streaming platforms. Off of the six-track record, we see three new songs “I Still Do”, “Tough Love”, and “Earthquake.” “Earthquake” is a favorite on the road and since fans keep requesting it Hummon thought it would fit perfectly on the EP. The top track “I Still Do” got an immediate response from the crowd. The ballad is based off a real-life break-up, with his former record label, Big Machine Label Group.

If you are looking for a new artist or song, look no further. Levi Hummon is changing the game and bringing irresistible songs to the plate. You can now stream the EP on any service now or buy it here!

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New Music Friday – The Playlist 10/26

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It’s the best day of the week… New Music Friday! Today we see plenty of new releases included a deluxe album from Kelsea Ballerini on the one year anniversary of Unapologetically. Brett Eldredge gets us in to the Christmas spirit with a deluxe release of his holiday album, Glow. New albums from Josh Turner, I Serve a Savior, Dillon Carmichael, Hell On An Angel and an EP release from Levi Hummon. In addition, we see new music from Brett Young, Mitchell Tenpenny, Brandon Ray, Pistol Annies, Sara Bareilles and more. Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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