Kelsea Ballerini Releases Four New Songs on Deluxe Album

2018 Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Kelsea Ballerini, has released the deluxe version of her sophomore album, Unapologetically, in honor of the one-year anniversary of its original release. Expanding the storytelling collection of twelve songs, Ballerini has added four new tracks, including her previously released collaboration with EDM-pop duo The Chainsmokers “This Feeling,” “Fun and Games,” “I Think I Fell in Love Today” and a live acoustic cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”  The country superstar scored her fourth number one single from this album with “Legends” and made waves with her not so typical love song, “I Hate Love Songs.” Ballerini’s current single, “Miss Me More” is sure to be added to the album’s list of accomplishments.

Co-penned with Forest Glen Whitehead and Shane McAnally, “Fun and Games” is an uptempo song about relishing in a casual, non-exclusive romantic relationship until one person realizes they’re longing for something more. Ballerini sings in the chorus, “It’s all fun and games / It’s all poker face / Three A.M., your place / You hold me close like you do your cards / Can’t tell the joker from the queen of hearts / Or the queen of spades / It’s all go then stay, every time you call me, hey / It’s all fun and it’s all games ’til someone doesn’t wanna play.”

The next addition on the deluxe album, “I Think I Fell in Love Today,” tells the magical story of the moment Ballerini knew she was in love. She sings in the chorus, “‘Cause love don’t have any rules / When gravity starts to pull you closer to another / From a friend to a lover / Looks like forever in his eyes / That don’t happen all the time / But, when it does it changes everything / And I think I fell in love today.”

As if these four new songs weren’t exciting enough, the singer-songwriter is not done releasing new music this week. Ballerini took to her Instagram stories on Wednesday (Oct. 24) to surprise fans with the news that she will be releasing a recorded version of the fan-favorite song that she has previously performed on a few tours, “We Were Like” exclusively for fan club members. The link to the free download will be emailed to everyone who signs up here (https://kelseaballerini.com/wewerelike) on Monday, October 29th. “It’s just for you because I love you and I love knowing that you love the song,” Ballerini told fans on Instagram.

The superstar will be in New York City this Saturday, October 27th, to open up for Keith Urban on his Graffiti U World Tour at Barclays Center. Tickets are available here.  If you are unable to make it to the show, not to worry, you can catch Ballerini performing at the 2018 CMA Awards airing live from Nashville on November 14th at 8/7c on ABC.

Unapologetically (Deluxe Edition) 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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NYCS First Impression: Dillon Carmichael ‘Hell on an Angel’

Dillon Carmichael Hell on an Angel

Photo Courtesy of Shorefire

You are always told to never judge a book by its cover and the same goes for people as well. Dillon Carmichael is the same way. With looks like Stapleton, you might expect one thing but you will be in for a pleasant surprise. Carmichael puts in his songs Hank’s timelessness rhythm and Eric Church’s mysteriousness, all while incorporating a voice of his own. In his new album, Hell On An Angel, Carmichael puts forth music that is unlike any in today’s scene.

“Hell On An Angel” is the title track to the new album, produced by the award-winning Dave Cobb. The music from this album has already garnered a huge response from his growing fan base. The song tells the story of a reckless teenager who gets arrested and their mother is left to wonder where she went wrong. It paints the picture of him having “one foot in the fire and the other stepping on her [angel’s] wing”.

Other songs off the album include “Country Women” which explains the story of a man who simply likes a country woman. Between not being afraid of tractors, the loudness of his gun, and a love for horses, “country women is all I [Carmichael] will ever want.” “Natural Disaster” explains the opposite. No matter how hard he tries to get over her, like a Mississippi mudslide, he keeps losing ground. “The whiskey won’t chase down a memory that’s faster, it’s too late for cover here, comes another natural disaster.” Carmichael paints the imagery of each song so well with his lyrics, making it hard to not fall in love with the songs. “Hard On A Hangover” is a song that seems familiar but is very much its own. As soon as you press play it transports you back to that old country feel.  “I snuck in through the back door like I always do, I locked it up and kicked off my old noisy boots, and I tiptoed down the hallway to our king sized bed, and I thought that I got away with it again, but I hold on to the sound of a door slam, she left her wedding rings on the nightstand, with a note that told me it was over”

Co-writing 8 of the 10 songs on Hell On An Angel, the album also has contributions from Leroy Powell and Jon Pardi. Other people featured on the tracks include steel guitar phenomenon Robby Turner, bass player Brian Allen, drummer Chris Powell, and others. While each song is uniquely different, they come together for a wholesome sound tying the record together. Dillon Carmichael is a name that you want to keep an eye on as he will be climbing up the charts very soon. Check out the track listing below and make sure to stream it on Spotify.

Hell On An Angel tracklist:

1. “Natural Disaster” (Anthony Smith, Chris Wallin)
2. “It’s Simple” (Carmichael, Larry McCoy, Chris Rodgers, Neal Coty)
3. “Country Women” (Jon Pardi, Jim Kaufman, Britton Cameron)
4. “Hell on an Angel” (Carmichael, Daniel Smalley)
5. “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” (Carmichael, McCoy, Coty)
6. “Hard on a Hangover” (Carmichael, Becky Montgomery, Robert Jason Young)
7. “What Would Hank Do” (Carmichael, Jordan Rager, Houston Phillips)
8. “Might Be a Cowboy” (Carmichael, Joey Hollis, Tom O’Connor)
9. “Old Flame” (Carmichael)
10. “Dixie Again” (Carmichael, Aaron Raitiere, Leroy Powell)

Hell On An Angel 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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NYCS First Impression: Josh Turner Releases ‘I Serve a Savior’

Josh Turner I Serve a Savior

There’s nothing more special than an artist who pours his heart and soul into an album. Nowhere is this more evident than on Josh Turner’s new MCA Nashville release, I Serve a Savior, his first full-length Gospel release and the follow up to 2017’s Deep South. Since the earliest days of Turner’s career, his religious faith has been an evident theme throughout his music, revealed on some of his biggest hits, including “Long Black Train” and “Me and God.”

It’s not uncommon for country artists to venture into the religious territory, as evidenced by recent releases from Reba (2017’s Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope), Jo Dee Messina (“Reckless Love”) and Carrie Underwood’s inclusion of “How Great Thou Art” on her Greatest Hits Album. For Opry member Turner, the decision to release a Gospel album was somewhat of a surprise. “Working on this project has definitely been a God-ordained blessing. I never would have thought I’d be doing this record this year, but God opened a door and I walked through it,” Turner said in a statement. “I’ve seen many seemingly impossible things take place during the making of this record and I’ve felt God’s anointing over it.”

“My faith is the most important thing to me,” Turner continues. “I want people to hear the sentiment and heart behind this record. I want them to feel the same inspiration that I felt. I want them to feel that and hopefully, they’ll make these songs a part of their life.”

Produced by Kenny Greenberg, the LP opens with “I Saw the Light,” and shows Turner flexing his impressive vocal chords over well-known hymns and future classics. Highlights include the album’s title track, co-written by Turner and Mark Narmore, the acapella take on “Doxology,” and Turner’s version of Loretta Lynn’s “I Pray My Way Out of Trouble.” The singer also tackles the classics, adding his own touch of twang to the likes of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Amazing Grace.”

I Serve a Savior also includes “The River (of Happiness),” a track written by Turner’s wife, Jennifer, and his eldest son, Hampton. The touching track, recorded live at Gaither Studios, features his four sons singing alongside their parents. “It’s an uplifting song,” he said in a press release, “and having Jennifer and the boys singing on it drives that home.”

The album concludes with a live take on Turner’s 2006 hit, “Me and God,” from his album, Your Man. On the track, he sings, “We’re a team, Me and God,” which is evidenced throughout this passion project, as Turner clearly serves his Savior with this release.

Josh Turner’s I Serve a Savior Track Listing:

1. “I Saw The Light” (Featuring Sonya Isaacs)
2. “I Pray My Way Out of Trouble” (Featuring Bobby Osborne)
3. “Great Is Your Faithfulness”
4. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
5. “Without Him”
6. “I Serve a Savior”
7. “How Great Thou Art” (Featuring Sonya Isaacs)
8. “The River (of Happiness)” (Featuring the Turner Family Live From Gaither Studios)
9.” Amazing Grace”
10. “Long Black Train” (Live From Gaither Studios)
11. “Doxology”
12. “Me And God” (Live From Gaither Studios)

I Serve a Savior 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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Brett Eldredge Releases Six New Songs on the Deluxe Edition of ‘Glow’

Brett Eldredge Glow Deluxe

Nobody rings in the holiday season quite like country superstar Brett Eldredge with his Christmas tunes. It is hard to believe it has been two years since the release of his Christmas album Glow. In honor of the two-year anniversary, the singer-songwriter has added six new tracks to the previous eleven song collection of holiday classics: “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “O Holy Night,” “Silver Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Christmas Time is Here,” as well as an A cappella version of “The First Noel”. “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “O Holy Night” and “Christmas Time is Here” are the slower of the six, while “Silver Bells,” “Sleigh Ride” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas” are upbeat and cheery.

In addition to the new tracks, Eldredge gave the deluxe version an updated look with a brand new album cover. Rather than the traditional red backdrop, he opted for an icy blue background.  Despite the fact there aren’t any new originals from the platinum-selling star on this version, Eldredge’s astounding vocals stun on each track. This assortment of songs showcases his jazz-like sound, exuding a Frank Sinatra vibe. Eldredge’s rendition of these classics are true to the originals, yet somehow still his own.

If merely listening to this album does not get you into the Christmas spirit, you may just have to see it performed live. Eldredge will bring his Christmas spectacular show to the Beacon Theatre in New York City on December 11th. Tickets are available here.

Glow (Deluxe) 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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[Watch] Brown & Gray Perform “Home” on Pickler and Ben

Earlier today rising country duo Brown & Gray performed their next single “Home” on Pickler and Ben, a lifestyle talk show hosted by country singer Kellie Pickler and journalist Ben Aaron.  “Home” is a beautiful love song and the duo showcase their sensational harmonies and obvious chemistry when they sing it together.

In addition to their performance, Kaci Brown and Sam Gray head to Vanderbilt University Hospital as a part of #PANDBKIND, an installment on the show of giving back. “We are here at Vanderbilt Medical Center to find some people who work their butts off and we just want to share a little love today,” Brown says.  “We wanted to spread a bit of music to people and just cheer up their day,” Gray adds.  The singer-songwriters travel around the hospital spreading joy to everyone they meet and singing little jingles they wrote for each of their visitors including a woman who works in the cafeteria, a diligent mailroom worker and a mom of seven who is also a surgical recovery nurse at the hospital. Watch the full video below.

Let’s take you back to when we first introduced you to Brown & Gray back in December of 2017 when they joined New York Country Swag for a LIVE Swag Session at Refinery Rooftop.  Check out their performance and hilarious interview with our team below.

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CMT Crossroads Presents Zac Brown Band and Shawn Mendes

Crossroads Shawn Mendes Zac Brown Band

Photo Credit: Rick Diamond Getty Images for CMT

Last night CMT hosted another one of their epic mashups on another installment of Crossroads.  This episode included YouTube star turned pop sensation Shawn Mendes and Zac Brown Band. The concert took place at a small, intimate venue in Franklin, TN last month and aired last night (October 24th).  Although the hits that are played on the radio are very different from one another, both acts took the stage and seemed to genuinely enjoy learning and performing each other’s songs.

The night kicked off with Brown singing the opening lines to Mendes’ “Mercy” and the lead singer took turns with the songwriter to put a unique spin on the mid-tempo ballad.  Surprising the audience and Mendes, Brown and his band ended the song with an epic jam featuring Jimmy De Martini’s remarkable fiddle playing. The show continued in the same fashion, first, a Mendes hit then a Zac Brown Band smash.  They performed “Keep Me In Mind”, “In My Blood”, “Tomorrow Never Comes” and “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back”.

In between songs the show cut to Brown and Mendes sitting in a coffee shop discussing their careers, songwriting and what they appreciate about the other.  “I feel like you are a part of the future of music as well,” Brown said to Mendes.  “Especially for your age, you seem like you are really grounded, so just mad respect for your musicianship, your songwriting, and arrangements and just the dude too so yeah it was a no-brainer it was a privilege for us to get to do this”. The audience members clearly were fans of both artists, singing along to every word of every song.  “Having two generations of music connect, allows my generation to be like ‘oh my god how incredible are they!'” Mendes also said.

Although they took turns singing verses for each song, the magic was when they sang together, turning the pop songs country and the country songs pop.  Two highlights of the night came when they slowed things down to perform Zac Brown Band’s “Colder Weather” and when they joined together to sing a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”.

Brown and his band have never been afraid of bending the lines of the country music genre, infusing a medley of instruments and production that lean towards the pop world, making this one of the best episodes of Crossroads yet.

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Kane Brown Showcases His Magical Wedding in “Good As You” Video

Kane Brown melts hearts everywhere with the new video for his song, “Good as You.” The track, comes after premiering the music video for “Homesick,” as well as, releasing the jam, “Short Skirt Weather.” All the songs will be featured on the singer’s upcoming sophomore album, Experiment, dropping November 9th, and are currently available now when you preorder.  Check back for our First Impression of the album next month.

The music video for “Good as You,” shows a softer side of Brown, allowing fans a glimpse into one of the most intimate moments in a person’s life, their wedding. Prior to its release, the entertainer excitedly shared on his Twitter “Shot my whole wedding for a music video!!!!,” linking a sneak-peak of the video for fans.

The visuals showcase actual clips from the singer-songwriter’s October wedding to Katelyn Jae, showing the couple getting ready, Jae walking down the aisle and Brown’s reaction, as well as, the picturesque venue, set right outside of Nashville. The romantic, heartfelt, and passionate lyrics to “Good as You,” are the perfect backdrop to the couple’s beautiful nuptials. Check out the full video below.

As we get closer to the release of Experiment, Brown continues to highlight the range of diverse songs off the record, keeping fans anticipating the drop day. Just before the record drops, Brown will be in New York City for a special one-night-only concert in collaboration with Budweiser at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 7th. Find tickets for the show here.

The singer’s headlining tour, ‘Live Forever Tour,’ will kick off in January 2019, in Georgia. The tour will feature Granger Smith with Raelynn, Danielle Bradbery, and Jimmie Allen on select dates. Currently, there is not a New York Date; however, we will keep you posted if one is added.

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SMACKSongs Stuns Nashville With The Ultimate Writers Round

SMACKSongs Writers Round

Photo via SmackSongs Instagram//Taken by Rachel Deeb

 

What is better than a concert on a Monday night? Nothing. Although this concert was unlike any other for multiple reasons. One, it was at the Listening Room Cafe which is known for its intimate setting and finding new upcoming singers and songwriters. SMACKSongs took over the night for a round called SMACK and Friend’s making it the ultimate writers round. SMACKSongs is a Nashville-based music publishing company founded in 2012. They are proudly home to some of the industry’s top songwriters, producers, and artists, including Shane McAnally himself, as founder and CEO. The show featured McAnally, Josh Osborne, Teddy Robb, Aaron Eshuis, Matt McGinn, Ryan Beaver, Josh Jenkins, Kylie Morgan, Renee Blair and many more!

McAnally and Osborne got the night started by singing some of their hit songs including “Drinking Problem” and “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”. Bringing out their first set of writers, including Renee Blair and Teddy Robb, each singer performed a new single or one that has previously been cut. Teddy Robb previewed a new song called “Tell Me How” that has not yet been released but never the less got the crowd on their feet applauding. Renee Blair also took the same approach singing a new song called “Me Tonight”.

In between each set of writers, McAnally and Osborne shared stories of their journey without forgetting to add some jokes along the way. Talking about how they once played a song for Kenny Chesney on his plane that was already taken but he loved it so much they had to steal it back from no other than Little Big Town. “American Kids” then became Chesney’s #1 single off his album The Big Revival. Other artists that played included Brandon Radcliff singing his song “Rules of Breaking Up” and Josh Jenkins sang “21” which was cut by Jimmie Allen on his latest album Mercury Lane and “Thinking About You”.

Each time McAnally introduced a singer you could tell in his voice how proud of each one of them he was. He even said himself that the only people he could be more proud of are his kids, showing genuine gratitude and emotion as the night progressed. Throughout the night he talked about how important it was to “find your tribe” and the people that are willing to hustle with you in order to chase your dreams. Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne have created not only a powerhouse of songwriters, producers, and artists but a community that displays the true meaning of family within the country music business.  Head to our Instagram and check out exclusive videos from the night.

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Abby Anderson Plays Her First Headlining Show in NYC

Last night (Oct 22.), Black River Records rising country artist Abby Anderson, had quite the memorable night playing to a sold-out crowd for her first ever headlining show, right here in New York City at the Mercury Lounge.  NYCountry Swag followers had the opportunity to win their way in to the special show all weekend long through our exclusive giveaway contest.

Nash FM 94.7 DJs Katie Neal and Jesse Addy took the stage to introduce the rising superstar. Entering the spotlight dressed in one of her signature stylish ensembles, Anderson wore a matching two-piece maroon long sleeve and pant set. Immediately starting off the night with the title track from her debut EP I’m Good, Anderson had the crowd singing along to every lyric. “Wassup everybody? Y’all ready to dance with me tonight?” Anderson said to the crowd before heading into the next song “Dance Away My Broken Heart.” Not a single person stood still for the next three minutes. Her infectious dance moves had everybody swaying to the beat.

Introducing an unreleased song titled “Closet,” Anderson shared, “I’ve been in Nashville now for a couple of years, writing songs to hopefully one day hear them on the radio and I just learned really quickly that there’s a whole bunch of beauty in sharing your story with others. So that being said, this is a little bit of mine.”  Next up was her very first single to country radio, “I just think I gotta be the luckiest girl in the world right now. To my country radio family, thank you so much for taking a chance on the new clique kid in the block. This song is called “Make Him Wait.”

Anderson continued to perform the very first song she ever released titled “This Feeling.” Teasing the crowd, “We’re gonna throw it back for a second, if you know this song, you a ‘day one homie’ okay,” said Anderson. The crowd responded with giggles and shouts before singing along.  Anderson repeatedly thanked her fans after performing each and every song.

Carrying on the night, Anderson had not one, but four surprises in store for her fans; all brand new, unheard, unreleased songs.  First up was “Greener,” an upbeat breakup story with a take on the phrase “the grass is greener on the other side.” Secondly, “A Guy Like You.”  Anderson shared the sweet story of her mother putting her into piano lessons when she was just five years old and how she made her practice every day, even when she did not want to; “But I’m glad she did because it brought me to all of you beautiful people.”

Continuously thanking the crowd, the singer-songwriter touched on a powerful message before performing “With The Radio On”, “No matter what, if you’re white, black, purple, green, whatever you are, whatever you choose to be, if there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s that music gets us through about anything. So if you’re like me, I hope this song means something to you, this is a little bit of my story.” Anderson belted out the moving lyrics while playing the piano.

“If there’s one thing I’ve noticed in all these shows I’ve played and all the new faces I have the privilege to meet every night, is that everybody seems to have a story and everybody seems to have history with someone, whether they like it or not. Whether it’s a fourth marriage or a first love, this song goes to you guys,” shared Anderson before playing “History.”
Closing out the show with the very last song on I’m Good, fans could not contain their excitement to sing along to the sassy anthem “Naked Truth.”

Anderson ended the night thanking her audience one final time, before letting everyone know she would be meeting every last person in the room at her merch table, where fans also had the opportunity to purchase NYCountry Swag gear for sale!  It was an unforgettable night not only for the rising artist but all of her New York City fans. Be sure to follow Anderson on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for upcoming shows and future announcements.  I’m Good is now available everywhere you stream or buy music.

 

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The First Round of CMA Awards Performers Announced

CMA Awards Performers

This week, The Country Music Association announced the first round of performers for the 2018 Country Music Awards.  Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley are joining forces again for the 11th year in a row to co-host country music’s biggest night, so be prepared for some hilarious banter and maybe one or two of their own unique made-up country medlies.

The countdown begins as we all await incredible acts from none other than former Entertainer’s of the Year Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney. Recently honored CMT Artist’s of the Year Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini will also be performing, as they both vie for Female Vocalist of the Year recognition.  Dan + Shay who are up for Vocal Duo of the Year, and Vocal Group of the Year Nominees Old Dominion will also be taking the stage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The 52nd Annual CMA Awards will be aired live from Nashville, Tennessee on ABC Wednesday, November 14th at 8/7 C. Be on the lookout as additional performers will be added in the coming weeks and click here for the full list of nominees.

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