Jimmie Allen Performs Live for Nash FM 94.7 Stage 17

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Jimmie Allen Nash FM

Jimmie Allen Performs at Nash FM 94.7 Stage 17

Celebrating his debut album release, Jimmie Allen headed to Nash FM 94.7 Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17 in NYC to play songs from Mercury Lane.  Joined on stage by a guitar player, a bass player as well as a percussionist, Allen performed “Blue Jean Baby”, “Warrior”, and  “Back of Your Mind” before chatting with Nash FM 94.7 DJ’s Katie Neal and Jesse Addy. Allen did plenty of joking around, praising his favorite football team, the Superbowl champions,  The Eagles but he became serious when they asked about his time living out of his car in Nashville. “I was faced with a decision to make, do I go back to Delaware, and do what, who knows, or do I just live in my car for a little bit,” he explained. “My grandmom always taught me, obstacles come, and that’s fine, but it’s about realizing how you are going to get past it”.  He told the inspiring story of his time before the fame allowing fans, and listeners in on the struggles he has faced in the past.

Jimmie Allen Nash FM

Jimmie Allen Chats with Nash FM 94.7 DJs Katie Neal and Jesse Addy

One of Nash FM 94.7 Stage 17’s traditions is to have each artist look into the camera and talk to their future selves, something the station hopes to play back for them one day when they are about to play downstairs, at the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden.  They call these segments “Garden Goals” and Allen laughed as he stared straight into the camera and simply said “Hey Jimmie, don’t suck” with a big thumbs up.

A highlight of his Up Close and Country set was when he mashed up a few of his favorite songs, stripping them down and making them his own.  The mashup included “You’re Gonna Miss This”, “Don’t Blink”, “Here Without You”, and “Lucky Man”.  “Ever since I was eight years old I wanted to have a song on country radio, I can now say that that’s a reality,” he said with gratitude as he thanked Nash FM 94.7 for playing his current single “Best Shot”, and thanked his entire team for their support.  Watch the full live video below.

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NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Brett Sheroky

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Brett Sheroky

Sometimes you hear a song, and even if you can’t necessarily relate to all of the lyrics, it stops you in your tracks because of the raw honesty the singer conveys.  Our Swag Spotlight this week, Brett Sheroky’s “Better On Paper” did exactly that for our Managing Editor, Christina. In their most recent interview, the songwriter turned artist talked about his influences, his decision to move to Nashville and the support he lovingly receives from his wife.

Growing up in St. Louis, there wasn’t a huge music scene for Sheroky to gravitate towards however music was always a staple in his house.  The classic country music artists, as well as The Eagles and Jimmy Buffet, were some of the greats he names as music that inspired him when he was young.  He learned to play guitar and started listening to classic rock and even credits his two sisters for getting him to experience 80’s pop.

He met his wife while they were both in school to become speech therapists, and just one day after they got married, they moved down to Nashville so he could pursue his dreams of being a songwriter. “It was drilled in my head that I had to have a career even though I always wanted to do the music thing, so I went to school for speech therapy and that is where I met my wife,” Sheroky tells us.  “I never really wanted to be a speech therapist but it was a means to an end, there were a lot of opportunities that let you pick your own hours and schedules so I could work that around music so I went with it.”

Just a few short months after moving to Nashville, Sheroky was diagnosed with cancer, a battle that he had to face head-on with aggressive chemotherapy and surgery.  “I do remember thinking, I just got here, I don’t even know if I’ll ever be able to give this thing a shot,” Sheroky says of songwriting.  “It was one of those things, I definitely thought about music a lot, it was a motivating factor, you’ve gotta beat this because you have to go do this thing.”  Currently, he is in remission and wakes up every day grateful for the chances he is given.

His journey as a songwriter and now an artist is unique and he continues to pursue the dream with the incredible support of his wife, whom he calls his hero.  “We have 3 little kids and she plays the part of a single mom a lot, we have to sacrifice time as a family since this business demands that and I can count on one hand in all of the years that we’ve been together that she has said it’s been too much for her and she’s complained,” he thoughtfully explains.  “She is an incredible person and I am very lucky and blessed to have her in my life and her support is everything, honestly.”

When discussing his current single, “Better On Paper” which was one of our September Picks, we are glad to hear that the story of a broken marriage and divorce is not based on actual events, rather an honest depiction of a real-life struggle many have to face. “I am super proud of that song, It is an important song, a lot of people experience that and even though I haven’t gone through it personally, life isn’t always drinking beers on a tailgate, there is real stuff that happens in life and it is easy to lose sight of that being a writer in Nashville, you are under pressure to write singles.”  The video for the track premiered exclusively on NYCountry Swag last month and you can watch the simple yet heart-wrenching visual above.

Striving to blend the commercial with substance in his songs, Sheroky explains that for now, he only will record songs he has written because he wants to convey realness in what he was feeling when he put the pen to paper then ultimately records and releases music.

“My journey has been a slower one but in a way, I feel like, I know it sounds cliche, I feel like it was supposed to be that way. I appreciate every step forward I take in this business,” Sheroky says, looking ahead to the future.  He plans to continue to release music as an independent artist and follow the path set before him, always remaining genuine and pursuing the dream he set out when he moved to Nashville.

Be sure to follow Brett Sheroky on social media for any and all updates – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and listen to “Better On Paper” on our ‘What We’re Listening To: Team Picks’ Spotify Playlist below.

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Kelleigh Bannen Gives Visuals to the Heartfelt “Happy Birthday”

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EMI Records Nashville songstress, Kelleigh Bannen garnered success back in June, when she released a three-song music premiere to SiriusXM’s The Highway. The release included new tracks, “John Who,” “Happy Birthday,” and “The Joneses,” all showcasing her beautiful and soulful vocal ability.  CMT’s Next Woman of Country alumna debuted the music video for “Happy Birthday” on CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown.

The heartfelt song, co-written by Bannen with Claire Douglas and Dallas Wilson revolves around Bannen’s vocals and story-telling abilities. The artist shares her thoughts behind the song in a recent press release stating “There’s something about birthdays that are so nostalgic… even if it’s just in an ‘I wonder how they’re doing’ kind of way. The details of this song are really personal, and I think that is why this song has connected with so many people. It’s just a really truthful song.”

The music video for “Happy Birthday” embodies that sentiment. The singer is shown making phone calls to her ex-boyfriend on his birthday, and all the feelings that encompass remembering what that day used to be for both people. It shows a complete story and personifies emotions. The surprise ending will viewers on their toes. Check out the video below.

Along with being a uniquely talented singer-songwriter, Bannen is creative in other realms too. She is the pioneer of a successful podcast entitled “The Nashville Life,” which explores the positives and negatives of the music industry and has featured prominent songwriters and music executives. Season 3 was released earlier this month. For information about her podcast and future tour dates visit Bannen’s website. We hope to hear a full-length album from the talented artist in the near future.

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Walker Hayes Goes Live on YouTube to Release “90’s Country” Video

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Walker Hayes 90's Country

Walker Hayes at The Vault in Nashville

Walker Hayes celebrated the release of the music video for “90s Country” unlike any other artist has done before. He celebrated the premiere with fans and friends broadcasting live on Youtube at The Vault in Downtown Nashville.

He sang three of his songs “Dollar Store,” “90s Country,” and of course his hit “You Broke Up With Me”. He also answered some fan questions involving some of his favorite 90’s artists, fashion trends, and questions about the music video. He explained the writing process of “90s country” and the idea of how he came up with it.

“I and a girl named LRYX started the co-write. I kind of hand it to her because it wasn’t much of an idea except for the words “90’s country”. I think we left that day with the lyrics ‘You make me feel like 90’s country’ and the ‘Do you love me if you do’ part and the ‘Tractor’s Sexy’. After that, it took about two years to track it to make it what it is. I thought one of the co-writers, Shane McAnally, was going to break up with me because of how long it took,” Hayes laughed. “I’m just a product of the 90’s and I have this argument with myself all the time, was the music that great? Or were we just kids? The titles that I did mention, I hear those titles and I immediately go back to a place. I know where I was living, who I was with, and I just remember all those sweet moments and we hoped everybody did too when they listened.”

The music video was directed by Alex Alvga and shot on Old Hickory Lake just outside of Nashville. Hayes wanted the video to take him back to his own hometown feelings of growing up in the 90’s. He said he felt more comfortable this time around for this video because he was surrounded by family, friends, and his band.

In addition, Hayes announced he’s heading out on his first European tour with Old Dominion. Make sure you continue to check his website for dates and ticketing information. Check out Hayes’ new music video “90s Country” below.

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What We’re Listening To: October Picks

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We recently welcomed a team of writers to the NYCountry Swag Squad. With that, we’re excited to share a new monthly feature with our “What We’re Listening To” playlist, where we’re highlighting the wide range of our team’s favorite songs and artists when it comes to the country music genre.  At the end of the day, we are all fans first with a passion for country music and are eager to share with you all what we’ve got on repeat each month.

Find below each of our team member’s favorite songs and why in our October picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

OCTOBER PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Break Up More Often” – Riley Green
Songwriters: Chris DuBois, Lynn Hutton, Riley Green

“I’m loving everything from Riley Green right now. His debut single, “There Was This Girl” is currently making waves on country radio, but “Break Up More Often”, another song from his EP, In A Truck Right Now, is what I’ve recently been listening to on repeat. 

I love the twist he puts on a breakup. For anybody who has ever been in an on-again/off-again relationship, it’s completely relatable. One minute you’re arguing like you’ll never see each other again and the next you’re waking up in their bed. Green’s lyrics are honest and vulnerable. 

If tellin’ each other goodbye is gonna lead to a long slow kiss // If you tearin’ out my drive is gonna get us makin’ love like this // ‘Cause it’s crazy to think that yesterday we weren’t even talkin’ // If this is how it’s gonna be, then baby maybe we should break up more often

There is something so desirable about the idea of the makeup being worth the breakup and Green paints that picture perfectly in this song.” 

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Make You Feel My Love” – Clare Dunn
Songwriters: Bob Dylan

“This song has been covered by the greats including Adele, Garth Brooks, and Billy Joel but available earlier today, country rising artist Clare Dunn released a live, acoustic version of the Bob Dylan classic and I was immediately captivated. Each time I have heard this song, I have loved it more and more but Dunn’s unique delivery and smooth vocals simply gives me chills.  The powerhouse singer makes this acoustic version her own by letting the lyrics take the lead, backed by a single guitar. Clare Dunn is definitely one to watch, setting the bar for women in this industry to pave their own way and proving she can tackle one of the greatest songs of all time.”

 

Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Make It Sweet” – Old Dominion
Songwriters: Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung, Matthew Ramsey, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers

“I’ve had “Make It Sweet” on repeat since the moment it was released. The lyrics that stand out to me the most are “Life is short, make it sweet”. Such simple words can mean so much to someone when life gets difficult. Old Dominion has been a favorite of mine since I saw them open up for Chase Rice in 2014. I knew they were going to be big from the moment they took the stage. They are not your typical country group but that is what I love about them. From the lyrics, music, passion and guitar solos, you are in for a treat when you see them. Every song they put out is a hit and this song is just a taste of what’s to come on their next album!”

 

Kelly Cunningham, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Georgia Time” – Riley Green
Songwriters: Riley Green

Mine is “Georgia Time” by Riley Green. This song has been stuck in my head for so long and I’m not complaining. It has this raw southern rhythm to it that is addicting. I just recently got to see him perform last week and he’s definitely bringing old-school country back to the scene. He’s for sure one to look out for as his debut single is climbing the charts quickly!

 

Taylor Felvey, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Drunk Again” – Ashley Scire
Songwriters: Ashley Scire,  John Allan Miller, Sean Ryan Spollen

“With Tailgate season in full swing, fans everywhere are going to thank their lucky stars to have a fall anthem in “Drunk Again”.  The native east coaster’s smooth vocals leave her a force to be reckoned with among fellow females in the Nashville music scene. With a Hilary Scott-type rasp, Scire’s soulful chorus along with upbeat guitar chords will leave everyone singing “Here we are/drunk again/buzzin’ at the bar where it all began/we both know how this night is gonna end/we’re drunk again”.”

 

Crystal Fenton, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Ends of the Earth” – Kenny Chesney
Songwriters: Ben Schneider

“Lately, I’ve been listening to Kenny Chesney’s “Ends Of The Earth” on repeat! I love both the chill vibe of the music (which even sounds somewhat aquatic to me) and the emotion of the lyrics. I’ve been lighting a sea salt scented candle and listening to this song at night to wind down from a long day. My very favorite lines: What good is livin’ a life you’ve been given / If all you do is stand in one place?”

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Growin’ Up” – Walker McGuire
Songwriters: Brinley Addington, Jimmie Deeghan, Michael Hardy

“Walker McGuire just dropped their new single, ‘Growin’ Up.’ While not everyone can relate to growing up in a small town, with honest lyrics, a catchy tune, and talking about everyday life this song catches you the first time you listen to it. The lyrics speak the truth about the ups and downs of growing up and while everything that happens around you is an important part of your journey as you grow up no matter how big or small the event was. Their two other hit songs “Til Tomorrow” has almost 27 million streams and “Lost” has almost 7 million. Walker McGuire is currently the hottest duo coming up in country music right now and they are reaching fans across the country.”

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Ladies in the 90’s” – Lauren Alaina
Songwriters: Amy Wadge, Jesse Frasure, Lauren Alaina

“How can you not love a song that includes lyrics from Britney Spears, Reba, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child, Shania Twain and more? Easy. You can’t. From the moment I heard Lauren Alaina’s “Ladies in the 90’s,” I was hooked. Despite playing to the new trend in country music to namedrop other songs, Lauren Alaina’s take seems fresh. Having grown up on the songs mentioned on this track, it’s easy to relate to and sing along. “I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want, you oughta know”,  is such a well-crafted line that I can’t seem to get it out of my head. Based on talent alone, Alaina should be one of country’s hottest female acts, and I really hope this song helps to cement her position in the industry. It’s what I really, really want.”

 

Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Dark Horse” – Devin Dawson
Songwriters: Andrew Roberts, Andy Albert, Devin Dawson

“Since I’ll be seeing Devin Dawson next week in Florida, I thought it would be fitting for “Dark Horse” to be my October pick. From the moment I first heard the song live in 2017, I was in love with it. The song is mesmerizing and each time I listen to it, I feel as if I’m being transported to another place. His entire debut album is perfection, allowing the music to speak for itself but this song, in particular, is so honest and bold, I can’t help but have it on repeat. Dawson is one of my favorite artists to see live and I can’t wait to hear his set one last time on The Long Way tour!”

 

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

Pick: “I’m Good” – Abby Anderson
Songwriters: Abby Anderson, April Geesbreght, Jason Massey

“A few weeks ago I saw Abby Anderson open up for Brett Eldredge on his ‘The Long Way Tour’ at the Bloomsburg Fair in Pennsylvania. Ever since I’ve had her whole I’m Good EP on repeat which is why it was hard to choose just one of the songs as my pick for this month. After debating for a few days, I had to go with the title track “I’m Good.” It’s a sassy and empowering anthem for all the girls out there who have realized their self-worth and moved on from a certain someone. Anderson sang this song with such confidence at the show, especially the last line of the chorus: “If you’re thinking that I’m on the fence / Thinking I want you back / Nah, baby, I’m good” Every girl who has dealt with any kind of situation similar to this needs to hear this song. I cannot wait to see Anderson again later this month at the Mercury Lounge!”

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Tailgate” – Raelynn
Songwriters: Canaan Smith / Corey Crowder / Tyler Hubbard/Raelynn

“Tailgate” is a super catchy song released by Raelynn over the summer.  Every time I hear it on the radio or play it on Spotify I find myself singing along and it’s stuck in my head for the rest of the day.  Written by Raelynn, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder, and Canaan Smith the lyrics tell a fun story about young kids in the back of a pickup truck messing around and hoping no one finds out.  With a chorus saying “If that tailgate ever tells, I’d be the small talk of the town” Raelynn’s twang can bring back teenage memories of times you wish your parents never found out about, especially if it’s in a small town!”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Chasin’ You” – Morgan Wallen
Songwriters: Craig Wiseman, Jamie Moore, Morgan Wallen

“I knew for this month that I was going to pick a Morgan Wallen song. The singer has been on my radar, since his debut album If I Know Me dropped. I discovered his songs while listening to Pandora. Each time I heard a new song that I liked, I would look at the artist, and sure enough, it was Wallen.

Since I have had the whole record on repeat for a while now, I had a hard time deciding, which song I wanted to pick. After seeing the artist perform live, I finally settled on “Chasin’ You.” (Almost as confirmation, as I write this, the song randomly played on Pandora.) Unlike most of his other songs, this track is the singer’s version of a ballad. The lyrics reminisce about an old relationship that didn’t work out for a variety of reasons.

My favorite lyric is “Chasing that freedom, chasing that feeling that got gone to soon.” Those words can be applied to so many facets of life, and they really resonated with me as a country music fan, but more importantly as a human being. I am so excited to see what Wallen does next with his blossoming career, and I can only hope for more tracks like “Chasin’ You,” with heartfelt, story-telling like this one. ”

 

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Swag Sessions: Featuring Olivia Lane

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Continuing to introduce you to the best rising artists, NYCountry Swag hosted a Swag Session at Mondrian Terrace with Houston, Texas native Olivia Lane.  Lane performed her brand new mid-tempo single “You Got Me” and she premiered a brand new song that won’t be available until January called “Hey 3 AM” that she wrote about being a night owl during difficult times.

She also talked with our Founder, Stephanie Wagner about living in Nashville and diving into her songwriting and being a woman in country music.

Watch the full Swag Session above and take a listen to Lane’s music below. For more music from artists we’ve featured during our LIVE Swag Sessions, check out our Sessions Playlist here and give it a follow for updates.

Keep up with Olivia Lane on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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[Watch] Scotty McCreery Reads Hilarious Fan Tweets

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There are few things funnier than an artist or other public figure reading mean tweets about themselves. Following in the trend is Scotty McCreery, reading tweets about his upcoming The Seasons Change Tour. In the video, posted to his social media accounts, McCreery reads some of his fan’s best reasons to attend his upcoming Seasons Change Tour, as well as some hilarious reasons NOT to attend.

A few highlights include “dat ass!!!” and “I always get a front row seat to see his chest hair.” The only thing funnier than the positive tweets are the negatives, including “Since when did the dude from the Mad Magazine cover get a singing career?” and “That’s 5 more minutes of my life I’ll never get back.”

Watch the hilarious video below!

The Seasons Change Tour will also feature special guests Jimmie Allen and Heather Morgan and will kick off on November 29 in Dallas. The show will make its way to New York on January 26 at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury.

Seasons Change Tour Dates:

Nov. 29 Dallas, TX House of Blues
Nov. 30 San Antonio, TX Aztec Theatre
Dec. 1 Houston, TX House of Blues *
Dec. 7 St. Paul, MN Myth Live
Dec. 8 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room *
Dec. 9 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Dec. 13 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
Dec. 15 Grand Rapids, MI 20 Monroe Live
Jan. 17 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre
Jan. 18 Charlotte, NC Fillmore
Jan. 19 Raleigh, NC The Ritz
Jan. 25 Boston, MA House of Blues
Jan. 26 Westbury, NY NYCB Theatre at Westbury

(*) Dates without Jimmie Allen
Texas singer/songwriter Mike Ryan will perform on Dec.1 in Houston, Texas.

 

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Chuck Wicks Releases Brand New Single “Better Than Flowers”

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Chuck Wicks Better Than Flowers

It’s been nearly two years since Chuck Wicks released new music, but today, he’s back with “Better Than Flowers,” a romantic track that’s definitely better than wilting agriculture. On the track, Wicks vows to “make love to you for hours,” and promises that it’ll be “better than flowers.”

The sexy track was written by Wicks, Jeffrey East, and Michael Lotten. “Three guys in a room…working with these lyrics…we were all definitely looking down while writing it to avoid eye contact with each other,” he laughs while discussing the provocative lyrics.  “It’s been a while since I’ve put out new music, but I’ve been writing and recording a lot lately,” the singer-songwriter shares in a statement. “When I went back in the studio to record, I decided once something was ready I’d go ahead and release it…why not?”

The video for “Better Than Flowers” features Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast Nastia Liukin in the role of Wicks’ love interest, and together, the pair steam up a barn located just outside of Nashville and the screen.  Watch the video below.

In addition to releasing new music, Wicks is probably best known for his role as co-host on the Nationally Syndicated radio show “Ty, Kelly and Chuck,” heard in over 50 cities across the United States. He is also competing as one of only 11 contenders in NBC’s “IRONMAN: Quest For Kona,” set to air this fall.

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NYCS First Impression: Jimmie Allen ‘Mercury Lane’

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Jimmie Allen Mercury Lane

Last November, during our Swag Session with Jimmie Allen, we said we couldn’t wait to watch his career blossom, as he garnered more and more fans and mainstream success. Today (10/12) marks an incredible milestone for the singer-songwriter. His debut album, Mercury Lane is now available everywhere music is sold. Mercury Lane is truly a passion project for the singer. The record shows perseverance and versatility, two characteristics that describe Allen too. It is clearly personal to the Stoney Creek Records recording artist, as the record is named after the street in Delaware, where he grew up and learned the lessons that have led him to this point in his career.

The record is a complete body of work, offering a song for all music lovers. Allen, who NYCountry Swag named a 2018 Artist to Watch,  adds some flavor to mainstream country music, mixing in some rock, pop, and R&B influences into the album, produced by Ash Bowers and Eric Torres. From love songs to inspiring songs to songs to drink to, the singer is proving that he is the full package. The recording artist co-wrote on eight of the fifteen tracks, including “Make Me Want To,” Back of Your Mind,” and his hit single, “Best Shot,” with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters.

Each track shows a different part of the singer’s personality and range as a vocalist, songwriter, and as a human being. “Deserve To Be,” one of the slower songs on the record tells the story from Allen’s perspective about a girl, who deserves to have the most fulfilling life and be treated like someone’s “world.” The track is sure to resonate with the millions of fans, who already fell in love with the lead single “Best Shot”, which is climbing up the charts.  The singer expresses another side of his personality with “Underdogs.” With its catchy hook and smooth beat, the song is bound to be a fan favorite. It is Allen’s take on an anthem for people, who are different, and trying to push through adversity. Although the singer didn’t write this one, we can see how the lyrics relate to his 10-year journey to ‘make it’ in the music industry.

If you’re looking for a new tailgate song, don’t worry, Mercury Lane has that too. The soulful track, “County Lines,” which Allen recently released a lyric video for, is sure to become a staple at summer tailgates. “County Lines” has an R&B vibe, with a catchy chorus that keeps listeners wanting to tap their toes and sing along from first listen.

Following the release, the Delaware native announced via his Twitter, three album listening parties, beginning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 14th. After a short stint in the U.K. with Chase Rice, Allen will embark on Scotty McCreery’s tour, which hits New York on January 26th and Kane Brown’s tour in November, where he will definitely be playing music off his new record.

Mercury Lane Track List & Songwriters:

  1. “American Heartbreaker” — (Jimmie Allen, Lance Miller, Chris Stevens, Ash Bowers)
  2. “Make Me Want To” — (Jimmie Allen, Paul Sikes, Jennifer Denmark)
  3. “Deserve to Be” — (Jimmie Allen, Danielle Blakey, Tripp Howell)
  4. “How to Be Single” — (Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Jimmy Robbins)
  5. “Wait for It” — (Ash Bowers, Thom McHugh, Steve Williams)
  6. “High Life” — (Lance Miller, Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Chris Stevens)
  7. “21” — (Brandon Hood, Josh Jenkins, Ash Bowers)
  8. “Underdogs” — (Ash Bowers, Brandon Lay, Jonathan Singleton)
  9. “Like You Do” — (Jimmie Allen, JP Williams, Josh London, Jason Mizell)
  10. “Back of Your Mind” — (Jimmie Allen, Matthew McVaney, Devin Tolentino)
  11. “Boy Gets a Truck” — (Ash Bowers, Aaron Scherz)
  12. “County Lines” — (Brett Tyler, Ben Burgess, Matt Dragstrem)
  13. “Best Shot” — (Jimmie Allen, Josh London, JP Williams)
  14. “Warrior” — (Jimmie Allen, Casey Beathard, Ash Bowers)
  15. “All Tractors Ain’t Green” — (Jimmie Allen, Brandon Hood, Tim Nichols)

Mercury Lane is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

For future tour information, upcoming news and announcements from Jimmie Allen, visit jimmieallenmusic.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Morgan Evans ‘Things That We Drink To’

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Morgan Evans

Since the 2017 release of his debut American single “Kiss Somebody,” Australia’s Morgan Evans has been lauded as one of country music’s next big things. Today, Evans released his debut album on Warner Music Nashville, Things That We Drink To. While much of the album reads as a love letter to Evans’ wife, Kelsea Ballerini, and believe me, it’s swoon-worthy, the overall body of work is a solid and diverse debut.

Evans, who NYCountry Swag named a 2018 Artist to Watch, co-wrote all eleven songs on the album with producer, Chris DeStefano and a handful of Nashville’s hottest hit-makers including Josh Osborne, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kear, Jaren Johnston, and Jon Nite. Additionally, Evans joined forces with DeStefano to play every instrument on the LP.

“My album is a collection of songs that I wrote over the last two years,” said Evans in a statement. “It’s my story. It’s leaving behind everything and everyone you know to chase down a country music dream on the other side of the world. It’s the excitement of the unknown, it’s the fun, it’s the loneliness and it’s the struggle. It’s losing someone and finding the strength to keep your head up and make them proud. It’s meeting a girl, falling hopelessly and marrying the love of your life. It’s the Things That We Drink To.”

The album opens with “American,” an anthemic up-tempo about an American girl who enchanted Evans from the get-go. It’s immediately evident that the track is about Ballerini, without ever veering into cheesy. He credits feeling at home whenever he’s with his American girl.  “She’s American, making my world better than it’s ever been,” He sings. “One part Norma Jean, and one part Marilyn. She’s making me fall in love with everything…American.”

The album continues up-tempo with the aforementioned “Kiss Somebody” and “I Do,” both which provided Evans’ with his initial introduction to the U.S. country scene. There’s “Day Drunk,” which like the former two tracks appeared on his EP, and is easily one of the ear-wormiest tracks on the album. The song celebrates living in the moment and getting day drunk, enjoying happy hour on the hour. It’s sure to be a staple of Evans’ live shows and merchandise for years to come, and we fully expect this to be the song that the crowd sings back at the top of their lungs, drinks buoyantly raised in the air.

 

While other songs simply allude to Evans’ relationship with Ballerini, the golden-voiced blonde lends her vocals to the album’s first ballad, “Dance with Me.” Written by Evans and DeStefano, the romantic track is easily a future first-dance classic. Using Ballerini on background vocals here makes it all the most personal, but also adds a haunting hint to an already sweet track.

Other highlights of the album include the title track, “Things That We Drink To,” a sparse piano ballad made uber-powerful by an anthem of voices in its chorus. “We Dream” creates another compelling moment, using a choir of children’s voices to emphasize the song’s wishful meaning. They remind us, “When we look at the world and don’t like what we see, we close our eyes and we dream.”

The album concludes with “Young Again,” which has been a favorite of ours since we first heard it. Channeling his inner Ed Sheeran, “Young Again” celebrates a perfect night out with friends that just can’t last long enough. “So what the clock says 3am?” Evans asks, “We will never be this young again.”

With Things That We Drink To, Morgan Evans has released a stellar debut album, cementing himself as Australia’s most exciting country music export since Keith Urban.

Things That We Drink To Track List & Songwriters:

  1. “American” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
  2. “Kiss Somebody” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
  3. “I Do” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley)
  4. “Song for the Summer” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, David Hodges)
  5. “Day Drunk” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Lindy Robbins)
  6. “Dance with Me” feat. Kelsea Ballerini – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano)
  7. “Me on You” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
  8. “Things That We Drink To” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
  9. “We Dream” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Jaren Johnston, Jon Nite)
  10. “Everything Changes” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Blair Daly)
  11. “Young Again” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Kear)

Things That We Drink To is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Evans hits the New York area in December for Chris Young‘s “Losing Sleep Tour” along with Dan + Shay. Tickets and more information here. For upcoming news and announcements from Morgan Evans, visit morganevansmusic.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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