NYCS First Impression: Ryan Hurd Panorama EP

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Ryan Hurd Panorama

For those who have been fans of Ryan Hurd for years, the Panorama EP is an old-friend they first met years ago. For those of us who are newer fans of Hurd, the EP is a welcomed new release from one of Nashville’s most talented and prominent singer-songwriters.

Originally written and recorded in 2015 when the Michigan native was just starting to make a name for himself, the four-track collection is a celebration of Hurd as both a writer and artist. Each of the EP’s four tracks were co-written by Hurd with a variety of other Nashville heavy-hitters, including Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon, Maren Morris, and the late Andrew Dorff.

He took to Twitter just prior to the release, writing, “Two more things. Even before we were anything romantic, singing with Maren has felt like magic. This was the first thing we ever together that wasn’t demos, and to still get to do it today makes my heart very happy.” He then continued, “The second thing: I grew up with
@aaroneshuis. We started making music together when we were 14. He’s made every recording you’ve ever heard from me and this one is still our favorite.”

Although the EP was initially released four years ago, today marks it’s first wide release. It’s a four-track collection that shows the different sides of Hurd, from the wistful title track to the brooding “Mississippi to Me” and the hopeful “Good As You Think I am” to the darker “I’ll Be the Moon.”

The EP’s titular track is a simple message that everyone needs to hear once in awhile, as he reflects on a moment of tranquility with the person he loves and enjoying the moment. “Laying back on a blanket/ Looking at a blanket way up high/ Between the darkness in the distance/ And the way the whole thing shines,” Hurd sings. “Makes you feel like you see God/ Makes you feel like you’re alive/ For the first time/ Like you were my first time.”

“Mississippi to Me” is a darker cut about loss and a relationship ending, as the singer-songwriter grapples with a breaker. “You don’t want to hurt me/ But you ain’t in love with me.” He reveals on the heartbreaking track. “You’re talking reasons/ but you lost me back at I’m leaving.”

There’s the introspective “Good As You Think I Am,” which was co-written by Dorff and Morris, and reflects on a man trying to live up to what the woman in his life believes he can be. Speaking to Sounds Like Nashville, Hurd revealed, “I think when you see yourself through the lens of someone else’s love it changes you. This song hits me because the melody lives up to the sentiment in the lyrics. As a love song, it’s such an overwhelming realization, trying to become the person that she sees, wanting to live up to the love you’ve been given.”

The EP concludes with the brooding “I’ll Be the Moon,” a song previously released by Dierks Bentley on his 2016 Black album that featured none other than Morris. Hurd’s version here is less produced and more stripped, fully putting the powerfully painful lyrics on full display. Here, he’s a man so in love that he’s willing to settle for being the other man. He’ll take her where can, however, conceding, “I don’t want to be your secret/ But I will if you want me to/ You can leave me in the dark/ If that’s all I get from you/ He can be the sun/ I’ll be the moon.”

In advance of the release, the Michigan native expressed his gratitude to his fans, writing, “I don’t have a much to say tonight except that sometimes life is all about timing. If you’ve been here since the beginning or if it’s brand new to you, thank you for listening to Panorama tonight.”

Earlier this year, Hurd sold out New York City’s Bowery Ballroom, and he spoke to NYCountry Swag a few weeks ago at the Taste of Country Festival at Hunter Mountain. While no local shows are currently announced, Hurd will be joining Old Dominion’s Make It Sweet Tour for much of the rest of 2019.

To see tour dates and more, visit his official website or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Panorama EP is 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.

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Billy Currington Releases “Details”, A Brand New Love Song

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Billy Currington Details

Don’t ever accuse Billy Currington of not paying attention. On his new single “Details” (released today, July 19), the country hit-maker is celebrating the woman in his life by observing her smallest quirks, often to the point of oblivion to the outside world. The song is a tongue-in-cheek summer anthem that should easily become one of Currington’s biggest hits.

Written by Mark Trussell, Nicolle Galyon and Stephen Lee Olsen, “Details” is an up-tempo tune that will undoubtedly be in your head after just a few listens. With it’s laid back melody and earwormy lyrics, it’s the perfect song for Currington’s vibe. While other artists sometimes choose to chase trends, Currington stays true to himself here, releasing yet another solid single.

Wondering what some of the “Details” are that Currington notices? Look no further than the song’s chorus:
“I’m completely focused on every / 5’7”, 3/8 inches of you baby / How the salt in the air makes your hair kinda wavy / How you’re tongue-tied when you mix wine / With the Gemini, baby I memorized / Every brown sugar freckle that the Lord put on ya / How you lean to left, 45 degrees, right before / You’re gonna kiss me/ If you can’t tell / I’ve been paying close attention to your details”

He also admits that “hundred dollar bills could be falling from the sky,” and he wouldn’t even notice, while he doesn’t know what song just played or the name of his next door neighbor. While Currington may be a terrible neighbor, he’s apparently a good boyfriend who notices the important things about the woman in his life, including her coffee order, DVR history, and pillow preferences.

While the single won’t hit country radio until August 5, it was released digitally today, and we couldn’t be happier. Currington is one of the genre’s most consistent artists, releasing hit after hit, while somehow managing to remain under the radar. He also looks phenomenal in a NYCountry Swag snapback.

To keep up with Billy Currington, visit his official website and follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Currington is currently headlining his Stay Up ‘Til The Sun Tour, with upcoming stops in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, Troy, New York, and Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Details” is 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.

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[Watch] Kacey Musgraves Performs on the Today Show Plaza

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Kacey Musgraves Today Show

It was not the kick-off to a “Lonely Weekend” in New York this morning. New Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves performed four of her incredible songs from her latest album, Golden Hour on the Today Show. Dressed in a simple floral dress and her signature guitar, the singer-songwriter impressed fans and even made a huge announcement.

Today Show host Savannah Guthrie introduced Musgraves to the audience before the show saying a simple, “Ladies and gentlemen here she is, Kacey Musgraves.” The crowd’s loud applause went right into the first song “Slow Burn,” which set the mood for the rest of the show. As soon as she started singing, Musgraves’ sweet voice filled the air and created a sense of community with the crowd. Other hits sung were “Lonely Weekend, “Oh What A World,” and “Happy and Sad.” Musgraves had each member of the audience in complete awe of her talented voice, as she sang each word with so much heart and soul packed behind it.

The singer-songwriter has already had huge success this year including partnering with Brooks and Dunn for their REBOOT album, four Grammy wins, and more fantastic TV appearances. On top of a great performance today, Musgraves also announced part two of her world tour with two back to back dates here in New York on October 15 & 16 at the famed Radio City Music Hall! Opening for her on select dates are Poolside, YOLA, Weyes Blood, Lucius, Maggie Rodgers and Vanessa Zamora. Shows will run throughout the fall, across the country so there are plenty of ways to see the Grammy award winner and her unique talent.

To keep up with Kacey Musgraves follow her onInstagram, Facebook & Twitter.

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New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 7/19/19

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It’s our favorite part of the week, New Music Friday!

This weekend we’ve got new music from Miranda Lambert, Ryan Hurd, Kelleigh Bannen, Cole Swindell, Billy Currington and so much more.

Check out all the new music and more on our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:

 

 

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Cole Swindell’s Next Song From 5th Down Home Sessions EP “All Nighter”

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All Nighter

Last month Cole Swindell announced that his fifth Down Home Sessions EP was on its way and over the next five months he would be releasing a song from the upcoming extended play record, which started with the song “Drinkin’ Hours.” Today, he released the second song off Down Home Sessions V, “All Nighter.”

Written by Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman, and Swindell, “All Nighter” is an upbeat love song, which we haven’t heard from the artist in a while. His past two singles “Love You Too Late” and Grammy-nominated, “Breakup In The End,” are about relationships ending, while “All Nighter” shares the story of a guy who is falling hard for his significant other. He loves how she makes him feel and doesn’t want their time together to end.

Overall the song, especially the chorus, is catchy and is the perfect summer love song. You’ll for sure catch yourself jamming out to it. “Girl the way you move, you set me on fire / Stars are way up high, yea you make me higher / Leanin’ in real close, like baby, hold me tighter / It’s lookin’ like it’s gon be an all nighter.”

Swindell is currently on the Sunset Repeat Tour with Jon Langston and Luke Bryan. Last weekend we had the chance to catch the tour at Jones Beach and trust us, it’s a show you cannot afford to miss, and you still have a chance to see it! They are coming to Holmdel, NJ on September 7th. Get your tickets here!

To keep up with Cole Swindell follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“All Nighter” 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.

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Kelleigh Bannen Releases Next Inspiring Single Titled “Faith In You”

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Kelleigh Bannen Faith In You

Country music singer-songwriter and Swag Spotlight alum Kelleigh Bannen debuts her newest single “Faith in You” after her fiery, rock anthem “Deluxe.” “Faith in You” continues to polish her soulful, yet gritty persona while honing in deeper into the ideology of faith, and where to channel your beliefs when all gets washed away. It speaks to cherishing the faith you put in others to keep you afloat when there’s nothing left.

“When the things you turn to let you down, who do you believe in? Bannen says in a recent press release. Written by Bannen, Sean Van Vleet and Todd Clark, the story inaugurates by depicting a number of daunting coping mechanisms; those you might turn to when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom. Bannen details drinking in dingy bars after midnight to getting lost in the jukebox until there are no songs left to play. But then, an epiphany happens and she realizes that the faith that she puts in others is enough to keep on moving on. Leaning on somebody else’s shoulder in times of need continues to push you in the direction of pursuing your dreams.

“Didn’t know I needed saving / ‘Till you showed up / Ain’t grace amazing / I don’t know what I believe anymore / Ain’t sure what I’ve been fighting for / Lotta dreams that don’t come true / Baby I got faith in you”

Bannen also hosts a podcast entitled This Nashville Life which dives into, “the who, the how, the why and why not of country music.” This podcast has been featured by The Washington Post, NPR, iTunes and New and Newsworthy.

To keep up with Kelleigh Bannen follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Faith in You” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below and check out more recently released music 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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Devin Dawson Reimagines His First Songwriting #1, “God’s Country”

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God's Country Devin Dawson

It’s safe to assume that most country fans know “God’s Country” as Blake Shelton’s newest monster hit. Likewise, country fans know Devin Dawson as the genre’s newest man in black with hits like “All On Me,” “Dark Horse,” and “I Don’t Care Who Sees.” What fans may not know is that Dawson is one of the musical masterminds behind “God’s Country.”

This week, Dawson is celebrating his first number one hit as a songwriter, having co-penned the Shelton single with Michael Hardy and Jordan Schmidt. To celebrate the two-week chart-topper, Dawson has released his own acoustic take on “God’s Country.”

Filmed on producer Scott Hendricks’ farm, the video, shot in his signature black and white, shows Dawson sitting on a stool with his guitar. While Shelton’s take on the tune is big and bombastic, Dawson’s version receives a much more tender treatment. What’s apparent here is that there’s a place in the world for both versions. Shelton’s take feels like it was made for an arena, while Dawson’s feels like he’s sitting in the famed Listening Room Cafe playing for his peers.  Maybe due to his part in penning the track, Dawson’s take seems more emotional and impassioned. And frankly, as much as we love Shelton’s rendition, we’d love to add Dawson’s version to our playlist too.

To keep up with Devin Dawson, follow him onInstagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

He’ll spend the majority of the summer playing festivals across the United States and abroad, with stops at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Country Fanfest, Citadel Country Spirit USA Festival, and more. He’ll play in Clearfield, PA on July 31 and Baldwinsville, New York on August 2. For tickets and more information head to www.devindawsonmusic.com.

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Ingrid Andress Makes Her TODAY Show Debut

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This morning, one of our favorite rising artists, Ingrid Andress took the stage to perform “More Hearts Like Mine” on NBC’s Today Show. Andress, who was recently named one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” is capturing the attention of many with her heart-wrenching, raw, and completely honest storytelling. Called a star on the rise, it is truly a breakout moment for Andress performing “More Hearts Than Mine” on the Today Show.

Andress’ lyrics cut you right to the core and hit home touching on vulnerable aspects of life. Paired with her beautiful voice, it makes for a powerful performance. Sitting behind a beautiful white piano, Andress’ authenticity speaks for itself as she sings about falling in love with someone and the family falling in love with their relationship, singing “if we break up I’ll be fine, but you’ll be breaking more hearts than mine.”

When asked about her reaction to being named CMT’s one of the Next Top Artists in country music, Andress’ humbled response was, “I wasn’t expecting it, really, I was like oh that is so nice of them! But here we are, it has been an amazing ride so far.” Andress said she has loved music her whole life but did not realize she would ever make a career out of it, and as a songwriter getting to perform her own songs, she admitted: “It is nice to tell my own story, for sure.” With such a unique and eloquent voice, it comes as no surprise the extremely talented singer-songwriter’s single “More Hearts Like Mine” is the most added to country radio this week. Andress’ storytelling is truly awe-inspiring and refreshing sound to country music.

To keep up with Ingrid Andress, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Miranda Lambert Releases Not One But Two New Fiery Tracks

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It All Comes Out In The Wash Fiery

Get excited! Today, Thursday, July 18th, country music icon Miranda Lambert officially released two new songs that are extremely upbeat, fun, and manage to tie in some life lessons at the same time, like every great country song.

The first single she released is called “It All Comes Out In The Wash”, a lively and humorous anthem with one lesson behind it: ‘Time heals all’. In the song, she mentions all kinds of different scenarios such as showing up to a wedding with the bridesmaid’s ex as your date, spilling the beans to your mom about your sister being pregnant, drunk dialing your ex-husband, and spilling A1 sauce on your mother-in-law’s table cloth.

She sings, “Every little stain, every little heartbreak no matter how messy it got, don’t sweat it because it will all come out in the wash” The song is accompanied by a beat that will definitely make you want to tap your feet and a killer use of the guitar.

It All Comes Out In The Wash Fiery

Miranda has been promoting this single on her Instagram for the past week, hashtagging #ItAllComesOutInTheWash, but has warned fans, “I just may have something else up my sleeve for y’all that day too… stay tuned”.

The second single that she released is titled, “Locomotive”, a fiery song that shows off more of her free-spirited country girl roots and has a very quick beat. “I’m like a locomotive, I don’t run out of steam”, she sings. “New York City seems okay, I’m a little bit more Tennessee and there’s whiskey in my veins.”

Although just two songs, this fiery release for Lambert will definitely make country music headlines and even have some potential chart-toppers that will continue to be played all summer long.

To keep up with Miranda Lambert, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“It All Comes Out In The Wash”, and “Locomotive”, are now both available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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10 Reasons To Go To A Concert By Yourself

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Country Concert By Yourself

Seeing your favorite singer with a group of your closest friends is as good as it gets. But sometimes an artist comes to town and it doesn’t work out for anyone else to tag along. Here at NYCountry Swag, we feel we’ve created a community of country lovers and during our favorite past time, you will always meet friends.  It’s normal to think you can’t enjoy a concert on your own, but here are some things to consider before you bail on your plans and miss the opportunity.

1. Artists don’t play every city every year. Depending on a specific tour schedule, there’s no telling how often someone you love will be in your area. Don’t miss this chance to go, you don’t know when they’ll be back.

2. It’s easier to get through a crowd. Have you ever tried pushing through a standing-room pit with a group of people? When you’re alone you can go right to the front.

3. You’ll make friends with the people standing around you. You already have something in common because you’re at the same show, so you’re bound to hit it off. 

4. You don’t have to worry about playing host. We’ve all been to a concert with a friend who totally brought down the mood. It’s hard to enjoy yourself when someone else isn’t having a good time, but when you’re alone, it’s a non-issue.

5. You’re free to dance and scream your heart out. Sure, you can do that with friends too, but when you’re flying solo there is truly no one there to judge you or to sneak a Snapchat video when you’re not looking. 

6. There’s more time for music. When you don’t have to wait for friends to get out of the 32,847 person line for the bar or the bathroom you can get back to the concert faster.

7. You can focus on the show. We all have that friend who has to tell you something the minute your favorite song starts playing. When you’re alone there’s no chance you’ll get distracted by a conversation when you’d rather be paying attention to the stage.

8. You can eat your heart out. With no one there to steal your fries or judge you for that second corndog, you can enjoy the stadium noms all you want.

9. You’ll have a blast telling everyone about the show. When you are the only one at a concert you get to enthusiastically share your pictures, videos and stories giving everyone else the ultimate FOMO.

10. If it doesn’t work, you don’t have to do it again. Don’t knock it before you try it. Worst case, you find out it’s not for you. Best case, you find your new favorite way to enjoy a show.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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