NYCS Swag Spotlight: The Swon Brothers

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The Swon Brothers

Photo Credit Amy Richmond

Back in September of 2017, New York Country Swag hosted a sold-out event at Bungalow Bar in Queens featuring The Swon Brothers.  Fast forward to 2019, we are catching up with the duo and finding out a little bit about their backstory and what is next for them in the new year. Zach and Colton Swan tell us in a recent interview that they were born into a musicians life, their parents singing in a southern gospel band and traveling around on their bus to different churches.  Muskogee, Oklahoma is where they call home, but they quickly knew that Nashville was an important place for them to travel to and eventually move to to make their dreams come true.  Zach started playing drums for the family band when he was just seven years old and then when Colton came along, they started playing together and writing songs. “We wanted to be a kid version of Brooks & Dunn and we started making our parents take us to Nashville. We never really had a backup plan, it’s been our goal since we were little,” Zach tells us.

Colton recalls spending time in Nashville, sitting in the hotel room with his family, eating bologna sandwiches and then heading out to all of the different writer’s rounds, any place that would allow kids to play. “We did that for years then we actually went to Music Row and knocked on every door, asking if we could sing for these major labels,” he explains.  Zach and Colton were only twelve and nine years old at the time, already persistent in reaching their goals.  Although almost every record label turned them down, the secretary at what was Virgin Records at the time allowed them to sing for her, and the president of the label just happened to walk by and heard the boys singing. Colton recalls him saying “‘You guys keep up the hard work, you’ve always got an open door’ and we’ve always kept in touch with him. That was the first moment, validation that we might be able to do this. “

On a whim, just days after traveling back from Nashville, the duo took a chance and drove back to Memphis to try out for the singing competition show, The Voice.  Usher, Shakira and Blake Shelton all turned their chairs during their blind audition, eventually choosing Blake as their coach.  They finished third in the season, becoming the first duo to make it to the Top 12. After finishing The Voice, they made the move to Nashville.  “Being in Nashville gives you opportunities that you wouldn’t have the chance to write with anywhere else,” they say of Music City. “The biggest advantage of making the move is meeting kindred spirits. it’s great to be in a town that surrounds you with people that make you better.”

In October of last year, The Swon Brothers released “Midnight Lovers”, a song that Zach and Colton Swon wrote with Stephen Hunley and Brandon Day.  The track tells the story of forbidden love, reminiscent of a modern-day, Romeo and Juliet, love story. “We are kind of throwing rules out the window and just having fun, musically and lyrically, we are writing for ourselves which we’ve never done,” Zach says of the new music they are excited to release.

Just last week the duo announced The 17:17 Tour with a photo on Instagram of their matching “17:17” tattoos saying “…A brother is born for a time of adversity…” The 17:17 Tour is about us being brothers. Doing what we love for who we love. Y’all keep showing up and we get to know you better every time we step on stage. Thanks for a being a FamBase, not just a Fanbase. See you on the road.” Full lineup and ticket information for The Swon Brothers’ 2019 tour is available at www.swonbrothers.com

 

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Kelly Ford Returns To NASHFM 94.7 & Russell Dickerson Performs

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Nash FM Kelly Ford Returns

Photo Via NASHFM 94.7 Facebook

Not only did Russell Dickerson take Stage 17 at NASH FM 94.7 for a live set, but it also included a surprise announcement for all country music fans in New York/New Jersey area.

NASH FM welcomed backed Kelly Ford to the studio after a long road on her morning show in Nashville, “Ty, Chuck & Kelly.” NASH FM 94.7 had a warm welcoming message back saying, “This is more than just a radio station, we’re in this together… NASH Nation, this is for you. You called, texted, emailed and commented a lot; we heard you loud and clear,” announcing Ford’s new local morning show debuting Feb. 4 after three years of living in Nashville. The crowd gave her a rousing round of applause and Ford gave the most heartwarming speech including an exciting shout out to NYCountry Swag, talking about the very first time Dickerson had played an event in New York City, our country brunch back in January of 2016 which Ford MCed.

Nash FM Kelly Ford Returns

Photo Via NASHFM 94.7 Facebook

Dickerson then took the stage and performed his second No. 1 song “Blue Tacoma” and his current single “Every Little Thing.” Ford then asked Dickerson questions about new music, explaining how he penned songs with Lady Antebellum while he was out on tour with them last summer. Ford asked Dickerson to talk about the passionate New York/New Jersey country music fans and what makes us different, he replied “New York chooses it, it’s not on every station. They fight for it, they’re passionate about it and that’s why we keep coming back.” Dickerson also revealed who his favorite physical aspirations are in terms of performers, he replied, “Obviously Garth Brooks, he’s everywhere on stage. When I see him do that, he’s so engaging. Sometimes performers just focus on themselves meanwhile the fans are the reason why we’re performing, that’s my main focus.” Dickerson then played his first No. 1 single “Yours” to end the exciting show. Check out the full live stream below.

It was an emotional rollercoaster yet inspiring day welcoming Ford back to NASH FM 94.7 and having Dickerson there to celebrate and perform made it even more special. Dickerson is currently on The Way Back Tour with Carly Pearce and will make an appearance again here in New York at MSG with Thomas Rhett on Sep. 20.

When Ford returns to the New York airwaves next week, she will be joining the midday host Katie Neal and Jesse Addy who airs in the afternoon to form a popular and powerful Nash team. Be sure to tune in to Nash FM 94.7 on Feb. 4 from 6-10 A.M. to hear ‘Kelly Ford in the Mornings’.

Kelly Ford Returns Nash fm

Photo Via NASHFM 94.7 Facebook

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Hunter Hayes Releases New Song “Heartbreak”

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Hunter Hayes Heartbreak

After releasing three very different songs in 2018, including, “Dear God,” “One Shot,” and “This Girl,” award-winning country star, Hunter Hayes released his first song of the new year. The track, “Heartbreak,” penned by the singer-songwriter was released across all platforms today (1/25).

Hayes has been teasing the single across his social media platforms for the last week, including posting visual clips to accompany the lyrics. As the first single off the entertainer’s upcoming third studio album, “Heartbreak” is setting the tone for Hayes’ latest project.

In a recent press release, the country crooner shared “This song came about during a time where, for the first time in 5 years, I was writing by myself. […] I had the idea to start journaling love songs to my future better half. After a relationship ends, I think we all want to know that there is someone for us, but unfortunately, a lot of people have been lead to believe that you’re suppose to feel shitty after a breakup. I wanted this song to turn that feeling around for people and remind them not to let someone walk out the door with your happiness and your self-worth.” Adding, “In the darkness of a heart breaking, I’m here to tell you there’s also a whole lotta light.”

Hayes’ single speaks volumes about his growth as an artist and as a human being. With its catchy chorus and head-bopping instrumentals, “Heartbreak” is a reminder to listeners to look at the glass half full. Despite depicting trying times, Hayes turned his song into an anthem for getting through breakups. It truly is a modern-day love letter to a future “forever” relationship.  “If it gets me to you than it ain’t wasted time / But every so close, I’m closer to the rest of my life / Another bad first date / Another nothing left to say / What I mean is the way I see it / I’m one heartbreak closer to you.”

 “Heartbreak” 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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Brothers Osborne Sell Out Terminal 5 in New York City

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This past Wednesday night, CMA and ACM Vocal Duo of the Year, Brothers Osborne brought their country rock and roll flare to a sold-out, passionate New York City crowd at Terminal 5. The duo was joined by special guests The Wild Feathers, who warmed fans up for the platinum-selling duo’s epic headlining hour and 45-minute set.

TJ & John Osborne Brothers Osborne

With a wall to wall packed room, TJ and John entered the stage with their guitars in hand, ready to give the cheering audience what they came for. Kicking the night off with “Drank Like Hank” and “Shoot Me Straight,” everyone inside of the venue danced and yelled out the lyrics, we all knew it would be a night to remember.

Not missing a beat, the guys moved right along into their current single, which they made their Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon debut with the night prior, “I Don’t Remember Me (Before You).” Taking a moment to interact with the crowd, TJ jokingly mentioned how much he loves New York City with the exception of how expensive everything is. He and John wanted every fan to give everything they had in them for the remainder of the night, warning everyone that the next tour stop would be in Boston, in which the crowd booed, but it sure did work.

The duo continued to perform songs from both studio length albums, including fan favorite “Rum,” which concluded in an A cappella sing-along of the chorus from the audience alone. The sing-along continued into the next song, “Burning Man.”

TJ & John Osborne Brothers Osborne

TJ paused to share some of what went into their latest album Port Saint Joe, “It’s been a long process with this record. We shacked up in a beach house in Port Saint Joe, Florida which is one of the neighborhoods that got wiped out by the hurricane recently. We wanted to make something really different, we made it with our band here and it’s been a long journey with this record. We wanted to make a record that would not necessarily make a big splash in its first week but something that would be around for ten, twenty, thirty years. Then for us to wake up not too long ago to see that it was nominated for a grammy honestly was a huge moment in our career.”

The guys slowed things down a bit with “Tequila Again” and a stripped down version of one of their most well-known tunes, “21 Summer.” It wasn’t long before they picked things back up with a rendition of “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle and the hand-clapping anthem “Ain’t My Fault,” featuring a 10-minute jam session and guitar solo by none other than John himself.

Returning back to the stage for the encore, TJ and John expressed how wildly great the night has been and if there wasn’t an 11 o’clock curfew, they would continue to play all night long. As their set was coming to an end, they asked the crowd if they had any specific song requests, in which quite a few fans yelled “While You Still Can”, which they played on the spot.

Ending the night with “Heart Shaped Locket” and a cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which resulted in yet another crowd-only A cappella sing-along, Brothers Osborne thanked the audience and threw their remaining guitar picks straight into the crowd.
From the multiple epic sing-alongs to the countless guitar solos and jokes told throughout the night, John and TJ put on a show that every last person inside of Terminal 5 on January 23rd, 2019 will remember and await their return to New York City.

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New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 1/25/19

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It’s that time of the week again… New Music Friday! Today, we see the highly anticipated debut EP from King Calaway. Check out our full First Impression review of the incredible music here plus a recap of our exclusive showcase event with the band. Today also brings us new music from former Live Swag Session Alumn, Farewell Angelina, who released their second EP Women & Wine. Check out our full First Impression of the EP here. We also see brand new music from Hunter Hayes, Kassi Ashton 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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NYCS First Impression: Farewell Angelina ‘Women & Wine’

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Farewell Angelina EP Women & Wine

After a banner year in 2018 vocal group Farewell Angelina is kicking off the new year with even bigger strides with the release of their second EP Women & Wine. With seven songs, the generous EP gives an insight into what the future holds for the ladies of the group.

The first song on the EP, the title track, “Women & Wine” is a feel-good anthem that almost every lady out there can relate to “Nothing goes better than your friends together on a random Tuesday night / When your world is upside down it will always set you right / So pour it out drink it up / In Waterford or a Dixie cup”

Next up is a song titled “More Problems” which is a sassy tune with rock undertones. The simple lyrics are in a way a metaphor, that literally yet perfectly, explain that the more stuff you have in your life the more it will cost you and the ‘more problems’ you will have. “All that stressin it’s too expensive/Can’t ask for more without a price to pay”

 The harmonies of the band are excellently represented in the third song, “Ghosts”. The subject matter of the song- lonesome, doubt, tough times, and being haunted by habits of the past- can all be overcome by calling on  “Those familiar voices / They’re coming from the other side / Even the ghosts are singing tonight.” Although you might think you are alone, you aren’t, because those before you have been through it and found success.

“Vintage” is the definition of a windows-down summer-drive love song. It highlights the feeling of finding an old-school love that you’d never thought you would find or even still exists. “You’re vintage you’re classic / You’re made of old school magic / You’re a mixtape 68 Camaro heavy metal frame”

 The fifth song on the EP, “Forever By My Always”, has a late 90s’ sound, similar to that of Faith Hill or Martina McBride, and is a delicate profession to the love of your life, despite all of their irritating habits. “If the world started shaking / The sun it quit chasing the moon / If the sky started fallin’ /  I’d be the one calling out for you” 

The second to last track, “Baby”, is a heartless breakup song about letting go of a love gone wrong that just wasn’t right for you. The feeling of freedom after saying goodbye in this jam is palpable. “My baby’s gone and he ain’t coming back / My heart don’t even hurt so what kind of baby is that”

Last up on the EP, “I Feel You”, is a powerful heart-wrenching ballad about not being alone even in the darkest of days. Someone or something is always there in any situation “I feel you in everything I do/ Every storm that I drive through / Every day that’s black and blue / I feel you even when you’re not here.”  The telling lyrics can be interpreted differently by every person yet still convey the same message.

Check out live acoustic versions of the tracks “Women & Wine” and “Baby” plus a Q + A with the girls during our recent live swag session in the video below.

Keep up with Farewell Angelina at farewellangelinamusic.com, and on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Women & Wine 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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NYCS First Impression: King Calaway’s Self-Titled Debut EP

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King Calaway Self-Titled EP

If there’s any question as to which new country act is bound to be the genre’s next big thing, look no further than King Calaway. The six-man band released their self-titled debut EP today (Jan 25.) via BBR’s Stoney Creek Records. Based on the mounting buzz and the cleverly-crafted EP, this group is undoubtedly poised for superstardom.

What makes King Calaway unique is the fact that the group is comprised of six individual musicians from three different countries, each with a diverse musical background and varied experience that includes international tours, television and award show appearances, and even American Idol golden tickets. Interestingly, the band does not boast a true frontman, but instead features Jordan Harvey, Chad Michael Jervis and Simon Dumas trading off on lead vocals, backed by multi-part harmonies from drummer Chris Deaton, lead guitarist Caleb Miller and bassist Austin Luther. Additionally, each member is a well-rounded musician, resulting in a sound that is heavily influenced by the likes of the Eagles, Keith Urban, and Ed Sheeran.

Formed in 2018, the sextet teamed with Ross Copperman and Robert Deaton for their debut project. “The six musicians who make up King Calaway are a fresh take on contemporary country music,”says Deaton. “These young men hail from all corners of the globe, but when put together on a stage, they are one and magic happens.”

On their debut EP, King Calaway enlisted a plethora of Nashville’s biggest songwriters and artists to contribute songs. The EP features the likes of Copperman, Jon Nite, Josh Osborne, Andy Albert, Teddy Geiger, Mitchell Tenpenny, Devin Dawson, Jordan Schmidt, and more.

The EP opens with the debut single, “World For Two,” a mid-tempo love song, co-written by Copperman, Josh Osborne, and James Abrahart. From the first notes, it’s clear that King Calaway’s harmonies are what makes them unique. The track evokes a bit of Extreme’s “More Than Words” mixed with Thomas Rhett and late-90’s Brit sensations BBMak to create something unique to country music. “World For Two” is a perfectly crafted piece of pop country, and we’d be shocked if it doesn’t end up topping the radio charts.

The EP picks up the pace on “No Matter What,” a fun, up-tempo track that will have you singing along by the song’s catchy second chorus. “I Do” is a lovelorn ballad that has our leading men crooning over the one that got away and the fact that they still think about the mistakes that led to the breakup. “What really hurts is/ I say the words/ You always wanted me to / I do/ Yeah I do/ Oh I do/ Think about you.”

One of the highlights of the EP is a cheerful, harmonic cover of the Stephen Stills classic, “Love the One You’re With.” Maybe it was the instant familiarity of the track, but this one immediately brought a smile to my face.

The EP ends with “Rivers,” which is much more pop than country (think “The Middle” or “This Feeling”), but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Looking at the crossover power of artists like Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, and Dan + Shay, and it’s abundantly clear that King Calaway is being groomed for multi-genre success. “Rivers” is an instant hit, ear-wormy and delightful, and we guarantee you’ll have it on repeat.

In many ways, King Calaway is the boyband that country music never knew it always needed. With a diverse group of six talented guys, this band is sure to have the girls swooning, snatching up their albums, and coming out in droves to their live shows. Watch out Why Don’t We and BTS, King Calaway is here to claim your crowns.

This past week, King Calaway hit the stage at New York City’s Bowery Electric for an exclusive show with NYCountrySwag. Additionally, they’ll make their Grand Ole Opry Debut on Friday, March 1. For more information on King Calaway, please visit kingcalaway.com and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Spotify.

King Calaway 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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King Calaway Performs at Exclusive NYCountry Swag Showcase

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Wednesday (Jan 23.), New York Country Swag filled the room at Bowery Electric to max capacity with our followers and lucky winners to experience a brand new band out of Nashville Tennesse, King Calaway. The group, which is made up of six men from all over the world came together to record a unique brand of country music.  In our interview prior to the set, Chad Michael Jervis told our Managing Editor, Christina, that they want to bring the authenticity of The Beatles, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, and some of their favorite country artists like Ricky Skaggs and Keith Urban to their sound.

King Calaway

The doors of the downtown venue opened at 6 PM and fans had already piled into the upstairs bar, awaiting their chance to head downstairs and grab their spot for the exclusive showcase. After just a few minutes, Chad, Simon, Austin, Jordan, Caleb, and Chris took the stage ready to wow the packed venue.

King Calaway

Right from the first notes of their opening song “Driver’s Seat” you could instantly hear the magic that was being created up on the stage. Each member of the band playing an instrument and lending their voices to build on a united harmony. King Calaway announced that their EP will be released this Friday (Jan 25.) and that the next song they were about to sing was the debut single called “World For Two”. The track was written by hitmaker songwriters Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, and James Abrahart. The band played all five tracks from their self-titled EP including their fresh version of “Love The One You’re With”. Check out a recap of the special night in the exclusive NYCountry Swag video above.

King Calaway

The performance culminated at the end of their set when they performed “Rivers” an instant fan favorite, with its catchy beat and EDM vibes similar to the recent sensation cross-over hit “The Middle” or Zac Brown Band’s “Tomorrow Never Comes”. After the 45 minute set, each of the band members made their way into the crowd, introducing themselves, hugging the fans, and posing for selfies. It was the perfect way for our followers to understand why we are so excited about King Calaway and we look forward to seeing the absolute superstardom that is sure to follow.

For more information on King Calaway, please visit kingcalaway.com and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Spotify.

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What We’re Listening To: January Picks

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NYCountry Swag’s “What We’re Listening To” playlist highlights 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 January picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

JANUARY PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Every Little Thing” – Russell Dickerson
Songwriters: Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Russell Dickerson

“It’s no surprise that one of my favorite artists is Russell Dickerson, so every time he releases a new song to radio, I always have it playing.  “Every Little Thing” is such a fun, upbeat song from Dickerson’s debut album, Yours, and when he performs the tune live, his energy lifts the entire venue to another level. I’m excited for the world to hear more of this song and can’t wait to see it become his third #1 song.”

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Confetti” – Gone West
Songwriters: Colbie Caillat, Danelle Reeves, Eric Arjes, Jason Reeves, Justin Kawika Young

“Recently I was driving and heard a song on Sirius XM The Highway that sounded a lot like Little Big Town, I looked down to see the name of a new band, Gone West, singing “Confetti”. After I did some digging I realized the main aspect of why I loved what I heard, one of the female voices was very familiar, singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat. Caillat teamed up with her husband Justin and husband and wife Danelle and Jason to create Gone West. Their incredible harmonies draw you in while the catchy lyrics will get stuck in your head.

“Yeah, my heart didn’t break when I broke into that old bottle of fancy champagne / I’ve been saving for the perfect time/ You can’t rain on my parade / Got my freedom, gonna celebrate / When you left, I was so damn ready / No tears fell, just confetti.”

Their debut EP, Tides was released last Friday and each song is better than the last. I am looking forward to hearing more from these musicians and in the meantime, I’ll be over here dancing to “Confetti”.

 

Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer

Pick: “GIRL” – Maren Morris
Songwriters: Greg Kurstin, Maren Morris, Sarah Aarons

“GIRL” by Maren Morris is her brand-new song and I am loving every second of it. Since the moment I heard it, I have had it on repeat all day every day. Recently life has been throwing curveballs at me and this song is the perfect pick me up. Every girl should know that they are stronger than they think, and it is the perfect women empowerment song. I can’t wait to see what other new music Maren has in store for us!

 

Kelly Cunningham, Contributing Writer

Pick: “All On You” – Mitchell Tenpenny
Songwriters: Andrew Albert, Jordan Schmidt, Mitchell Tenpenny, Nick Fradiani

“When I first heard Mitchell Tenpenny’s new album, Telling All My Secrets, this was the first track that stood out to me. The catchy, quick lyrics that make you want to sing along is the most unique melody I’ve heard from Tenpenny so far. His voice can pull off any note and he made an outstanding impression on me with this new album. This track can be a potential single I see in Tenpenny’s future. ”

 

Taylor Felvey, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Honky Tonk Flame” – Tyler Childers
Songwriters: Tyler Childers

If you’d like to experience old-school country with a modern age feel – look no further. The moment I heard this song I downloaded every album Tyler Childers has and put the song on repeat. The opening chords and story remind me of something Johnny Cash would write. The love song tells the story of a man trying to woo his new woman, who is no-nonsense, and how he’ll need to step up before he steps out with her.

“Hold on now buddy won’t you wait up a minute / You’re mistaken if you think I’m the same as them skirts you’ve been chasing all over town / Along with that honky tonk flame / I’m a woman with a love so true / Truth of the matter, I’d give it to you / You just got to slow down and quit acting that way / Burning your barn in this honky tonk flame”

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” – Teddy Robb
Songwriters: Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen

“Since seeing Teddy Robb a few times in Nashville during his Teddy and Friends shows that we covered, the music that he previewed from his upcoming EP was amazing. Now one of the artists we are most excited about in 2019 is our own Swag Spotlight star.

Just after signing to Monument Records, Robb has been working nonstop with some of Nashville’s best songwriters to create his first project. His newest release following “Lead Me On” which has been streamed over 4 million times, “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” was released at the beginning of the year. The new song is relaxed and easy going. Describing the decisions that are made when drinking around an ex, Robb decides that maybe it isn’t always the best idea. The song is currently being featured on Spotify’s ‘New Boots’ playlist and Apple Music’s ‘Breaking Country’ playlist. We are patiently waiting for the anticipated release of Robb’s new project and cannot wait for it to come out!”

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Running Man” – Randy Houser
Songwriters: Jeffrey Steele, Randy Houser

“When I began listening to Randy Houser’s new album, Magnolia, I was immediately taken by how mature his voice sounded and how deeply personal the singer’s lyrics had become. Since releasing the album, Houser has revealed that he wasn’t always proud of his past musical releases, but that he’s very proud of his newest album.

Despite the fact that I truly enjoy every song on the album, it was track 11, “Running Man,” that immediately captured my attention. The song tells the story of a man who discovers what he was made for, but continues running through lives, filling his “pockets full of empty things.” It’s easy to look at this song as autobiographical for Houser, and it’s even more powerful listening to it that way. On this song, Houser challenges himself vocally and lyrically, and this song is truly a must-listen. “Every show’s got an end/ Where’re you gonna go then/ Running man?”.”

 

Olivia Reese, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Wilder Horses” Brandon Lay
Songwriters: Brandon Lay, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman

“Wilder Horses” by Brandon Lay is the epitome of a nostalgic song. The lyrics provide a vivid image of missing someone and days gone by “I think about you a little too much these days/Riding no-name lost back roads we take/Ain’t easy for gettin’ out innocent stays”

 I’ve been listening to this song on repeat since it came out late last year after really enjoying other music Bradon Lay has released. The imagery of the lyrics is what really got me hooked on this song. It’s like a quick story and you can imagine yourself there experiencing the simultaneous feeling of innocent love and longing for past days  “Whoa I wish I was down in Dixie tonight / Where we were / Wilder Horses, stronger whiskey, faster two lanes / Every other mile marker you kiss me”

 

Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Puzzle of Us” – Adam Doleac
Songwriters: Adam Doleac and Anthony Smith

“Recently, Adam Doleac kicked off the year releasing not one but two tracks. Both songs, “Famous” and “Puzzle of Us” are incredible, showing off his pure talent and smooth vocals. It’s hard to pick which of the two is my favorite, but if I had to choose one, it would be “Puzzle of Us.” I fell in love with the story behind the song, showing that inspiration can easily come from anywhere.

“The only piece missin’ is you / Fallin’ into my kiss / Your hand slippin’ through my fingertips / Locked up in my arms where you perfectly fit / I wanna hold you so close / I can feel your heartbeat / And be the air that you breathe / And together you and me can put together all the colors of love / Yeah well that’s the puzzle of us”

Doleac took a moment with a stranger and turned it into a beautiful love song. “Puzzle of Us” has easily become a favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next!”

 

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

Pick: “The Way That She Loves” – Tyler Hilton

Songwriters: David Barnes, Jon Green, Jordan Reynolds

“One Tree Hill is my all time favorite show, so of course I have to listen to all of the music Tyler Hilton puts out. I love his previous albums because of his unique sound and raspy voice, but his newly released album, City on Fire, has to be my absolute favorite. There’s just something about the country twist on this one that is sticking with me, particularly “The Way That She Loves.” This song reminds me of something that would play in an early 2000s teen movie and I wholeheartedly mean that in the best way possible. Between the lyrics, the beat, and his voice, this has to be my favorite on the album and possibly of all of his music, obviously besides the iconic “When The Stars Go Blue” (if you know, you know).”

 

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Michigan for the Winter”
Songwriters: Aaron Eshuis, Neil Mason, Ryan Hurd 

For this month, the song I chose is Ryan Hurd’s “Michigan for the Winter” written by himself, Aaron Eshuis and Neil Mason of The Cadillac Three. With his commanding vocals and captivating lyrics, you can practically feel the loneliness and emptiness Hurd sings about throughout the mid-tempo breakup song.

With lyrics like: “I can’t stay watching you move on all February long/I’m going to Michigan for the winter/Between the dark and the light of the sky and the snow/Most people go south for the weather/Instead of hiding out in the cold,” Hurd takes us on a journey escaping a broken heart and returning to his home state of Michigan.

I am sure all of us in the NY area including myself can relate to the cold weather feeling Hurd sings about in “Michigan for the Winter” regardless if we are going through a breakup or not. It is the perfect song to play on a chilly day while relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine and the fireplace going! I am excited Hurd will be singing this song live Friday, January 25th at his sold-out show at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City!

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Heart’s Having a Hard Time” – Filmore
Songwriters: Hannah Ellis, Jason Massey, Tyler Filmore 

“This month it was really difficult for me to pick a song, especially with all the great records that have dropped recently. After much deliberation, I kept going back to Filmore’s “Heart’s Having a Hard Time.” I discovered the song thanks to NYCS’s 2019 Artists to Watch list. I had heard of Filmore, but never really listened to any of his songs. Right away, I found “Heart’s Having a Hard Time” to be completely relatable and heartbreaking all at the same time.

The feel of the song is right on trend but still feels fresh and new. More importantly, this track makes me excited to hear more from the recording artist, which is always exciting for me. I encourage you to give “Heart’s Having a Hard Time” a listen if you haven’t already.”

 

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Brothers Osborne Perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

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Tuesday night in New York City, Brothers Osborne performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon marking their Tonight Show debut. The duo performed their current single “I Don’t Remember Me (Before You)” that they penned with Shane McAnally and Matt Dragstrem.

Fallon gave them a warm welcome to the stage as they were about to begin. From the beginning of their performance, as they sang “Did I stop and watch the sunset fade? / What gave me life and took my breath away?” they showcased their vulnerable ballad with mesmerizing harmonies. TJ’s raw vocals made you believe every word. It was such an elegant and touching setting that was surely connecting with the audience. This performance was a display of genuine talent and pure success for this romantic track.

Not only did they get to share this debut on the Tonight Show, but they’re celebrating being nominated for multiple awards at the upcoming 61st GRAMMY Awards including Country Album of the Year for Port Saint Joe and Country Duo/Performance for “Shoot Me Straight”.

Brothers Osborne is currently on the road as part of their headlining tour that started in the UK and Canada and kicked off the US run earlier this month. They’ll be touring over 40 spots through the spring including sold-out dates in Nashville, Boston, Philadelphia, and of course their show last night in New York City at Terminal 5. For tour dates and more details head to http://www.brothersosborne.com/events

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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