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Who is Tanner Usrey? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Who is Tanner Usrey? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Quick Facts:

Full Name – Tanner Usrey
Birthdate – March 11th
Hometown – Prosper, Texas
Current City – Texas
Musical Influences – Whiskey Myers, Faces, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Wade Bowen
Label – Atlantic Records
Current Project – Crossing Lines (as of date of article: 12/11/23)

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight shines on country artist and entertainer, Tanner Usrey. The Texas native has had music in his bones since day one and it is evident across both his journey and his music catalog.

“I grew up in a small town in Prosper, Texas. From early on, I was always singing,” began Usrey. “They used to tell me to shut up all the time,” he laughed. “I was the kid in class that was always singing and I kept doing that until my senior year of high school. Then I saw a Wade Bowen concert.”

Usrey recalls being enamored by artists and the country music genre throughout his upbringing. “Me and my buddy would just roll around, playing and listening to music like Whiskey Meyers, Wade Bowen, and old-school Alan Jackson, stuff like that.” He also credits his brothers for introducing him to Texas country. Nowadays, Usrey still appreciates the music of his youth, but tends to lean more towards the old school stuff in the genre like Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Clearly inspired by music and the Bowen concert he attended, Usrey began taking music more seriously, playing gigs wherever he could. “Two months after I started playing guitar, I started playing more actual shows, acoustic shows, after I graduated.”

The Turning Point:

Usrey became a staple on the Texas country music circuit. He played gigs around Texas and nearby states for years, while simultaneously holding down odd jobs. “I did that for five, six years, maybe longer,” he shared. After growing his fanbase and honing his craft, Usrey finally took the leap of faith and focused only on music.

“In 2019, I quit my job and went full time playing music and touring,” he shared. Adding, “COVID hit right after I quit my job, so I was like I guess this is do or die. […] We would just play wherever we could for however much we could.”

This led to Usrey finding new pockets of places to play his music at. “That’s how we got started playing in Oklahoma and the midwest, and then Nashville was next up. […] That’s how we broke out of Texas, I think because we had to.”

Despite the fact that Usrey still resides in Texas, his music has transcended the Texas country scene as he continues to play show after show, while creating music that country music fans love. “We played 180 dates last year and 180 dates this year.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, while maintaining a rigorous tour schedule, Usrey was able to create a 15-song debut album called Crossing Lines. “Finding time to do the studio in between that was pretty difficult, so we would get off the road, and we would go straight to the studio and just do one song at a time. Usually, I would have a song idea, and I would have it halfway written, and I would take it to my producer and we’d finish it. Then the band would come in and we would just figure it out, which I kind of liked. It was kind of letting the song be what the song was meant to be.”

The record features confessional-style lyrics and music that expresses vulnerability and reliability. With a soulful voice and confessional lyrical style, the country newcomer shows off his undeniable talent, charm, and charisma throughout each and every song off the project. “The writing is just stories that I have written, my own personal stories about being on the road,” shared Usrey. Adding, “Lyrics started coming to me and I’ve lived a lot of life in 29 years, so I just wanted to write about what was real to me, my experiences, and hope that people would resonate with it.”

While each of the songs are an important component of the project, the collaboration with Ella Langley, “Beautiful Lies,” is a true standout. “The “Beautiful Lies” thing wasn’t really my idea, I didn’t even necessarily want it to be on the record, but I think my booking agent had an idea to get Ella on there, and I was like “you know what that’s kind of a a good idea.” We decided to make a full production of it,” he shared. “I think it turned out really well. Ella’s amazing at what she does. She’s the full package.”

Crossing Lines is just the beginning for Usrey as he paves his way throughout the more mainstream country music scene. Next year will bring a lot more shows and possibly a new project for the rising artist. Stay tuned!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Tanner Usrey releases.

To keep up with Tanner Usrey, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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

What Does ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ Mean? — St. Jude Campaign

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Curious as to why so many of your favorite artists and celebrities are rocking a ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ t-shirt? Learn all about the special tee and how you can get one to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital here…

As a country music fan, year after year, it’s almost certain that you’ve found your favorite country music artists supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Whether through benefit concerts, posts on social media, or rocking the ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ tee, it’s pretty clear that St. Jude holds a very special place in the country music community. 

While the answer may seem obvious by brief definition alone, — St. Jude leads the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. To learn even more, Country Swag took a visit to St. Jude during the annual ‘Country Cares Seminar’ this fall.

Launched more than 30 years ago, Randy Owen from the band Alabama stood up during Nashville’s Annual Country Radio Seminar and asked his friends, colleagues, and radio partners to join together to help St. Jude and the children they serve, and so, the ‘Country Cares Seminar’ was born. The program unites more than 200 radio stations, influencers, and dozens of country music artists annually to raise awareness and support for St. Jude.

During the seminar, all guests are invited to tour St. Jude, located in Memphis, Tennessee, and see firsthand the inspirational work that the teams at St. Jude are doing. Upon the first introduction, guests learn about the organization and what exactly makes it so impactful and so special. Perhaps the most remarkable part is that thanks to very generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Families receive the best care in the world, at no cost, making the worst and darkest days of their lives a little bit brighter – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

In addition, St Jude’s research facility and labs are open 24/7 and freely share their findings, protocols, and breakthroughs, so that every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands of more children.

Thanks to generous donations, the brilliant teams at St. Jude have access to equipment that costs millions and millions of dollars, which just not all doctors and scientists everywhere have access to. This not only gives them the freedom to focus on what matters most — saving kids regardless of their financial situation, but they are able to share their discoveries and patients everywhere are getting treatments that were started at St. Jude. Consequently, when you’re donating to St. Jude, you’re not just donating to one hospital in one city, you’re funding the source and if speaking to cancer patients around the world, a common thread may be that many have been treated by protocols that have been sourced by St. Jude. St. Jude is actively working towards a world where no family ever has to hear the words “you have cancer”.

Seeing the work, hearing stories from doctors and patients alike, and understanding the experiences at St. Jude make it easy to recognize the importance of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and instantly inspires guests to get involved and help raise awareness. Next time you see your favorite artists talking about and supporting St. Jude it’s likely because they were able to have these experiences too and see firsthand the amazing work done at St. Jude.

Words like “inspiring”, “joy”, “positivity” and “healing” are just some of the many terms that came to mind for country artists like Breland, Kameron Marlowe, and Randy Owen, during their visit to St. Jude, as seen in the video above.

There are great research institutions, great hospitals, and great charities. St. Jude is all three. You can join the cause and help support St. Jude and the incredible initiative set forth by many country artists and celebrities alike with the ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ t-shirt. For a monthly donation of just $19, you get the exclusive tee and all funds directly support the incredible St. Jude organization.

It costs over a million dollars daily to operate St. Jude each and every day. Donations allow St. Jude to continue to help children everywhere.

Join us and many of your favorite country artists like Lainey Wilson, Jon Parsi, Jordan Davis, and Lady A, and help save lives.

To donate and get your own “This Shirt Saves Lives” t-shirt head to: musicgives.org.

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming country music announcements and releases.

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Jelly Roll & Lainey Wilson’s “Save Me” Earns No. 1 at Country Radio

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Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson earn the number one song at country radio this week with their single, “Save Me”. Learn all the details here.

Rapper turned country artist, Jelly Roll continues to take the genre by storm, while Lainey Wilson has cemented her own staying power in country music in her own right. Together, Jelly Roll and Wilson combine their talents to create absolute magic. Their reimagined version of Jelly’s song “Save Me” officially hit the top of the country charts this week.

A clear fan-favorite, “Save Me” is an introspective song that begs the listener to listen with their whole heart. The reimagined version of Jelly Roll’s track adds Wilson for a duet we never knew we needed! Just a few months after the singer’s debuted the song at the ACM awards, the song quickly found its way to the number one spot at country radio.

“They say my lifestyle is bad for my health // It’s the only thing that seems to help // All of this drinkin’ and smokin’ is hopeless // But feel like it’s all that I need // Somethin’ inside of me’s broken // I hold on to anything that sets me free // I’m a lost cause // Baby, don’t waste your time on me // I’m so damaged beyond repair // Life has shattered my hopes and my dreams”

Congrats to Jelly Roll and his team on his third number one at country radio! Congrats to Lainey Wilson too! Both artists are clearly superstars in their own right.

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson announcements and releases.

To keep up with Jelly Roll, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Save Me” ft. Lainey Wilson is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes 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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Who is Wyatt Flores? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Who is Wyatt Flores? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Wyatt Flores // Photo credit: Matt Paskert

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Wyatt Ryan Flores
Birthdate – 6/29/2001
Hometown – Stillwater, Oklahoma
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isabel, Turnpike Troubadours, The Great Divide
Label – Island Records
Current Single – “Life Lessons” // as of date of article: 12/4/2023

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight is shining on an artist that we think is about to have a huge 2024. Wyatt Flores is one to lookout for. The Oklahoma-native quietly and steadily continues to impress both fans and industry alike with each and every song.

“I was always surrounded by music. My dad was a drummer and my uncle was a guitar player and they were in plenty of bands together,” began the singer-songwriter. “My entire family is just submerged in music constantly. There was always music playing inside the house.” Flores recalls being exposed to many different genres of music that influence his musical preferences today.

“That’s why my taste is so different. My dad loved blues and classic rock, and my mom loved 90s country and Alan Jackson and George Strait. My sister was all over the place with rap and pop, and red dirt.” The singer also took a like to Sturgill Simpson. “I love his voice and I love his entire idea of what music is. It’s not about genre, it’s about creating good music.”

At a young age, Flores recalls sitting around the campfire making music with his family and friends. “My goal was just to be a guitar player. I wasn’t good at singing until 18, 19,” he shared, when asked about his hopes and dreams. “I started singing, and I was like ‘screw it, I’ll play for anyone who will listen.’”

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating high school, Flores headed to college, but found himself still fixated on music. “One thing led to another, and then the next thing I know, I’m playing in bars Then I quit school, because I was way too focused on music at that point, and I just went for it.”

In June of 2022, the entertainer headed to Music City to hone in on his craft. “When I moved to Nashville, I didn’t have too many strings in Nashville because I didn’t go out to network like many people do in Nashville. I moved there to get away from my hometown and remove any distractions,” he shared. Adding, “I just sat in my apartment with my now manager and my guitar player. We shared one room on air mattresses, and every single night, we’d either be making content or writing more songs or we’d be learning new music, just to study. That’s all I did. It was honestly a school for music.”

Throughout that first year in town, Flores focused on building his music catalog, writing more than he ever had in his life. “I was just trying to hone in on my craft and get better at songwriting,” he shared. “I had only written maybe 15 songs at most before I moved there.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Flores is emerging as an artist to lookout for. Most recently, the singer-songwriter shared his brand new project called Life Lessons, featuring seven unique songs. Flores’ creation is a collection of great music that do not necessarily fit into one genre or another, exactly what the singer intended.

“That’s kind of why this project, and everything I’ve done, the songs aren’t similar to one another. We’re in a different age where music is consumed so fast, that I don’t want to cut myself off to one sound. I don’t want to be labeled as one thing, so anything I love, I want to go after, and all the different styles of music.”

For Flores, it was important that his music related and spoke to other people in a way that fostered connection. “It’s the coolest thing ever when you can relate to someone else, and that’s the best part of all of this. I’ve been told that I’m super easy to relate to. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I want people to know that they’re not alone in this world, and that someone else is going through what they are going through.”

While all the songs speak to the singer’s life experience, many of the songs are still universal. On “Life Lessons,” Flores speaks to all the feelings that life’s windy road brings. “Everyone is on a life adventure, and I am just hoping that these songs help them go out and do something and try to go towards the pursuit of happiness. That’s why “Life Lessons,” the song itself is so innocent and in a space of happy, go-lucky, like here we go it’s freedom. Let’s go chase something down. Let’s go live life. Then you go on and chase the dream, there’s a lot of upset that comes with it.”

Flores’ project is just a taste of what’s to come for the singer in 2024. Be on the lookout for more new music and even bigger shows!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Wyatt Flores’ releases.

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Wyatt Flores’ music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes 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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Matt Schuster Surprises Fans with New Song “Left Me In The Dusk”

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Matt Schuster releases new song “Left Me In The Dusk,”out now, December 1st, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Earlier this year, we introduced you to a new artist that we believe has the potential to become a fan-favorite, Matt Schuster. The Warner Music Nashville singer-songwriter released an incredible song called, “Last Fall” back in October. Today, Schuster is adding to his growing catalog with another new heartfelt, yet heartbreaking song entitled, “Left Me In The Dusk.”

The new single is a melancholy heartbreak song that showcases Schuster’s talent for delivering a story via song. Written by prolific songwriters, Lori McKenna and Jordan Reynolds, “Left Me In The Dusk” showcases all the feelings associated with being blindsided by the end of a relationship. Throughout the song, Schuster grapples with the memories of a relationship that is no longer.

“When you left me standing like a food // Sundown in the driveway // I asked you where you’re heading // You said “one way on a highway” / You left me for that western sky sunrise // Yeah, the tailgates on your truck // That old sun ain’t showing back up // Since you left me in the dusk”

With each new release, Schuster is showing off exactly why he is an artist to look out for. He is primed for an incredible 2014. Make sure you stream the new song!

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Matt Schuster shares new song, “Left Me in The Dusk,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Matt Schuster releases.

To keep up with Matt Schuster, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter.

“Left Me In The Dusk” 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.

Here Is Willie Lock’s Debut Album ‘West Side Stories’

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Willie Lock’s brand new debut album, West Side Stories is out now, November 30th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new record below.

We love supporting our local New York artists like Willie Lock. The singer-songwriter is as talented as they come. Today, Lock releases his debut album, West Side Stories, which showcases his talent across ten new song for fans to fallen love with.

The new record features songs like “When Were 17” and “My Brother.” Both songs speak to Lock’s prowess as a story-teller. The former evokes nostalgia and memories, while “My Brother” is a poignant, yet personal song about losing someone you love too soon. Additionally one of our new favorites on the record, “Drinking About” shows off Lock’s more fun and cheeky side. The song is primed for a live show.

Lock knows a thing or two about evoking emotion in his listeners. He has the talent and charisma that we love to champion in a rising act. Learn more about the project and listen to the brand new music below.

West Side Stories Tracklist:

  1. West Side
  2. Drinking About
  3. When We Were 17
  4. College Town
  5. My Brother
  6. Bad Things
  7. Other Side
  8. Chinatown Bus
  9. I’m On Fire
  10. My Brother (Acoustic)
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WIllie Lock shares his debut album, ‘West Side Stories,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Willie Lock releases.

To keep up with Willie Lock, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

West Side Stories 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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Dylan Scott’s “Can’t Have Mine” Is Number One at Country Radio

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Dylan Scott hits the number one spot on the country radio charts this week with his song, “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).” Learn more here!

Dylan Scott adds to his catalog of number one hits, earning his third number one single of his career with his song, “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).” The song quickly amassed over 70 million streams on Spotify alone, only second to Scott’s first number one, “My Girl.”

“Can’t Have Mine” is a perfect song for Scott and his talent. The track speaks to love in a beautiful and romantic way. While, the singer-songwriter encourages listeners to find a love like the one he describes, he reminds listeners that they cannot have his one-of-a-kind love with his own wife.

“Find you a girl that leaves you speechless // Gets wild on the town but still loves Jesus // One that’s worth the wait even when she ain’t on time // Find you a girl that loves her daddy //And talkin’ ’bout babies makes her happy // Yeah, take it from me, that’s the kind you need to find // You just can’t have mine”

A huge congrats goes out to Scott and his team on an incredible feat! It is looking like this year might be the entertainer’s biggest one yet.

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Dylan Scott announcements and releases.

To keep up with Dylan Scott, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes 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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Who is Lauren Watkins? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Who is Lauren Watkins? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Lauren Watkins // Photo credit: Brayln Kelly

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Lauren Watkins
Birthdate – 08/25/1999
Hometown – Nashville, Tennessee
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert
Label – Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters
Current Single – “The Table” as of date of article: 11/27/23

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight artist is a Nashville local that we truly believe is about to have the biggest 2024. Lauren Watkins, Songs & Daughters and Big Loud Records recording artist shared with us all about her upbringing, her journey to music, and everything in between.

“I grew up in Nashville, which I know is pretty rare. Nobody believes me anymore when I tell them that,” began the songstress, “I grew up with three sisters and my older sister, who is two years older than me, she’s super into music too. She’s a songwriter in Nashville, and I guess just growing up around country, we were around it all the time. My parents are not musical, but they are music lovers. So the two of us got into singing and playing guitar really young.”

At an early age, Watkins recalls always being captivated by the country music genre. “Honestly, country has always been at the top for me. It’s always been my favorite,” she shared. Adding, ” I was born in ’99, so I grew up in the Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band era. That was sort of my middle school.” Watkins also credits artists like Miranda Lambert and Eric Church as some of her biggest music icons.

Additionally, the singer learned to appreciate older country artists, like Alan Jackson and George Jones, from her dad. While her mom brought a different flavor of music to her catalog. She loved entertainers like Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson,” shared Watkins. “I actually have so much of that piano pop influence in my songwriting and even Colbie Caillat, like the early 2000s girls that were killing it.”

With that love of music intact prior to college, Watkins and her sister, Caroline, would play the Nashville music scene as often as they could. “I try not to take it for granted, so we’d play little bars, all the Pucketts locations in Nashville, and then when we got old enough, we’d play the Broadway bars.”

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating from high school, Watkins headed to Ole Miss for college and decided to put music on the back-burner. “When it was time for me to go to college, I don’t know if it was out of fear or what, I was like ‘I don’t think I’m going to do music for a career.’” However, while in school, Watkins never stopped loving music.

“About two years in, I was having the time of my life in school, I realized that I had to go home to Nashville, when it was over. It was in my soul. I couldn’t get rid of this pull that kept saying ‘You gotta do music.'” Still, Watkins decided to finish out her degree, but began posting some clips of her singing and playing guitar on her Instagram. “I would just sit all night in my room and play my guitar, and I would take little videos, and post them on Instagram.”

Serendipitously, Rodney Clawson, famed songwriter saw one of her Instagram posts. At the exact time, Clawson’s wife, Nicolle Galyon just started her venture as the label-head at her record label imprint, Songs & Daughters. “He showed it to Nicolle, who had just started Songs & Daughters, and she reached out to me,” shared Watkins. Adding, “I went home for a weekend, and I met with her, we had breakfast, and she basically introduced me to the team at Big Loud and introduced me to a ton of songwriters, and set me up with a bunch of writes.”

For six months, Galyon and Watkins stayed in touch before Watkins landed her publishing deal and later,  her record deal. “I had a lot of developing to do as a songwriter and an artist, and eventually it led to a publishing deal. Then for another year, they just kind of let me work. I just hustled and wrote a bunch, and played shows when I could. I was just sorta booking my own shows, and just tried to play to whoever would listen. And then that turned into a record deal.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Watkins is quickly becoming one of the most buzzed about newcomers on the block. With only two EPs to her name, she already boasts opening spots on Conner Smith’s headlining tour, as well as, Morgan Wallen’s record-breaking stadium tour this spring. We also anticipate more new music coming down the pipeline soon.

For Watkins’ current EPs, while they are different, they each tell a story that connects. Her debut EP, Introducing: Lauren Watkins came first and was followed by her latest EP, Introducing: The Heartbreak. “Accidentally, all the writing turned into ‘Introducing: Lauren Watkins’. […] Those seven songs that we put out felt like the perfect fit for ‘Introducing: Lauren Watkins,’ because it’s about where I went to school, things I have gone through, and the way I think about things. It was just the perfect little touch of what’s to come next.”

After writing some more, her second EP fell out. “I kept writing, and that’s where ‘Introducing: The Heartbreak’ came in, and without saying too much, I kind of feel like this one is going to be the middle ground for what’s to come next, because I wanted to introduce me and introduce what I’ve gone through, and I feel like that’s the perfect set-up for whatever else comes next.”

Watkins’ catalog of music continues to impress both fans and the industry, and it is only a matter of time before everyone knows her name!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about Lauren Watkins releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here.

To keep up with Lauren Watkins, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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

Tanner Usrey: ‘Crossing Lines’ – Album Review

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Tanner Usrey releases his brand new album, Crossing Lines, out now, November 17th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

With a soulful voice and confessional lyrical style, country newcomer Tanner Usrey is sure to make a splash with his debut album, Crossing Lines. Out now, the singer-songwriter’s Atlantic Records debut combines country, southern rock, Americana, and hints of soul with an uncanny vulnerability to reveal an artist on the ride.

For the Texas native, songwriting is his key to success. “I let the songs be what they’re going to be, and I pride myself on that,” he reveals in a statement. “Musically, it ranges from southern rock to country to Americana. When it comes to songwriting, I want to focus on what’s real – I don’t shy away from saying the hard things.”   

The album truly takes listeners on a journey, dealing with Usrey’s demons, self-acceptance, Texas upbringing, and love stories. “I hope you hear what you want to hear, enjoy it, resonate with it, and know it’s real,” he shares. “It’s been a wild ride. I’ve busted my ass. I started off doing all of this on my own, so it’s crazy to see how this and the team around me have grown. People are going after real music right now, and that’s great. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next.”

The album opens with the swampy and stompy “Echo in the Holler,” full of banjos, bugs, howls and harmonicas. It’s reminiscent of Marc Broussard’s “Home,” and immediately sets the stage for the LP. It’s a one two-punch between “Echo” and the album’s second track, “Guns Drugs and Allergy Pills,” which finds him longing to “make it back to Texas before I go insane.” It’s a rousing uptempo with driving guitars and twinkling pianos that make it a full on rockabilly country jam that is sure to electrify live audiences.

Crossing Lines also includes two versions of Usrey’s breakout track, “Beautiful Lies,” with a new version reimagined as a duet with Ella Langley. On the stunning ballad, the pair trade verses about a relationship that has reached its end, but they’re still holding on. “So talk to me, tell me what I need to hear // Wrap me up with your beautiful lies // And I know you’re leavin’, yeah, you’re standing at that door // And I can see the heartbreak in your eyes // So keep on telling me those beautiful lies.”

The sparse “Make You Weep” and the bittersweet “Last Goodbye” with Gracie York are both powerful and heart wrenching moments, with the latter finding the pair knowing they shouldn’t be together, determined to end things, no matter how much it hurts. On the barebones ballad, they trade verses about spending one last night together before saying goodbye, singing “Let’s make the best of our last goodbye.”

“Take Me Home Tonight” is a single-ready midtempo, finding him “way too damn drunk to drive,” as he muses over how his relationship started and where it is currently. “Got a baby on the way and a dog in the yard // We started out small but we sure came far //Yeah I just wanna be where you are.”

Usrey deals with his own demons on tracks like “Down Here at the Bottom,” “Pick Up Your Phone,” “Who I Am,” and “Crossing Lines.” Each of the tracks address his struggles with alcohol, as he muses, “Down here at the bottom ain’t as bad as it seems” and confesses “I woke up on the floor again, sweating poison from my veins, I don’t know what I’ve become, but I know that it’s something that I hate.” On the title track, he finds himself an imposter in his own life, the cheerful music a stark contrast to the lyrics. “I’m getting tired of making excuses // While my mother keeps on praying to Jesus // That I make a change from my wicked ways // But I keep on doing all the same damn things.”

One thing Usrey does incredibly well is tint his music with various genres. For example, the biting “Black Widow” offers another stomping hint of rock and soul, as Usrey proclaims “I ain’t in your web no more, baby I ain’t your fool.” Meanwhile, “Destiny” hints at a Gospel revival, featuring female background vocals for a show stopping moment. “Give It Some Time” has notes of anthemic 90’s alternative, sounding akin to some of the best acts from that period as it builds to an emotionally charged guitar solo that’s as scorching as his delivery.

With an incredibly powerful voice that can be best likened to powerhouses like Chris Stapleton, Nate Smith or Larry Fleet, Tanner Usrey was bound to be a star. Pair that voice with incredible songwriting, unique stylistic choices and unparalleled musicianship, and Crossing Lines is an absolutely stellar debut album. 

Crossing Lines Tracklist:

  1. Echo In The Holler
  2. Guns Drugs & Allergy Pills
  3. Take Me Home
  4. Pick Up Your Phone
  5. Crossing Lines
  6. Who I Am
  7. Give It Some Time
  8. Beautiful Lies (feat. Ella Langley)
  9. Last Goodbye
  10. Black Widow
  11. Make You Weep
  12. Destiny
  13. Evelyn’s Eyes (feat. Jessi England)
  14. Down Here At The Bottom
  15. Beautiful Lies

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Beautiful Lies
  2. Take Me Home
  3. Give It Some Time
  4. Who I Am
  5. Last Goodbye
tanner-usrey-new-album

Tanner Usrey’s debut album, ‘Crossing Lines,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Tanner Usrey releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here.

To keep up with Tanner Usrey, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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

who-is-dasha

Who is Dasha? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Who is Dasha? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Dasha
Birthdate – 2/27/2000
Hometown – San Luis Obispo, CA
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Kacey Musgraves, SZA, Medium Build, Noah Kahan, Tyler Childers
Label – Version iii
Current Single – “Austin” (as of date of article: 11/20/23)

who-is-dasha

Dasha // Photo credit: Adam Budd

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight shines on a promising entertainer has been an artist and a performer her whole life. California native, Dasha has always had a knack for songwriting and a love for music. While, she started her career creating pop music, the songstress decided to head back to her roots to create country music. We chatted with her all about the switch and her story.

“I grew up in San Luis Obispo, California. It’s a small town on the coast, and I was super influenced by my community, because they are so big on live music and songwriting. There were always writer’s rounds happening, and a very big songwriting presence in my small town,” began Dasha. While her town was not known for anything musical, the songwriting community was something that spoke to the songstress at an early age.

“I first got into the whole world of entertainment when I got into musical theater around age five. I became obsessed with performing and storytelling on stage, basically just putting on a show,” she shared. Adding, “By age eight, I picked up piano and guitar. I had always been really into poetry as a kid, too. I was a really dramatic child, so the idea of writing all of these poems about the boys I liked in class, I loved it, and it was really exciting for me. I was already songwriting without knowing what songwriting was.”

At just ten years old, Dasha found herself performing at coffee shoppes with a local songwriter, who took her under her wing. “I just kept writing and writing. I released my first song at thirteen. It was my birthday present to get a song professionally recorded.” Dasha recalls finding inspiration in powerful female artists like Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, and Avril Lavigne. She knew she wanted to be an artist.

Through high school, the singer-songwriter worked with her brother, who was into the production side of music. She spent time at her family’s studio writing as much music as she possibly could. Eventually, she headed off to Belmont University in Nashville to progress her knowledge and artistry.

The Turning Point:

With eyes only for Belmont, Dasha was on her way to chase her dream. “I got in early acceptance, and got into the songwriting program. I went out there fall of 2018 and absolutely loved it. I learned so much in my two years there. I already had a good grasp on what makes a good song, but it’s really interesting learning the names for the tools or the names for the techniques that these huge songwriters use. […] I got my songs torn apart in the best way.”

While in college, Dasha primarily wrote and recorded pop music. Eventually, during the pandemic, the singer trusted her gut, and decided to quit school in favor of moving to Los Angeles to further her budding pop career. “COVID hit in 2020, and we all got sent home. Around that time is when I decided I was going to dropout, and move to L.A. because during 2020, I had started posting my songs to TikTok and I had a few viral videos, which was awesome. It got me my management. It just felt right at the time,” she shared. She even dropped her debut album, Dirty Blonde, which consists of seventeen songs.

However, despite still loving music, she was no longer feeling drawn to pop music. “I had this epiphany and was like ‘I have to go back to my roots and start making country music again’, so in the last nine months to a year, I’ve really dove into that […] I have never had such an amazing time making music before. Music has never come so effortlessly to me before as it has with this music. It’s the beginning of this new country era.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Dasha has spent the last nine plus months falling back in love with country music, the music she would write and create as a little girl. After two years in L.A., the songstress made the move back to Nashville yet again. “I really try to incorporate the love of rhyming and poetry and storytelling into my songs because that’s what I love about it,” she shared.

Earlier this year, Dasha shared her first country single, “Even Cowboys Cry,” which showcases her incredible talent and knack for honest storytelling. She recently followed up that single with an anthemic and haunting song called, “Austin.”

“‘Austin’ is one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever written. The story behind writing the song is really cool,” she began. “We were all writing this song called “Play Dumb.” It was like this cheating song about knowing someone’s cheating on you, but playing dumb, so you can hold on a little bit longer, and I didn’t relate to the song, so I was having trouble writing it.”

Dasha went on to add, “We were trying to get the chorus, and I was like we need to country-fy this, and Adam started playing the chords for “Austin” exactly how you hear them, and I was like that’s good, even though it wasn’t in the same key or the same chords. I started freestyling over it, and I started the chorus for “Austin”… exactly how you hear it.”

Dasha and her fellow collaborators went on to ditch the song that they were originally working on in favor of creating “Austin.” The song was done in a matter of an hour. “We started creating this whole story about this guy who kind of screws you over and you leave him at this bar, and I love how angry it is. […] It crawls under your skin, because it’s not that you’re mad – mad, it’s like you’re hurt – mad, and I feel like that emotion really comes through in that song. We wrote it in an hour, which is crazy fast for a song.”

“Even Cowboys Cry” and “Austin” are the first of four singles for Dasha, as she expands into the country must genre. With a promise of a full-length album in the works for early 2024, fans can expect a lot more of the singer coming soon. Keep her on your radar!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Dasha releases.

To keep up with Dasha, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

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