Blog Archives

Country Artists Among Star Studded Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 1, 2018/in Blog /by Nicole Sellati

As tradition has it, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will once again be making its way through New York City. Airing live on Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd from 9 am – 12 pm on NBC.

This year, be on the lookout for country stars, Martina McBride who recently released her brand new Christmas album, It’s The Holiday Season, Sugarland, Kane Brown who just release his sophomore album, The Experiment, Carly Pearce, and Tegan Marie. All of these country stars will be among the star-studded lineup taking part of the festivities.

Other artists to be featured in the 92nd annual parade are John Legend, Diana Ross, Rita Ora,
Pentatonix, Bazzi, and many more. Make sure you tune in, it’s an event you definitely don’t want
to miss and for all of the information about the parade head to https://www.macys.com/social/parade/.

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Royal South Makes Their TV Debut on ‘Good Day’

November 1, 2018/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

Sarabeth and her bandmates joined New York Country Swag earlier this year to perform a Live Swag Session, now they are officially ‘Royal South’ and making their television debut. Glenn, Sarabeth, and Vickie took the stage to perform and chat with the hosts of Good Day on Fox this morning. Co-anchors Rosanna Scotto and Lori Stokes introduce the band as a “country, harmony, powerhouse trio straight out of Nashville”. Watch the full performance and interview here.

They asked them before their performance where the name Royal South came from and lead singer Sarabeth replied: “We wanted something that was actually talking about where we are all from, it’s hard to name a band, I know it sounds like it might be easy but it took us a year,” she explained. “Vickie and I are both from the south in the U.S, I am from Texas and she’s from Kentucky and then Glenn is from England, so we thought, ‘Royal South’.” She then goes on to explain that each of the members of Royal South had careers prior to coming together as a band. They also discussed how their producer, Paul Worley who has worked with The Dixie Chicks and Lady Antebellum pitched them the single and they loved it.

After the short chat, the trio sang their debut single “Cry Cry”, showing off their pitch-perfect harmonies and incredible skills on the bass and the guitar. The uplifting anthem was the perfect way for viewers to start off their morning. Be sure to also check out our Swag Session from earlier in the year with the trio below.

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The Ladies of Runaway June Make Their Morning TV Debut on TODAY

November 1, 2018/in Blog /by Nicole Sellati

Photo Courtesy of Today.com

Earlier this morning, ACM nominated New Vocal Group of the Year, Runaway June, made their morning-television debut on NBC’s Today Show. They took the stage during the 10 am hour with co-anchors, Kathie Lee and Hoda, performing their latest single, “Buy My Own Drinks,” off their recently released self-titled EP. Watch the full interview and performance here.

Before performing their catchy girl-power anthem, Kathie Lee and Hoda, came to the stage with special guest Martina McBride to introduce and talk to the lovely ladies, Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland, and Jennifer Wayne. When chatting to the group, Kathie Lee mentioned, “They’re the first all-female trio in over a decade to earn two top 40 hits!” With Hoda continuing by saying, “We’re so excited y’all are here with us, you guys are opening for Carrie Underwood when she goes on tour after the baby, along with Maddie and Tae…Are you pinching yourself?” The trio replying, “Yes, every moment, it’s bananas, it’s crazy!” Making the moment even cooler was having McBride standing beside them, a woman who has paved the way in this genre.

After the quick interview, the time came for the powerhouse group of ladies to take the stage, singing an anthem we all needed. The ladies brought energy to their performance, showing off their incredible talent with such confidence. The trio harmonized beautifully, as they sang their lyrics, captivating their audience at home all while leaving them empowered. At the end of the song, Kathie Lee, Hoda, and McBride came back on stage cheering the girls on and saying, “We love them!” New Yorkers, can catch Runaway June on the ‘The Cry Pretty Tour 360’ with Carrie Underwood and Maddie and Tae at the iconic Madison Square Garden on October 2nd, 2019.

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NYCS 2018 Artist to Watch Where Are They Now: Ryan Griffin

November 1, 2018/in Blog /by Molly Holmberg

Here at New York Country Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers, finding and championing new and up-and-coming artists and introducing our followers to the best of the best of the rising acts. Back in January of this year we named the 10 artists below in our “Artists to Watch in 2018” and we are proud to say, we know rising talent before they make it big. Someone to add to your watch list is Ryan Griffin.

Photo Credit to Dove Shore

Griffin has had an interesting start to his career as a singer/songwriter, as an intern at Broken Bow Records. Now that might not be that surprising but what it was at the time BBR had a new singer on their list named Jason Aldean who needed someone to go on the road with him. Griffin being free, soon became Aldean’s tour manager. While being on the road was great he wanted to be a songwriter himself. Since then he has scored songs on many records and his most popular was Kelsea Ballerini’s “Dibs” that hit number one. Since then Griffin been recording his debut album in bits and pieces.

This last year Griffin’s work has finally paid off. He was named one of Nashville Lifestyles Most Beautiful People of 2018 which highlights athletes, attorneys, singers, songwriters, doctors and more around Nashville. On top of that Griffin just signed into a joint publishing and development deal with songwriter/producer busbee and Warner Music Nashville partnering with Altadena, officially launching his own singing career. This partnership wasted no time in jumping right in as the rising artist is now currently in the studio working on new music with the producer, which is slated for release next year. Griffin also released three new songs earlier this year that have been highlighted on Spotify playlists, gaining attention from new fans, and he was selected to be a SiriusXM “On The Horizon” artist.

“Good Company”, “Play It By Heart” and “Best Cold Beer” combine Country, R&B, and Pop making each one suitable to any listener. “Play It By Heart” documents an affectionate side of Griffin, “Good Company” turns it up with slow guitar strums, irresistible vocals and a beat that makes you want to dance, and “Best Cold Beer” is a new take on a waste of money at the bars.

Griffin mentioned at his show at The Listening Room in August that in the past that he has always enjoyed the process of creating music. With this new album, he is trying to be intentional with the music that he puts forth, perfecting his sound and honing in on his songwriting. Indeed, “Best Cold Beer,” “Good Company” and “Play It By Heart” are insights of who he is: fun, soft, emotional, and a touch of hipster. To make sure you stay up to date with Ryan Griffin, you can follow his social and add him on Spotify to be the first to listen to any new music he puts out.

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Runaway June Performs On Halloween at Nash FM 94.7’s Stage 17

November 1, 2018/in Blog, Concert Reviews /by Crystal Fenton

Photo Via NASH FM 94.7 Facebook

It was a happy-and hilarious-Halloween last night (October 31) as Runway June took the Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17 at Nash FM 94.7 dressed in costume as another country trio: Midland. The Nash FM 94.7 team was also in the holiday spirit with Jesse Addy, a Dalmatian, and Katie Neal, Cruella De Ville, introducing the first all-female trio in over a decade to have a top 25 hit (“Lipstick”).

Donning mustaches and hats reminiscent of Midland, Naomi Cooke as Jess, Hannah Mulholland as Cam and Jennifer Wayne as Mark took to the stage in front of an intimate group of fans. After the first song, Naomi and Jennifer shed their faux mustaches which were interfering with being able to sing. Hannah, however, stuck with hers, saying “it feels horrible, but I’m going to commit to the mustache” with a laugh.

Photo Via NASH FM 94.7 Facebook

Next, Naomi told the group “you might know this one” as they went into a cover of Keith Urban’s “Love Somebody Like You”. Following the song, she explained the trio was “In four states in one day” the prior day, using that to introduce their latest hit on country radio “Wild West”. Fun fact: Jennifer is the granddaughter of Hollywood Western legend John Wayne. Fans were treated to an amazing live rendition of the bluegrass-tinged single, which earned them an ACM 2018 nomination for new vocal duo or group of the year.

As the trio launched into their hit freedom anthem “Buy My Own Drinks”, Naomi took notice of the one fan, a woman named Tracey, that had been dancing solo from the start of the show, bringing her up on stage. Tracey later told us she first heard the group/song three weeks ago while visiting her daughter in New Hampshire and it struck a chord with her as her husband passed away six years ago. After that, the ladies launched into their take on Eric Paslay’s “She Don’t Love You” which was co-written by Jennifer. Finally, the trio performed a lively, sing-along worthy version of “Lipstick”, the perfect close to a spirited night. Watch the full live video below.

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Battle of the Bones Charity Event in Nashville Feat. Rascal Flatts & more

November 1, 2018/in Blog /by Kelly Cunningham

Photo Via @Tylerrich on Instagram

On October 30th, The BIG 98 held the 6th annual Battle Of The Bones at The Wildhorse Saloon to kick off Halloween. Tyler Rich, Danielle Bradbery, Eli Young Band, and Rascal Flatts performed in their Halloween costumes to get the party started.

Photo Via @Daniellebradbery on Instagram

Rich & his band started off the show dressed up as characters from the movie Top Gun and performed the hit from the soundtrack “Danger Zone.” He also sang a new song called “Leave Her Wild,” and a few tracks from his EP including “11:11,” Adrenaline,” and his chart-climbing single “The Difference.” Bradbery & her band came out dressed as the from Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’. She came out in a pink-short sleeved dress as the character “Eleven.” The set included her first single “Heart Of Dixie” to her chart-climbing track duet with Thomas Rhett “Goodbye Summer.”

Photo Via @Eliyoungband on Instagram

Eli Young Band mentioned they didn’t know they had to dress up, so they took a pre-show trip to Walmart and ended on stage in costume as doctors. They sang some of their hits “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Crazy Girl,” to get the crowd going and also their new single “Love Ain’t.” The headliner, Rascal Flatts came out dressed up all different costumes. The band was dressed as the aliens from Toy Story, Joe Don Rooney was dressed in an ancient Egyptian costume, Jay DeMarcus dressed simply as a ninja, and Gary Levox in S.W.A.T. costume. They had the crowd singing along to all of their hits from “What Hurts The Most” to “Life Is A Highway.”

The annual Battle of the Bones event was in support of the T.J. Martell Foundation, which is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds cancer research. The foundation was established by Tony Martell’s making a promise to his dying son. T.J. Martell, a high school student battling leukemia. He asked his father to raise a million dollars so that no one else would have to experience what he had gone through. The proceeds of the show will benefit the FTL Sarcoma Fund. If you’d like to learn more or find out how you can help or donate, click here.

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Country Music Artists Do Halloween 2018

November 1, 2018/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

It’s always exciting to see country music’s biggest stars have a little fun away from the stage. Over the past 24 hours, Instagram and social media platforms were flooded with some of the most creative and hilarious Halloween costumes of all time by some of our favorite country music artists. We’re rounding up our top looks from Halloween 2018 in the country music world…

Thomas Rhett with wife, Lauren and daughters Ada James & Willa Gray
(Dressed as the monsters from Monsters, Inc.)

Photo via @thomasrhettakins on Instagram

Jason Aldean with wife, Brittany & son Memphis
(Dressed as Luke Skywalker, Yoda and Chewbacca from Star Wars)

Photo via @jasonaldean on Instagram

Brett Eldredge & dog, Edgar Boogie
(Dressed as Owen Grady played by Chris Pratt and Dinosaur from Jurassic World)

Photo via @bretteldredge on Instagram

Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelly with wife, Cassie & son, Ward
(Dressed as Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story)

Photo via @charleskelley on Instagram

Maddie and Tae
(Dressed as the “Dixie Chicks)

Photo via @maddieandtae on Instagram

Kelsea Ballerini & Morgan Evans
(Dressed as kangaroos in these adorable kangaroo onesies from Tipsy Elves)

Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans Halloween 2018

Photo via @kelseaballerini on Instagram

Lindsay Ell
(Britney Spears)

Photo via @lindsayell on Instagram

Raelynn
(Dressed as Kylie Jenner)

Photo via @raelynnofficial on Instagram

Walker Hayes
(Dressed as the “The Shit”)

Photo via @walkerhayes on Instagram

Luke Bryan with fellow American Idol Judges Lionel Richie & Katy Perry
(Dressed as ‘party animals’)

Photo via @americanidol on Instagram

Dylan Scott with wife, Blair & son Beckett
(Dressed as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy)

Photo via @dylanscottcountry on Instagram

Kane Brown & wife, Katelyn
(Dressed as a Joker and Military woman)

Photo via @kanebrown_music on Instagram

Keith Urban & wife Nicole Kidman
(Dressed as a Ninja and Marie from Disney’s Aristocats)

Photo via @keithurban on Instagram

Chris Young
(Dressed as The Punisher, Frank Castle)

Photo via @chrisyoungmusic on Instagram

Mitchell Tenpenny
(Dressed as Joe Dirt)

Photo via @m10penny on Instagram Story

Danielle Bradbery & bandmates
(Dressed as the cast of Stranger Things)

Photo via @daniellebradbery on Instagram

If you enjoyed our compilation, make sure to check out our favorites from last year too!

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NYCS 2018 Artist to Watch Where Are They Now: Adam Doleac

October 31, 2018/in Blog /by Molly Holmberg

Here at New York Country Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers, finding and championing new and up-and-coming artists and introducing our followers to the best of the best of the rising acts. Back in January of this year we named the 10 artists below in our “Artists to Watch in 2018” and we are proud to say, we know rising talent before they make it big. Check out what each of these artists has done over the past year what is coming up for them in 2019.

(L-R) Christina Bosch, Managing Editor, Adam Doleac, Stephanie Wagner, Founder

We chose Adam Doleac for one of our 2018 artists to watch and in this past year, we have seen him soar in this industry like no other. Since releasing his self-titled debut EP in June of 2017, Doleac has released two songs that have given him a huge boost in his career, “Bigger Than Us” and “Whiskey’s Fine”. With those two songs taking over Sirius XM The Highway by storm the singer-songwriter has gained a fan base that continues to grow and has caught the attention of everyone in Nashville. With over 8 million streams between the two, Doleac has also caught the attention of the streaming world. Several of his songs have gained top spots on Spotify country playlists including New Boots and our own playlist New Country Music. Sirius XM continues to be one of Doleac’s largest supporter as they have played multiple tracks from his EP on The Highway routinely and featured him as an artist on the fall 2017 Highway Finds Tour.

Also in the fall of 2017, we hosted the singer-songwriter for one of our very first Live Swag Sessions where he sang for us and answered questions for our team. Watch both parts of the Swag Session below.

Doleac was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time back in September during Coffee, Country & Cody on 650 AM WSM. What is arguably the most important night of the year, Doleac stepped foot in the circle for the very first time on October 6th, 2018 surrounded his family and friends. He says it is a night he will never forget. Among this incredible honor, the rising artist has been named one of CMT’s Artist Discovery, Texas Roadhouse Artist of the Month, and had his first CMT video premiere with “Bigger Than Us”.

Doleac pairs honest, vulnerable lyrics with a laid-back vibe, inviting vocals and has emotional connections to his songs, making him the perfect artist to add to your watch list if you have not already. Listen to his self-titled EP below and stay updated on upcoming tour dates on his website.

Adam Doleac Track List:
“Bigger Than Us” (Adam Doleac / Lindsay Rimes / Michael Heeney)
“Shady” (Adam Doleac / Brock Berryhill / Taylor Phillips)
“Refill” (Adam Doleac / John Gurney / Matt Roy / Taylor Phillips)
“Everybody Needs Somebody” (Adam Doleac / Jon Nite / Tom Douglas)
“Whiskey’s Fine” (Adam Doleac / Monty Criswell)
“Some Girls” (Adam Doleac / Lindsay Rimes / Monty Criswell / Luke Sheets)

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Pistol Annies Debut Sassy Music Video for “Got My Name Changed Back”

October 31, 2018/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

The fiery trio, Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley, and Ashley Monroe, also known as the ‘Pistol Annies’ are back with a vengeance, after a several year hiatus. Lambert surprised fans and reunited the supergroup on her ‘The Bandwagon Tour’, at Jones Beach over the summer, and again earlier this month, during CMT’s special event that honored the women of country music. Now, the ladies are center stage in their newly released music video for their song “Got My Name Changed Back.” The track, co-written by the women is off their anticipated third studio album, Interstate Gospel, which is currently available for pre-order and slated for release this Friday, November 2nd.

Pistol Annies’ girl-power anthem, “Got My Name Changed Back,” is seemingly inspired by Lambert’s public divorce to country star, Blake Shelton, telling the story of a woman, who traded her now, ex-husband’s last name, in favor of her maiden name. The glammed-up ladies, decked in glitter and feathers, storm the courthouse, as Lambert pleads her case to the judge on the witness stand, with Presley and Monroe supporting her from the counsel table. The Pistol Annies turn the courtroom into a party, Monroe’s DMV experience into a photo shoot, and showcase Presley making a giant cash withdrawal to celebrate no longer being a “Mrs.” Check out the antics in the video below.

The music video is over-the-top, fun, and exuberant, just like the lyrics and the ladies, leaving fans, even more excited for the November 2nd release of Interstate Gospel. The Annies have given us a taste of a few other songs off the record, including “Masterpiece,” “Sugar Daddy,” “Interstate Gospel,” and “Best Years of My Life.” Check back next week for our First Impression Review of the album.

Lambert, Presley, and Monroe will head to New York City’s Town Hall for a special, intimate performance on November 2nd. Visit pistolannies.com for any updates.

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Chris Stapleton Lyrics To Use For Instagram Captions

October 31, 2018/in Blog, Instagram Captions /by Molly Holmberg

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

Although he was first hit songwriter in Nashville, Chris Stapleton has since released three studio albums and they have had major success in the country market. In the few years that have followed his rise to fame, Traveller has sold nearly 2 million copies, making it the first debut country album to reach number one since 2011! If you plan to catch the country crooner on tour this year, here are some of his best lyrics to use as Instagram captions.

1. “I got nobody to blame but me” – Nobody To Blame

2. “There are days that I can walk around like I’m alright, and I pretend to wear a smile on my face, and I could keep the pain from comin’ out of my eyes, but sometimes, sometimes, sometimes I cry” – Sometimes I Cry

3. “You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey, you’re as street as strawberry wine, you’re as warm as a glass of brandy” – Tennessee Whiskey

4. “Running on hope and a tank of gas like dreams ain’t just for dreamers” – When The Stars Come Out

5. “Cause I’m a traveler, oh, I’m a traveler” – Traveller

6.”Baby, I will be your parachute” -Parachute

7. “That’s the difference between whiskey and you” – Whiskey and You

8. “You only need a roof when it’s raining, you only need a fire when it’s cold, you only need a drink when the whiskey is the only thing that you have left to hold” – Parachute

9. “Broken halos that used to shine” -Broken Halos

10. “The more I live without you, just can’t forget about you, nobody else can set me free, baby, please come back to me” – Without Your Love

11. “I’ve got love enough to spare, that makes me a millionaire” – Millionaire

12. “Love is more precious than gold” – Millionaire

13. “I stay stoned on your love all the time” – Tennessee Whiskey

14. “Take your best shot, show me what you got, honey, I’m not afraid, rear back and take aim and fire away” – Fire Away

15. “Always lost and nowhere bound” – Traveller ”

16. But I love my life, man it’s something to see. It’s the kids and the dogs and you and me” – A Simple Song

17.”What’s love but just some confusion we don’t need” – Nobody’s Lonely Tonight

18. “Never thought it would happen to me, but this hard livin’ ain’t easy as it used to be” – Hard Living

19. “Tell my mama I did my best” – Death Row

20. “I got friends who know how to have a good time” – Outlaw State of Mine

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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