What We’re Listening To: March 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 March picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

MARCH PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere” – Chad Brownlee
Songwriters: Cary Barlowe, Donovan Woods, Todd Clark

This month I’m listening to Chad Brownlee’s “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere”. The song paints the picture of making that first move whether in a dive bar, on a train, in a crowded room, etc… the idea that for any relationship to begin, it’s got to start somewhere, anywhere first. 

“I know what you must think /Another guy tryin’ to buy your drink / Two for one on a Tuesday /
How can a good thing start this way / Well it could end up anywhere / Forever’s gotta start somewhere”

I love the idea behind these lyrics and paired with the catchy rhythm of the song, it makes it easy to sing along to and keep on repeat.”

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Ten Year Town” – Hailey Whitters
Songwriters: Brandy Clark and Hailey Whitters 

“I’m twelve years into a ten-year town”  That is the opening line of this incredible song. From the moment I heard it the day it was released, I knew it would be my pick this month.  Hailey Whitters moved to Nashville when she was just 17 years old and has been paying her dues since the day she got there. In a time when pop production has taken over the country genre, this track is simple and Whitters’ voice is delicate, almost melancholy as she explains the struggles she’s dealt with.

“Waiting tables another month, waitin’ on that break to come / all it’s ever done is break my heart”

Whether it’s a songwriter like Whitters who is waiting for that big break, just like a ton of artists in Nashville or co-writer, Brandy Clark who has been nominated for six Grammys but can’t get airplay on country radio, we are all looking to find our little place in this industry.  For me, this track can resonate with anyone waiting for validation in any career, music industry or not.

“Payin’ dues don’t pay the bills / Dreams come true, and I think mine will / lesser fools would have given up, they don’t go for broke like a dreamer does, ya gotta get back up when you get knocked down, I’m twelve years into a ten-year town, this next song could turn it all around”

I hope that I can be a small part of allowing others to hear this song and to take notice of amazing artists and songwriters striving for the spotlight.

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Chapters” – Brett Young feat. Gavin DeGraw
Songwriters: Brett Young, Ross Copperman, and Gavin DeGraw

Like Young, I am also a huge Gavin DeGraw fan. He has always been one of my favorite artists so I was very excited to see him on Ticket to LA’s track listing.

“Chapters” is a true story about Brett Young’s life and his love for baseball growing up. Young received offers from Tampa Bay and Minnesota after high school but turned them down to play in college. However, an elbow injury ended his career which made him get into songwriting. Clearly, it worked out well for him, but his ability to turn the page and start a new chapter is what got him through that tough time in his life. Young and DeGraw explain throughout this very powerful and moving song that just because things didn’t work out the way you intended, doesn’t mean you failed; God had a plan the whole time.

“Every page you’ve turned is a lesson learned / And we all, and we all, just tryna get it right /
These are the chapters of my life.”

Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Brand New Man” – Brooks & Dunn feat. Luke Combs
Songwriters: Don Cook, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn

“Brand New Man” by Brooks & Dunn is one of my favorite country songs. I grew up listening to it with my family during BBQs in the summertime. When I heard that Luke Combs was going to be a part of a reboot for the song I couldn’t contain my excitement. I heard Combs cover this song the first time I saw him live and let me tell you, he does an awesome job and the crowd sings every word with him. Having one of your favorite artists cover a song you love is one of my favorite moments at a show. He’s such a great addition to this song and I’ve had it on repeat since it was released.

 

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “Keep Abilene Beautiful” – Carlton Anderson
Songwriters: Carlton Anderson, Tom Douglas, Tony Lane

“You don’t have to be from Abilene or Texas to love this song. It’s lyrical, vocal and (traditional-leaving) instrumental perfection, evoke a very palpable sense of longing for the familial and familiar warmth we’re sometimes too far away from. And, needless to say, Carlton’s performance of this personified song coupled with his personal connection to the said city in Texas really bolsters the impact “Keep Abilene Beautiful” has on our heartstrings. Personally, I’m rooting for this to be his next single at country radio. With the standing ovation, he got at his Opry debut and the reaction this song is seeing, it could very well be a career-defining one for him— if given the chance to be heard on the radio.”

 

Taylor Felvey, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Sad Song” – Mike Ryan
Songwriters: Mike Ryan, Brent Anderson, and Clint Lagerberg

“San Antonio native, Mike Ryan gives a soulful take on a love song on his Album Blink You’ll Miss It.  The ballad tells the story of a love affair caught in a vicious cycle. It’s a relationship that’s headed nowhere, and will certainly end in heartbreak as the lyrics take you through the tumultuous situation.

“I watched the taxi cab take you away / I was the one left alone in the rain / I’ve drained a few bottles /
Stared a hole through my phone / I’ve come to grips with the fact that you’re gone /
And here you are standing in tears at my door / I don’t know what to tell you / I’ve heard this one before”

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Try Saying Goodbye” – John King
Songwriters: Paul DiGiovanni, John King

“I have always loved John King’s upbeat songs from “Tonight, Tonight” to “Heat Wave” although I feel King has never got the attention he deserves. As an amazing songwriter, including Randy Houser’s “We Went”, his newest slow song “Try Saying Goodbye” hits a new chord. The song explores the difficulties of relationships and singing in the chorus, King thought sorry was going to be the hardest thing he would have to say, turns out goodbye is. The main theme of the song is to not take things for granted and be okay with admitting when you are wrong, never letting your pride get in the way.

With such a powerful message, I thought I could not be more compelled to press replay, but I was wrong. The paired music video was also done so well and certainly makes you emotional listening to the song and reflecting back on your own past relationships. Looking ahead, King has new music in the works for the coming year and I cannot be more excited to support him as an independent artist.”

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain” – Reba
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Mark Narmore, and Shelley Skidmore

“In country music, there are few voices that are as instantly recognizable as Reba’s. In the weeks leading up to the release of her new album, Stronger Than the Truth, the Queen of Country has been releasing a string of new tracks, each showing a different side of the superstar. On “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain,” co-written by the genius that is Brandy Clark, Reba sings of a cheating man, admitting that “standing by your man, well that’s a broken plan.” Lyrically, the song is absolutely brilliant, weaving in and referencing various Wynette songs to tell the tale of a broken heart. However, it’s Reba’s delivery that makes the song a true masterpiece, as you can absolutely hear the sorrowful ache in her voice. Knowing that Reba went through her own divorce a few years ago, it’s hard not to wonder if she drew upon her own heartache when recording the song. Either way, it’s a powerful performance that once again reestablishes her as the undisputed Queen of the genre.”

 

Olivia Reese, Contributing Writer

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

“I’ve absolutely loved the message in “Gone West” by Gone West. Although it can be difficult to leave what you’ve always known the adventure can be worth risking it all, “Sailin’ off to search the islands / Gone west for somethin’ new.”

Additionally, the harmonies with folk undertones are what initially drew me to the song as I have a proclivity for loving harmony bands. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Gone West.”

 

Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Give Up The Ghost” – Lauren Jenkins
Songwriters: Emily Shackleton and Lauren Jenkins 

“From the moment I first heard Lauren Jenkins’ song “Give Up The Ghost” off her soon to be released debut album, No Saint, I instantly fell in love with it. From the very first listen I knew this was going to be one of my go-to songs to sing at the top of my lungs while blasting in my car. She combines the essence of rock and country into this song creating the ultimate jam, while the lyrics tell a story about a former flame causing a disruption in a present relationship.

“I know I could make you happy / Baby, if you’d only let me / But two of us is one too many / Open the door and set her free / Give up the ghost, hold onto me”

It’s my favorite song released from the album so far and I can’t wait for No Saint to come out this Friday!”

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

Pick: “To Hell and Back” – Maren Morris
Songwriters: Maren Morris, Jessie Jo Dillon, Laura Veltz

“I’ve had Maren Morris’ new album GIRL on repeat all month long and I absolutely love every single song, but this one sticks out to me as being the most vulnerable track on the record. The story told in this one is so beautiful. It’s about a partner’s willingness to love you fully and freely and I just love everything about it.”

“You didn’t save me / You didn’t think I needed saving / You didn’t change me/
You didn’t think I needed changing / My wings are frayed and what’s left of my halo’s black /
Lucky for me, your kind of heaven’s been to hell and back”

 

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Ol Muddy River” – Dee White
Songwriters: Dee White

“This month, I have Dee White’s “Ol’ Muddy River” on repeat. I heard White and his band perform last year when opening for Ashley McBryde and I was hooked on this song ever since he sang it live.  “Ol Muddy River” is a classic vintage country song with a catchy guitar twang and fiddle.  White singlehandedly penned “Ol’ Muddy River’ and tells a story about going to a river that brings him peace and tranquility.  He sings about his admiration for a place where he can go to escape problems with lyrics:

“All my life’s been wild like the river, so he and I really get along just fine /
Everything’s easy at the Ol’ Muddy River / You know that’s where I like to spend all of my time”

When I listen to “Ol’ Muddy River,” I can easily picture myself fishing and not worrying about a thing!  White released his debut album Southern Gentleman on March 1st, and a week later he made his debut at The Grand Ole Opry.  I am so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for him!”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “A Song For Everything” – Maren Morris
Songwriters: Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, Maren Morris

“My March song pick came super easy this month.  The second I heard Maren Morris’ sophomore album GIRL, I instantly fell in love with the nostalgic ballad “A Song for Everything.” It is everything I never knew I always needed in a song. The song is essentially an ode to music for always being there for us, as we go through good and bad experiences in life.

“When I was looking for the words / Somebody said it first like they knew me / They were singing right to me /
One danced you through love / One rocked you through lonely / Mixtaped your heartbreak and made you feel holy / For the hits and the misses / For the fire and rain / Close your eyes and listen /
‘Cause there’s a song for everything, yeah / There’s a song for everything / There’s a song for everything”

Ironically, I’m sure that this song will be one of those memorable tracks that I attach to future experiences for a long time coming. Thank you to Maren Morris and her co-writers for penning this monumental song.”

Listen to our picks on our “What We’re Listening To” playlist on Spotify and be sure to give it a follow, so you can catch our monthly updates.

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King Calaway Strip Down “World For Two” and “No Matter What”

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We first introduced you to the Nashville based band, King Calaway, when they played a sold-out show exclusively for New York Country Swag followers back in January. Now as more and more people start to take notice of the incredible musicians and artists that make up the 6-piece band, they continue to rise in popularity.

Kicking off the week, the boys of King Calaway claimed the title of Most Added song at country radio with their debut single “World For Two”.  The song is the first release from their debut self-titled EP. They also released two live performance videos on Vevo for “World For Two” and “No Matter What”.

In both videos the band is seen stripping down their songs in a white room, sitting around just doing what they do best, playing their instruments and harmonizing to the addictive tracks. “The six musicians who make up King Calaway are a fresh take on contemporary country music,” says Robert Deaton the executive producer of CMA. “These young men hail from all corners of the globe, but when put together on a stage, they are one and magic happens.”

They brought that special magic to the famous Grand Ole Opry stage, making their debut March 1st to a sold-out crowd. Jordan, Chad, Austin, Simon, Chris, and Caleb all appreciate the traditional country sound while transforming their unique vibes into something that has never been heard before. For more on the sextet head to our First Impression of the EP or watch our exclusive interview and performance below.

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WME & Sony Music Nashville Present: A Celebration of Women’s History Month

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She Is The Music Women

Seaforth and Rachel Wammack

On Monday night, Sony Music Nashville and booking agency WME teamed up to present “A Celebration of Women’s History Month,” a night benefitting She Is The Music, a non-profit organization that focuses on increasing the number of women in music and gender equality in the industry. The night’s spotlight artists were Carlton Anderson, Rachel Wammack, Seaforth, Robert Counts, and Hannah Dasher; some of Sony’s newest artists on the roster. And hosting the night were beloved media personalities and journalists, Hunter Kelly and Ashley Eicher, the duo behind the All Our Favorite People Podcast.

WME booking agent, Carrie Murphy, was invited to start off the night by introducing the crowd to what She Is The Music was, and how the organization creates a platform for women to hone their craft and be supported on their journey in the music industry. “Girls can’t be what they can’t see,” shared Murphy.

The night took us on a chronological musical journey through country music’s finest women’s hits through the decades, from the 1960s all the way to 2010. Kelly and Eicher not only hosted the night but provided valuable summarized facts on social issues and the songs’ commercial success in each focused era.

She Is the Music Women

Robert Counts

Kicking the night off was Robert Counts, who covered Loretta Lynn’s hit song, “You Ain’t Woman Enough To Take My Man,” that was originally recorded in 1965. “This might get weird…I feel weird,” joked Counts before he sang. “[Loretta] taught me a lot about songwriting. She has done a lot for my career [and] is a huge influence.”

Up next they focused on the 1970s, a time period where the feminist movement took place. In fact, because of the inundation of this movement, TIME awarded its “Man of the Year” award to “American Women” in 1975. Covering Dolly Parton’s second single and one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” was Rachel Wammack and Seaforth. The soaring harmonies from both acts almost gave “Jolene” a hauntingly different version that’s been never heard before.

She is The Music Women

Hannah Dasher

The 1980s was a time when women were not getting fair wages, and part of the movement against inequality was Parton’s “9 to 5,” which was featured on the movie of the same title. The movie aptly depicted the social circumstances women were in the and workforce of that era. Hannah Dasher lent her voice to a rocking, feet-tapping cover of it.

Still keeping it in the 80s, Carlton Anderson came up on stage to pay tribute to Barbara Mandrell and her song that became a hit at the height of the urban cowboy craze, or as Kelly jokingly called it, “the early version of bro-country.” Anderson, the most traditional country-leaning act of the night, undeniably shined in his element as he sang Mandrell’s 1981 hit song, “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.”

SHe Is the Music

Carlton Anderson

The next half of the night transitioned to the beloved 1990s onwards, and it was that era that saw a promising record number of women elected into congress. Dasher returned on stage to cover Reba’s “You Lie,” with Big Machine Record’s Dan Smalley, who she introduced as “the closest thing to Vince Gill.” Following their performance was Anderson, who came back with his rendition of Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Know Who I Am.” “I grew up listening to this song. […] When you figure out what it’s really about, it kinda hits you in the chest, and I think that’s the beauty of this genre.”

Perhaps two of the biggest highlights of the night were both from Wammack. The Muscle Shoals, Alabama native shared how several people told her when she first moved to Nashville that she “sounded like Deana Carter when [she] spoke.” Wammack played the keys and sang two of country’s timeless ballads of the 90s: Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” and LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live Without You.” Introducing the latter song, Kelly shared the history of its release, and how two of country’s women, Rimes and Trisha Yearwood, both had released the single at the same time. Unsurprisingly, the 23-year-old really captivated the crowd as soon as she started playing.

She Is the Music Women

Seaforth

One of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Seaforth’s Mitch Thompson and Tom Jordan were back, and gave a refreshing cover of Shania Twain’s 1997 hit, “You’re Still The One.” Again, the duo’s harmonies packed a punch and proved why they’re Nashville’s next biggest Australia transplants in country music.

Closing the nostalgia-filled night was Counts, whose unique and raspy delivery invigorated the wistfulness of Miranda Lambert’s first number one song and her fastest-rising single to date, “The House That Built Me.”

What a night that took everyone a trip down memory lane, visiting decades of iconic hit songs from trail-blazing women in country music! If there’s one thing we’re hoping for after the show, it’s that somehow, these young acts record each of their spins on the songs they covered and share it with the world. One thing’s for certain: Sony’s newest exceptionally-talented class of acts are here to stay.

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Maren Morris Gives Stunning Performance on the Tonight Show

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On the heels of album release week for her sophomore album, GIRL, Maren Morris stopped by the ‘Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon’ to showcase her vocals on the title track. Earlier that night, the songstress performed “GIRL,” and many other songs, during a special live performance for fans sponsored by iHeart radio. The female powerhouse is breaking down barriers with her captivating songs, unique songwriting perspective, and pride in supporting other women.

Towards the end of the show, host Jimmy Fallon introduced Morris to the studio stage, sharing “Performing the title track to her album, “GIRL,” please welcome back Maren Morris,” while holding a record copy of her new LP. This marks Morris’ third time performing on Fallon.

Immediately after the gracious introduction, the cameras cut to the stunning Morris standing confidently center stage, guitar in hand at the microphone stand. Supported by a five-piece band, the singer-songwriter belted the lyrics to the girl-empowerment anthem. Her performance was effortless, as it was clear that she believed every word she was singing to the sure to be a future hit. Afterward, Fallon came running back on stage to greet Morris, making sure to say, “That’s how you do it, Maren Morris! Thank you so much. GIRL is out now!.”

Morris will not be slowing down anytime soon. She is going full speed ahead to promote her album through a slew of appearances, as well as, her headlining ‘GIRL; The World Tour.” The songstress is bringing along fellow gal pals and talented singers, Cassadee Pope and Raelynn along for the ride. New Yorkers have two chances to catch the show on May 3rd at Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, and May 4th at Terminal 5 in Manhattan. Tickets are available now.

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Dan +Shay Performed “All To Myself” On Late Night with Seth Meyers

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All To Myself

Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC

Straight off their Grammy win for County Duo of the Year and an epic sold-out performance at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City just last week, Dan + Shay took their talents to the set of ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers.’ The country hitmakers performed their third single off their self-titled album, “All to Myself.” The new single follows unprecedented success with their tracks “Tequila,” and “Speechless,” both of which held their spots at Number 1 on the charts for numerous weeks.

The host of the show, Seth Meyers gave the men a warm welcome to the stage. With their album in hand, he exclaimed, “Performing “All to Myself” off their ACM nominated self-titled album, please welcome to the show, Dan and Shay.”

Dan + Shay took turns both harmonizing for one another and singing verses from their hit. Unlike some of their other songs, both of the men shared equal time in the spotlight, showing off their unique voices individually and their effortless blended vocals. The track recently broke the Top 40 on the Country Billboard charts and continues to climb. The duo has three tracks on the list with, “Tequila” currently sitting at number 2 and  “Speechless” at number 4. During their performance, the duo exuded so much energy, while jamming to the lyrics of the mid-tempo love song.

Check out the clip below to see Dan + Shay sing “All to Myself.”

The platinum-certified duo will continue playing shows as part of their headlining “Dan + Shay the Tour.’ They just recently kicked off the second leg of their tour, which features fellow country singer, Chris Lane as support. We caught the duo, with Morgan Evans earlier this month in what was a very meaningful night for the singers and fans alike. For more information and a full list of tour dates, head to danandshay.com

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Mitchell Tenpenny Releases “Alcohol You Later” Video

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Mitchell Tenpenny "Alcohol You Later"

 

As a follow up to his debut single, and very first number one, “Drunk Me”, one of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Mitchell Tenpenny continues to change the narrative on drinking by releasing “Alcohol You Later”, a midtempo jam that has been a fan favorite at his live shows.

Last summer when Tenpenny sat down with NASH FM 94.7 for their Up Close & Country at Stage 17, he told the audience “So, like a lot of my song are written from experiences at a bar in Nashville called Losers…So I was sitting there and as a songwriter, you are always kind of just listening to people, trying to come up with ideas cause we write like every single day if we are in town and I just remember hearing this really country guy sitting right next to me and he just told his buddy, he was just saying goodbye but he said “Alright buddy, I’ll call ya later”, and it sounded like he said Alcohol You Later, and I wrote it down really quick.”  He went into the room the next day with that hook, and so, “Alcohol You Later” was born.

As the song arrives at country radio and climbs the charts, Tenpenny released a killer video yesterday to accompany the tune, directed by award-winning video director TK McKamy. The filtered video transitions from an empty bar to Tenpenny at home, singing about his on again off again fling that he will most likely be calling after a night of being out. As geometric shapes fly across the screen bringing you from one scene to the next, the colored filters are intriguing and add an interesting element to the visual. Check out the video below.

Fans can catch the singer-songwriter on Old Dominion’s Make It Sweet Tour which hits Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden on May 17th and out on Long Island at Bald Hill Amphitheater on May 25th.

 

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NYCS Swag Spotlight: PJ North

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PJ North

Growing up right outside of Columbus, Ohio, PJ North has had quite an interesting journey to Nashville and country music involving a hip-hop music career as well as being a part-time race car driver. In our recent chat, our Swag Spotlight of the week told us all about his childhood and his eventual transition from hip hop battles to country music.

From a young age, North was always on stage performing whether it was taking dance classes including hip-hop, ballroom, jazz or swing or performing in talent shows, he always knew he wanted to be an entertainer. With influences all over the musical map including Michael Jackson, Fall Out Boy, Chris Brown and of course, his very first concert, Brooks & Dunn, he attributes his love for all genres to his childhood. “My first concert was Brooks and Dunn and from that point forward I was hooked and I knew I wanted to be an artist.” Starting out as sort of a party trick, his friends would ask him to rap lines from popular hip hop songs at the time, and he started noticing rap battles was something he was actually very good at.

Another passion from when he was only ten years old was drag racing. “That’s the only thing that I care about besides my wife and my family, racing and music are pretty much it for me, they are 1 and 1A,” North tells us. This is my 21st year racing, it’s brought me more than I ever would have thought, I wouldn’t even be in Nashville if it wasn’t for drag racing.”

After writing a racing-themed hip-hop song that went viral in the tight-knit racing community, he made the switch to country music, something he has felt has been in his heart since he was young.  He moved to Nashville and now attributes his songwriting skills now to his ability to rap on the fly, he often times sits in a room and is able to come up with lyrics for what he is feeling and what he wants to say as an artist. Currently, he is a fan of Sam Hunt and artists that are blurring the lines of country, hip hop and R&B.

He just recently released his first country song, “B Sides” a track he co-wrote about keeping those special memories of a relationship once it’s over. Check out the video above. Looking ahead to 2019, he hopes to get out and play his new music and continue to create fans of his unique blend of country music. “I am all about the live show. I’ve played venues all over the country because of the racetrack thing but now we are getting back in the lane to play some country venues,” North says. Be sure to follow PJ North on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for all upcoming announcements!

 

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Grammy Winners Dan + Shay Sell Out Hammerstein Ballroom

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Dan + Shay Hammerstein Ballroom

Last night, Grammy award-winning duo Dan + Shay brought their headlining Dan + Shay The Tour to the historic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City with special guest, Morgan Evans. Luckily for us New Yorkers, we were one of the stops on their completely sold-out tour this spring, making it a night to remember.

To kick off the night, Dan + Shay invited their friend and labelmate Morgan Evans to warm up the crowd. Evans took the stage with nothing but his acoustic guitar and loop pedal, performing in his signature style to showcase his undeniable talent. Opening up his set with his song “American” off his debut album, Things That We Drink To right off the bat, the rising country artist was captivated the crowd.  Slowing it down for one song, Evans began talking to the fans about his album and how he was picking the songs during the time he was seeing a girl. Mentioning to the crowd, “When your a guy that sings and writes songs in that part of your life you write a lot of love songs and I just want to chill this out for 3 minutes and 9 seconds. I really want to play this song for you guys, it’s maybe my favorite song I’ve ever written, it’s the first song I wrote for my now wife, it’s called “Dance With Me.”

Picking up the pace, Evans continued his set with his latest single “Day Drunk.” While in the middle of the song he stopped to say, “I’m here to warm you up for my buddies Dan + Shay tonight! This is the third show of the tour, I’ve watched the first two shows they are going to rock your socks off tonight. As I’ve said I got one job to warm you guys up! Are you feeling warm yet NYC?!?” Evans continued with the crowd singing along, doing just what he was set out to do. Not stopping there, he incorporated covers “Free Falling” by Tom Petty, “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, “We Will Rock You” by Queen, and “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan into his song. Throwing it back, getting the crowd fired up while belting out the lyrics along with him.

Dan + Shay Hammerstein Ballroom

Before ending his set Evans told the crowd, “It’s early in the night but I’m going to go out there and say you guys are the best crowd of the tour so far! You showed up early in the freezing cold and are singing your asses off and it sounds bloody beautiful!” Performing his number one hit song “Kiss Somebody,” making it a moment to never forget with the entire venue singing back his lyrics. To close out the set, Evans did one final jam, performing his song “Young Again” while incorporating “Honey I’m Good” by Andy Grammer and “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk The Moon.

Next up was the moment everyone was waiting for, as the lights went down and a video started playing the venue erupted in cheers and screams waiting in anticipation for the duo to take the stage. Running out, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney kicked off Act I of their set going straight into their songs from their newest self-titled album including “Alone Together,” “Make Or Break,” their most current single “All To Myself,” and their duet with Kelly Clarkson “Keeping Score.” This was just the start of their set and the crowd was already fired up screaming the words to every song they played. After “Keeping Score,” Smyers took a moment to speak to the crowd saying, “You caught us off guard, this is absolutely insane. I’m at a loss of words right now…Thank you so much for being here, this is one of the most beautiful venues we’ve played in our entire career and you guys, I think, are like 4 or 5 songs in and Y’all might be the loudest crowd we’ve ever played for New York!”

With the night just getting started they continued Act I performing their hit single “From The Ground Up,” while the entire crowd belted out the lyrics with the duo. After the song, Dan + Shay stood there in disbelief looking into the crowd with tears in their eyes before the crowd started to chant their name. After the chant, Smyers began talking to the crowd again, “Wow that may be the coolest thing that’s ever happened to us, that’s crazy. Thank you!… I feel like we are letting you all down we are supposed to keep this thing rolling but man that was such a moment there, like the last like 30 minutes of our lives, we’re just trying to soak this in if that’s okay, I’m sorry I’m getting emotional.” Doing just the opposite they exceeded everyone’s expectations, putting on a show to never forget. Their hard work shining through each and every song they played, showing they deserve every last bit of success they have. They continued Act I playing their songs, “What Keeps You Up At Night,” “Stupid Love,” and “No Such Thing.”

Dan + Shay Hammerstein Ballroom

When it came time for Act II of their performance, another video popped up onto the screen showing Dan + Shay’s journey along the years including them winning their very first Grammy Award. As the lights came back up the duo were seen sitting on a couch in the middle of the stage getting ready for an acoustic set. Before continuing,  Smyers mentioned that New York City has been the loudest crowds they have ever played for and thanked the crowd once again saying, “I know we sound like a broken record up here and we get emotional a lot but this is seriously the coolest thing, we dreamed about this our whole lives and we appreciate you guys sticking with us throughout it.” They were nothing but appreciative the whole night and to show it, they took the time to check their socials to see what the fans wanted to hear, coming up with this part of the show were they perform some of their older songs acoustically. Each date being different this time it was their single “Show You Off,” “Sway,” and “Lipstick,” before bringing the band back onto the stage to continue the set. They covered the song “Someone Like You” by Adele along with their hit single “How Not To” to end Act II.

As the night was coming to an end with the Final Act approaching they once again thanked the crowd for listening to their music and coming out to see them live. They ended the night on a high note, starting Act III with their number one hit single “Speechless,” before continuing with their first debut single “19 You + Me.” Before performing their last song of the night Smyers said, “If the previous songs are any indication I feel like this has potential to be the loudest this song has ever been sung, we’re going to do this together, we are gonna do it big, we’re gonna do it loud!” Performing their number one hit single “Tequila,” the crowd did just that, screaming the lyrics back, making it the loudest song of the night.

Luckily for us New Yorkers, Dan + Shay will be back again in July when they open for Florida Georgia Line on their Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour coming to Jones Beach in Long Island on July 20th.

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Ingrid Andress Releases Video for “Lady Like”

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Last month we introduced you to Warner Music Nashville’s new recording artist, Ingrid Andress. At the exclusive showcase, the young artist and of CMT’s Next Women of Country captivated the crowd at Mercury Lounge with her unique vocals and lyrics, as she sang her songs, “More Hearts Than Mine,” “Bad Advice, and “Lady Like.” The latter becoming her empowering debut single. Today, the singer-songwriter released an impactful music video for “Lady Like,” debuting on CMT.

 

Throughout the music video, Andress plays with constructs of femininity. The video showcases both male and female lyrical dancers, donning pink suits as the songstress sings the lyrics to her song, as well as, Andress holding her own, playing poker with “masculine” men. The young woman’s new video embodies her unapologetic lyrics perfectly, exuding that being a “lady” is not just one thing. She crushes gender stereotypes and proves that she is a force to be reckoned with.

“Controversial, so outspoken / I’ve been told I’m not ladylike / But I’m a lady like, woah / I could bring you to your knees / And get you kicked out the Garden of Eden / Untamable, unframeable, Mona Lisa / Oh, kiss you like a whiskey fire / Turn around, leave your heart a riot / Lipstick in a cigarette pack on the dash / I’m a lady like that.”

Ingrid Andress Lady Like

 Check out the music video and don’t forget to download “Lady Like” available wherever music can be bought or streamed. Follow NY Country Swag’s New Country Music Spotify playlist for more new music.

 We look forward to seeing what’s next for Andress, as her music and talent is sure to resonate with music fans everywhere. Keep up with the singer’s journey her social media at Instagram and Twitter. Currently, she is performing abroad. Head to ingridandress.com for more information and future tour dates.

 

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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