who-is-tiera-kennedy

Who is Tiera Kennedy? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music (2023)

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

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Tiera Kennedy | Photo credit: Alexa Campbell

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Tiera Kennedy
Hometown – Birmingham, Alabama
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood
Current Single – “Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist” (as of date of article 10/23/23)

The Beginning:

A little over three years ago, back in 2020, we introduced you to a new artist, who was making waves on social media: Tiera. Flash forward to today, Tiera, who now goes by her full name, Tiera Kennedy has landed herself both a publishing deal and a record deal. We caught up with the singer-songwriter to learn about how she got to where she is today and to talk all about her new music. Keep reading to find out more.

“I’m from Birmingham, Alabama, and I’ve always loved music for as long as I can remember,” she began. “I guess it kind of like blossomed when I was in middle school. I started writing songs and fell in love with country music.” Throughout her upbringing, Kennedy recalls listening to a ton of country music and writing songs at a young age.

“I grew up in the age of Taylor Swift, the beginning of her career, and I just fell in love with all of her songs, like so many of us did,” shared the songstress. “She was writing a lot of songs about boys, and that’s where I was in my life. I started to do the same, I would perform those songs around my school, and just like the response from that made me actually believe I could do it for my career. I was definitely in to do it for the long haul.”

Kennedy credits influences from 90s country and artists like Swift and Carrie Underwood for her early love for music and songwriting. These influences stayed with her throughout her career while she built upon even more musical influences too. “I listen to just about everything. I love 90s country, that’s my ultimate jam,” shared Kennedy. Adding, “I’m super random with what I listen to. I listen to Scottish music and Irish music sometimes, and R&B stuff. I really gravitate towards things that make me feel good. When I get into the writer’s room, those are the kind of songs I like to write. I feel like everybody has a bunch of different influences, nobody listens to one thing.”

The Turning Point:

After writing her first song in high school and teaching herself how to play guitar, Kennedy had her heart set on attending Nashville’s Belmont University. However, as plans changed, she ended up attending the University of Northern Alabama for one year on a full-ride scholarship instead before changing trajectories. “Eventually, after a year in college, my parents let me drop out and move to Nashville, and I’ve been here about 7 years.”

Throughout her seven years in town, Kennedy networked with as many people as she possibly could to get her name and her music out there. “I just hit the ground running as soon as I got here. I had a show my first night there, at the Listening Room, and I was really just trying to get a foot in everywhere I could. I would write with anybody and everybody. I would take every single meeting.”

In the early stages of her career, Kennedy did whatever it took to advance her career and dream. “Those first couple of years, I played at a couple of restaurants and hotel lobbies. I was just making tips from there, and looking back, I feel like it really taught me how to hold a crowd and how to entertain people.”

After a few years, Kennedy finally landed her publishing deal as the flagship songwriter for Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters. “They signed me to my deal with Big Loud’s Songs & Daughters and Warner Chappell, so I finally got my publishing deal.”

At around the same time, Kennedy’s music started taking off on social media. Her song, “Found It In You” became her first viral hit. “Record labels started to take notice and I started taking those meetings, and I wasn’t really planning to sign a deal at the moment, I just thought it would be fun because I really loved being an independent artist, so I was kind of going back and forth, but then I had a meeting with Big Machine, and I just fell in love with them. They were everything that I wanted in a label.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Kennedy is a signed artist who is ready to take the world by storm. “I really hope when people hear this music they think I’m a friend,” she shared. Her current single, “Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist” is growing in popularity, as the song really speaks to the singer’s talent as a vocalist and as a storyteller.

““Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist” is this new era of music for me,” she begins. Adding, “I wrote this song on a writer’s retreat with some of my favorite co-writers. […] It was one of the last songs we wrote for the retreat, so we really got to just have fun, and write a fun song, and not think too much about it. […] It’s a story about being from a small town and how words spread fast, but I like to say that even people who aren’t from a small town can relate to this, because not everyone can keep secrets to themselves.”

According to Kennedy, the song is meant to be a relatable, fun song with heart. “The three people I can depend on are Jesus, my mama, and my therapist. It was really cool to have fun with this song, and not be too serious. It’s a little different, sound-wise, from anything I’ve put out, and it’s really shaped the next music we’re going to put out, too. It’s a lot more country, which I love and I think the fans will love it too.”

Fans can look forward to more new music from Kennedy coming down the pipeline soon. “I have pretty much finished the album, so we’ve got all the songs together, and I’ve been teasing some of them, but there’s definitely songs people haven’t heard. People can expect to get to know me better.” 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 Tiera Kennedy releases.

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

Tiera Kennedy’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.

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Jason Aldean Lands Number One at Country Radio with “Try That In A Small Town”

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Jason Aldean earns another number one song at country radio with his single, “Try That In A Small Town.” Learn more below.

Jason Aldean continues his impressive streak of number one hits, marking his first number one song with his upcoming new album.  “Try That In A Small Town” is officially the number one song at country radio this week.

The superstar never shies away from controversy and speaking his truth in his music. In his song, “Try That In A Small Town,” Aldean speaks candidly about the values instilled in him from small-town living and much more. Written by Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher, the singer and his fanbase clearly connected to the lyrics and the in-your-face melody.

“Try that in a small town // See how far ya make it down the road // ‘Round here, we take care of our own // You cross that line, it won’t take long // For you to find out, I recommend you don’t // Try that in a small town // Got a gun that my granddad gave me // They say one day they’re gonna round up // Well, that shit might fly in the city, good luck”

Congrats to Aldean and his team on an incredible number one feat!

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

To keep up with Jason Aldean, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Try That In A Small Town” 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.

Restless Road: ‘Last Rodeo’ – Album Review

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Restless Road shares their new album, Last Rodeo, out now, October 20th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

With three unique voices and an uncanny ability to harmonize as one, Restless Road is ready to make a splash with their debut album, Last Rodeo, out now. For the trio, who signed to Kane Brown’s joint venture with Sony Music Nashville, the album marks over a decade of hard work and dedication to their craft.

Featuring 18 tracks, the LP is a mix of previous releases paired with all new songs, many of which were co-written by members of the band. Other co-writers here include the likes of Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Cole Swindell, and Devin Dawson, allowing the trio to compile a solid body of work that is sure to make their mark on country music.

“If you would have told us a few years ago that we would be where we are today we wouldn’t have believed you,” revealed Restless Road in a statement.  “We’ve been through so many ups and downs as a band, and that’s what this is about. Never giving up and always keeping your eyes on the road. It’s about believing in yourself even when people tell you no, and persevering until your dreams become a reality. And that’s why the three of us are so excited for the biggest thing we’ve done yet.”

Composed of Zach Beeken, Colton Pack and Garrett Nichols, Restless Road has become best known for their thrilling harmonies, evidenced throughout the album, from the opening chords of the titular track to the final notes of the introspective and poignant album closer, “On My Way.”

Throughout the LP, Restless Roads takes listeners on a journey that often includes heartbreak and heartache, paired with new love and introspection. There are lighter moments in the form of the singalong anthem “Bar Friends” and the amusing ode to an adult beverage,  “No Can Do.”

Immediate standouts include the wedding-reception/proposal-ready “Growing Old With You,” co-penned by Kelley, and the pop-country banger, “Sundown Somewhere,” co-penned by Swindell. On the earworm of a track, the trio wax poetic about the one that they know is somewhere out there, waiting for their paths to cross. Alternately, on “Growing Old,” the one has been found and forever is the next logical step. 

“What you say we put us down some roots? // Find a house up on a hill // Travel ’round the world // Put some pictures on the shelf // Hold you close and keep the faith // Raise some kids with our last name // Well, come on baby what you say we do? // I feel like growing old with you // I’m growing old with you”

The trio spend a lot of time on the one who got away, promising eternal love to an extinguished flame on the guitar-heavy “Tell Me Not To,” while also warning their younger selves to keep moving and not get involved on the fiddle and steel laden ode to hindsight, “Leave Your Boots On.” On “Go Get Her,” they’re poised to fight for lost love, warning, “Boy swallow your pride like whiskey, Don’t let her fade into a memory, ‘Cause oh there ain’t there that many one in a million, so if you know she’s your forever, won’t forget her, boy you better, go get her.” Meanwhile, “Easy for You to Say” allows them to flex their vocals over guitar-driven country, musing “Goodbye wouldn’t be so hard // If it wasn’t so easy for you to say.”

Things are sunnier on “Head Over Heels,” a fast-paced up-tempo about love at first sight and “I Don’t Wanna Be That Guy,” a declaration of a reformed ladies man who’s ready to settle down for someone special. 

“Could’ve Been a Love Song” is a punchy up-tempo about a relationship that went wrong, becoming a sad song despite having the makings of a love song. “We could’ve been a love song, If we’d have just held on, instead of the sad one that I”m singing right now, I wish that I had one that would turn you around,” They sing. “We could’ve been a long kiss, Girl we had it at our fingertips, We could’ve had it all, We knew it all along, Tell me where we went wrong, Girl we could’ve been a love song.”

Likewise, clever lyrics are the cornerstone of both “10 Things” and “Roll Tide Roll,” with the former being an amusing kiss-off to an ex as they list off all the “things I hate about you.” For those wondering, the list includes lipstick, red wine, palm trees, polaroids, card games, watching true crime, drunk text, and rainchecks. Meanwhile, on the more serious “Roll Tide,” the trio document love gone wrong with a ‘Bama girl, musing “’Cause I got ‘Bama on my mind, Even here in Mexico, Oh why Oh why, did my roll tide roll?”

Throughout the album, Restless Road manage to combine unique lyrics, powerful harmonies, and unique instrumentation in a way that’s uniquely their own. In fact, on their Instagram account, Restless Road’s bio proclaims them to be “your new favorite country band,” and after the release of Last Rodeo, that is very likely to be true.

Last Rodeo Tracklist:

  1. Last Rodeo (Trannie Anderson/Lindsay Rimes/Garrett Nichols/Zach Beeken/Colton Pack)
  2. Head Over Heels (Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Jacob Rice/Kyle Sturrock)
  3. Growing Old With You (Charles Kelley/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds)
  4. Could’ve Been a Love Song (Zach Crowell/Ben Hayslip/Hunter Phelps)
  5. Roll Tide Roll (Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Kyle Sturrock)
  6. Bar Friends (Geoff Warburton/Jordan Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Tyler Filmore)
  7. Tell Me Not To (Zach Beeken/Emma-Lee/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack)
  8. Go Get Her (Josh Jenkins/Brice Long/Mark Nesler)
  9. I Don’t Wanna Be That Guy (Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Zach Beeken/Jared Keim/Travis Wood)
  10. 10 Things (Zach Beeken/Devin Dawson/Jared Keim/Garrett Nichols)
  11. Leave Them Boots On (Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Jonathan Smith)
  12. Easy for You to Say (Zach Beeken/Josh Kear/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Lindsay Rimes)
  13. You Don’t Have to Love Me (Austin Shawn/Zach Beeken/Nate Kenyon/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack)
  14. No Can Do (Jessi Alexander/Zach Beeken/Matt Jenkins/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Jacob Rice)
  15. That Town and You (Ben Burgess/Devin Dawson/Joshua Kerr/Jordan Reynolds)
  16. Most Nights (ft. Erin Kinsey) (Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/John Pierce/Lindsay Rimes)
  17. Sundown Somewhere (Ben Hayslip/Jacob Rice/Cole Swindell/Cole Taylor)
  18. On My Way (Zach Beeken/Kyle Clark/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Lindsay Rimes)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Growing Old With You
  2. Bar Friends
  3. Sundown Somewhere
  4. Roll Tide Roll
  5. 10 Things
  6. Easy for You to Say
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Restless Road shares brand new album, ‘Last Rodeo,’ 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 upcoming Restless Road announcements and releases.

To keep up with Craig Morgan, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Last Rodeo 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.

Madeline Merlo Releases New Song “Take A Broken Heart”

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Madeline Merlo shares brand new song “Take A Broken Heart,” out now, October 20th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Rising country artist, Madeline Merlo continues to crank out new music. Last month, she shared one of our favorite songs of her to date, a song called, “Tim + Faith,” her first true love song. Today, the singer-songwriter is adding to her growing collection with a brand new song called, “Take A Broken Heart.”

For her newest outing, Merlo gives fan an absolute heartbreak anthem. “Take A Broken Heart” is a reminder to all of us that a heartbreak is going to suck no matter what, so we might as well live our lives to the fullest, the best we can. On the song, the songstress encourages the listener to do whatever feels good, except going back to the one who broke your heart in the first place.

“You can sit there on the couch // crying all alone // You can waste another night, lose another fight, staring at your phone // If you’re hanging with a heartbreak // You don’t gotta stay at home // Cause it’s gonna hurt either way // so just pick it up and go // Take it to the beach // Take it to the bar // Take it for a long drive underneath the stars // Take it to a church service on a Sunday // Take it on a 737 on a runaway”

Merlo continues to show off her undeniable talent release after release. “Take A Broken Heart” marks another incredible song for the rising artist. It is only a matter of time until everyone recognizes her name and her undeniable talent.

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Madeline Merlo brand new song, “Take A Broken Heart,” is available 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 Madeline Merlo releases.

To keep up with Madeline Merlo, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter. 

“Take A Broken Heart” 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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Here Is Luke Grimes EP ‘Pain Pills Or Pews’

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Luke Grimes shares his new EP, Pain Pills Or Pews, out now, October 20th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Known for his role as Kayce Dutton on the hit television series, Yellowstone, Luke Grimes is stepping out as country music artist. Although he has been making music for years, Pain Pills Or Pews marks his first major label EP.

The singer humbly announced the record on his Instagram, “I don’t deserve this. Full stop. Yet, here it is, I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped me get here. A dream of putting music out in the world and getting to share it live is now something of a reality. Thank you for listening and showing up.” The new EP is comprised of eight songs that speak to Grimes’ incredible talent, including previously released song with Foy Vance called “Hold On.”

Learn more about the EP and listen to the brand new project below.

Pain Pills Or Pews Tracklist:

  1. No Horse To Ride (Luke Grimes)
  2. Hold On (Foy Vance)
  3. Ghost Of Who We Were (Luke Grimes)
  4. Where It’s Blue (Colton Venner)
  5. Burn (Luke Grimes)
  6. Playing On The Tracks (Luke Grimes)
  7. Oh Ohio (Luke Grimes)
  8. Ain’t Dead Yet (Luke Grimes)
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Luke Grimes shares new EP, ‘Pain Pills Or Pews,’ 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 upcoming Luke Grimes announcements and releases.

To keep up with Luke Grimes, follow him on Instagram, and Facebook.

Pain Pills Or Pews 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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James Barker Band: ‘Ahead Of Our Time’ – Debut EP Review

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James Barker Band makes their major-label debut with their new EP, Ahead Of Our Time, out now, October 20th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

After years of making a name for themselves across Canada, James Barker Band is about to make their U.S. debut. In partnership with RECORDS Nashville, the quartet released their EP, Ahead Of Our Time, out now. Featuring six new tracks, five of which were co-written by Barker, the EP is the perfect way to introduce themselves to a whole new audience.

Comprised of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals), Connor Stephen (drums), and Bobby Martin (bass), the foursome combine their Canadian roots with witty lyricism and pop-country sensibilities, as evidenced on tracks like the EP opener “Step On His Boots” and the tongue-in-cheek ode to moving on after a breakup, “Champagne.”

The EP’s title track is an immediate standout, a stirring and building ballad that swells over lyrics about a couple that met before they were ready for each other. It’s a quintessential what-could’ve-been ballad that everyone can relate to, and it offers a poignant moment of both reflection and introspection.

“Too young, too fast, too wild and free // To pay attention to the what if it was meant to be // A taste of heaven was a hell of a ride // I’d be lyin’ if I didn’t say // I Get to wonderin’ if you’re wonderin’ what could have been // If we’d have finished what we started on way back when // If we’d have met now, would it have been right // Maybe we were just ahead, ahead of our time // Ahead of our time”

Meanwhile, “Meet Your Mama” finds Barker wondering if it’s too soon to see where a special girl grew up, admitting that he knows it’s been only six months, but he’s ready to see her hometown and where she’s been all his life. Likewise, “Step On His Boots” has him ready to be Mr.-Steal-Your-Girl, musing, “I don’t see no ring weighing down your left hand.”

The album’s lone party song is the only one not co-written by Barker: “On the Water.” Featuring Dalton Dover, the lighter track finds the quartet desperate to escape the 9-5 grind in favor of some salt life in the sun. “I need a day on the water,” They sing. “‘fore I up and lose my mind.” Meanwhile, “Champagne” finds Barker moving on “with a ten in a Tennessee T-shirt” and “sippin’ whiskey like it’s champagne.”

The EP ends with “Heartbeat,” a true country ode to love at first sight, laden with slide guitars over a catchy and airy melody. It’s the epitome of “when you know, you know,” as the band proclaims an instant connection, declaring “You had me in a heartbeat.”

On Ahead Of Our Time, James Barker Band shows why they’ve become megastars in Canada and serves as a perfect introduction to new fans everywhere.

Ahead Of Our Time Tracklist:

  1. Step On His Boots (James Barker, Travis Wood, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass)
  2. Ahead of Our Time (James Barker, Jake Rose)
  3. Champagne (James Barker, Rodney Clawson, Travis Wood)
  4. Meet Your Mama (James Barker, Travis Wood, Gavin Slate, Todd Clark)
  5. On the Water ft. Dalton Dover (Jordan Minton, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
  6. Heartbeat (James Barker, Travis Wood, Gavin Slate, Todd Clark

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Ahead of Our Time
  2. Heartbeat
  3. Meet Your Mama
James-barker-band-debut-ep

James Barker Band makes major-label debut with their new EP, ‘Ahead Of Our Time.’

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

To keep up with James Barker Band, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Ahead Of Our Time 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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Here is Craig Morgan’s New EP ‘Enlisted’

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Craig Morgan shares his new EP, Enlisted, out now, October 20th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

In his brand new EP, Craig Morgan reimagines his hit songs enlisting the help of six incredible country artists. On the new record, perfectly-titled, Enlisted, Morgan collaborates with artists like Luke Combs, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, and Lainey Wilson, breathing new life into his songs.

“Making this record has been so much fun because I got to get in the studio with some of my friends and also re-create some of my catalog in a way that feels like brand-new music,” shared the singer. Morgan also shared, “There’s something to be said about singing a song that the majority of our populace wants to be able to relate to, or can relate to,” he says. “And that’s what great country does; I believe.”

Check-out the new EP below and listen to the new versions of the songs.

Enlisted Tracklist:

  1. Raise The Bar ft. Luke Combs
  2. Almost Home ft. Jelly Roll
  3. Redneck Yacht Club ft. Blake Shelton
  4. That’s What I Love About Sunday ft. Gary LeVox
  5. International Harvester ft. Lainey Wilson
  6. That Ain’t Gonna Be Me ft. Trace Adkins
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Craig Morgan’s new EP, ‘Enlisted’ is 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 upcoming Craig Morgan announcements and releases.

To keep up with Craig Morgan, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Enlisted 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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Nicolle Galyon: ‘second wife’ – EP Review

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Nicolle Galyon shares her new EP, second wife, out now, October 13th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

According to tradition, the gift for a 16th wedding anniversary is wax. However, songwriter Nicolle Galyon has never been traditional, celebrating instead with a surprise EP, entitled second wife, out now. Featuring six new tracks co-written with her songwriter husband Rodney Clawson, the collection celebrates the life the pair have built together.

“second wife shows the side of me that is flawed, self-deprecating, understated, silly, and yet unconventionally traditional. The side of me that fell in love at 21. That’s a side of me that I don’t always show — the married one,” Galyon shares. “If firstborn was a memoir, second wife is more of a fun adventure in real time. The thing about second wife is even the title itself is imperfect. That’s probably my favorite thing about being one. The illusions (and delusions) I had as a firstborn were gone once I became one.”    

Recorded over a weekend with co-producers Jimmy Robbins and King Henry, the collection takes listeners on a journey through married life with Galyon and Clawson, which she describes as “imperfect, honest and kind of irreverent.”

It begins with the one-two punch of “jo” and “prenup,” the first a short and sweet ode to her mother-in-law who shaped Clawson into the man he is today. The second is a toe-tapping up-tempo that’s as tongue-in-cheek as they come, the pair trading verses about all of the not-so-great things that they’d have to split in a divorce, finally agreeing that “If you keep looking at me that way, I think we’ll be okay.”

“rooms” is an immediate standout, a confessional ballad which finds Galyon dealing with unwelcome whispers and anxieties as she walks into various metaphorical rooms alongside Clawson. She may be dealing with other’s opinions, but with Clawson by her side, she’s able to remind herself that she’s the one with him. “Head up high and bite my tongue, Find a bar and order two,” She sings. “Hey f*ck them all, ‘Cause I’m the one, walking into rooms with you.”

“texas hold ‘em” is another immediate favorite, a single-worthy uptempo that allows Galyon to show her more playful and lighthearted side. Here, she uses her witty lyrics to warn any woman with a man in their life from Texas.

“You gotta hold ’em like you mean it // Hold ’em when you’re drunk // Hold ’em like his ex-girlfriend walked up // Hold ’em like a diamond fallin’ out your necklace // ‘Cause if you’re messin’ with one from Texas // You gotta hold ’em like you’re lonesome // Like he’s a Friday 5 o’clock cold one // Play like you ain’t gonna lose him to no one // Kinda hold ’em”

Both “the grain” and “under the rainbow” are dialed down tracks, celebrating Galyon’s home state of Kansas, with “the grain” acting as a love letter to her hometown. Meanwhile, “under the rainbow” takes the familiar melody of “Over the Rainbow” and reimagines it to a celebration of the simpler things in life.

On second wife, Nicolle Galyon does what she does best. The project is a tongue-in-cheek confessional on love, life, and marriage, and while an EP may not be a typical anniversary celebration, it’s absolutely perfect for Galyon and Clawson.

second wife Tracklist:

  1. jo. (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
  2. prenup. (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
  3. the grain. (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
  4. rooms. (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
  5. texas hold ’em. (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
  6. under the rainbow. (Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. rooms
  2. texas hold ‘em
  3. prenup
nicolle-galyon-ep

Nicolle Galyon shares brand new ep, ‘second wife,’ 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 upcoming Nicolle Galyon announcements and releases.

To keep up with Nicolle Galyon, you can find her on Instagram here.

second wife 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.

who-is-peytan-porter

Who is Peytan Porter? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music (2023)

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

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Quick Facts:

Full Name – Peytan Porter
Birthdate – 1/14/1998
Hometown – Dawnsonville, Georgia
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Elvis Presley, Fleetwood Mac, Linda Rondstat, Eric Church, Chris Stapleton
Current Single – “Speaking of Georgia” (as of date of article 10/16/23)

The Beginning:

A little over a year ago, we introduced you to singer-songwriter, Peytan Porter. In just that short amount of time, that once pop-country artist has reinvented her sound and come into a style of music that feels more true to who she is right now. While part of her story has stayed the same, much of it has also evolved, and her new music is even better than ever.

Porter grew up in North Georgia with a family who loved basketball, a sport that she also played. “I’m the only person in even my extended family that ever picked up an instrument. I am definitely the weird, artsy one of the sports family,” she shared. “I started playing guitar and getting really into music probably in middle school.”

As the middle child of her family, she found herself often yearning to express herself, using music as an outlet for that self-expression. “I started writing songs when I was twelve-ish, and I tribute that to seeing Taylor Swift opening up for Rascal Flatts at my first concert, and her talking about how she wrote songs about the boys in her school,” she began. Adding, “Once I started singing, my parents moved me to the basement bedroom because there was plenty of noise on the main floor, and me learning to sing was not a needed addition to the sounds that were happening in the house […] I spent a lot of time by myself trying to communicate my feelings and find a way to present them to people where I could really articulate them and get their attention. For me, that was songwriting.”

Despite loving music, Porter found herself not loving the ‘bro country’ music that was popular in mainstream country music at the time. Instead, she dove into female musicians like Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, Kacey Musgraves, and Dolly Parton. “I really dug into female artists and what they were saying and what they weren’t saying, and tried to figure out the parts that I could take with me and where the holes were.”

The Turning Point:

In 2016, Porter made the move to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Lipscomb University. Empowered by records like Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park  and Maren Morris’ HERO, the singer knew that her voice was important, despite thinking she was going to become a worship leader at first.

While many artists paved the way for Porter, those two albums helped to define her path.“It was a big permission slip for me to question the norm of the world I was growing up in and poke holes in the reality of the small town that I was growing up in. Also to be able to just think differently and it be okay. It was a concept I didn’t really know was an option,” she shared. Adding, “It changed the soundscape of the format, and I always knew that I wanted to do something that would do that to country music, because I’m such a fan of the history and the family that is country music that I think my worst fear is not doing something to push it forward in some ways. To change things you have to disrupt things, and I was working my way into to understanding that I can’t do what everyone else is doing.”

The summer after her Sophomore year at college, the singer-songwriter interned at a publishing company which continued to broaden her love and passion for country music. “I started writing and co-writing, the summer after my sophomore year of college. That’s also when I started an internship at a publishing company, and that’s when I really got to learn what songwriting is. I got to dig into catalogs of people like Chris Stapleton, and Lee Thomas Miller, and Chris DuBois, and all of these amazing people. I really learned what the bar was for what songs needed to be.”

Eventually, Porter graduated college in 2020, with one goal in mind: to be a country music artist. After turning down one publishing deal, in December of 2020, she finally found a home with with Jody Williams Songs, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music and signed her publishing deal.

Today:

Flash forward to present day, Porter is creating music that speaks to where she is at in her life currently. Heavily influenced by the females of her past, as well as, Laurel Canyon country music from the likes of artists like The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, Porter’s sound has evolved into a more folk-inspired country sound. “Part of my journey over the last year and a half was accepting that, and being honest about that in my music, and not continuing to do pop-country music.”

Her latest single, “Speaking of Georgia” is one of her best to date. The song was inspired by the bittersweet moments of the past that have a way of coming back up. “Around the same time my high school sweetheart had just gotten engaged, and it was definitely a nod of agreement that we were both where we needed to be and that was not together. It was kind of bittersweet, as it is when anyone’s first love moves on officially like that,” she shared about the writing experience. “I think that the win of writing “Speaking Of Georgia,” was keeping it as an open thought of ‘you’ve been on my mind, but I’m not going to do anything about it, and I don’t want to change anything about my life.’”

More songs like “Speaking of Georgia” are coming sooner rather than later. Porter shared that she has a project in the work titled Grown, which is slated for release in Spring of 2024. “It is all around these themes of coming of age and self-acceptance, and empowerment, and the freedom that comes along with figuring out more of who you are and not apologizing for it. And wanting to be loved authentically and understanding that that means that you have to give people the chance to actually know who you are for them to accept you for who you are.”

As we all wait patiently for music, make sure to catch Porter on the road. Head to her website for a full list of 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 Peytan Porter releases.

To keep up with Peytan Porter, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Peytan Porter’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.

Riley Green: ‘Ain’t My Last Rodeo’ Album Review

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Riley Green’s brand new album, Ain’t My Last Rodeo is out now, October 13th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Best known for his no-nonsense brand of straightforward country, Riley Green is back with his sophomore album, Ain’t My Last Rodeo, out now. For the Alabama native, the album marks his first full-length since 2019’s Different ‘Round Here and the follow up to 2021’s Behind the Bar EP.

Green co-wrote all but one song on the LP, an album-opening cover of Tim McGraw’s 2015 ballad, “Damn Country Music,” which chronicles the sacrifices made in pursuit of a dream. While maybe not written by Green, the track fits in perfectly here, as he finds himself battling with his dreams and demons, while remaining true to himself.

“I was fortunate enough to grow up within about three miles of my grandparents, so they were a huge part of my growing up and who I am—and this album is a lot of who I am,” shares the BMLG Records artist. “This is really the first time I was able to really take my time, write and record songs that really felt like a cohesive album—I’m really proud of it and want to thank the fans for all of their encouragement—I hope y’all enjoy it.”

Throughout Ain’t My Last Rodeo, Green stays true to who he is as an artist, producing solid, straight-shooting country songs. “My Last Rodeo” is an immediate standout, telling listeners everything they need to know about Green. The singer-songwriter penned the poignant and heartfelt track solo following one of his last conversations with his late grandfather.

“This ain’t my last rodeo // No it’s just time for this old man to get this show on the road // When life throws you off your saddle // Don’t mean you lost the battle // Just climb back up and turn another rope // The good Lord might want to call this cowboy home // But this ain’t my last rodeo”

Green’s country boy sensibilities are a common theme of the album, weaving through tracks like “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That No More,” “Ain’t Like I Can Hide It,” and “Raised Up Right.”

On “They Don’t Make ‘Em,” he laments how things were better in the olden days, proclaiming, “And this worn out pair of boots that my daddy wore, Well, they don’t make ’em like that no more.” Meanwhile, “Raised Up Right” is a catchy midtempo that extolls the values with which he was brought up. “Raised up right like my Momma’s hands in Sunday mornin’ church // Raised up right like my Daddy’s can of beer right after work // Like the flag over the court house every mornin’ at sunrise // I was raised up right.”

The collaborations on the LP follow similar suit, with Luke Combs lending his voice to a reimagined take on “Different ‘Round Here” and Jelly Roll appearing on “Copenhagen in a Cadillac.” While the latter is a clever ode to a “down home boy with some uptown stuff,” the former offers another poignant moment. The track, which originally appeared as a solo on his 2019 album, was re-recorded with Combs after the two toured together.

“Ever since we originally released the song a few years ago, we have seen so many military families, athletes, and hard-working everyday people use the song in their own videos,” Green explained in a recent press release. “It has also been one of those songs that proud hometown fans sing along to the loudest, night after night,” he continued. “While up in Canada with Luke at the end of last year, we saw the same thing and it felt right re-releasing it together.”

Lyrically, songs like “Damn Good Day to Leave,” “Workin’ On Me,” and “Mississippi or Me?” are standouts, Green showing that he’s adept with a clever turn of phrase. On the slide-guitar laden, “Damn Good Day to Leave,” his tongue is firmly planted in his cheek as he mourns the loss of a relationship, musing, “”I hate to see you go, but if you ask me, you picked a damn good day to leave.”

The album ends with “Ain’t My Damn to Give,” which includes an unexpectedly welcomed and bluesy harmonica as Green laments over a lost love. On the sparse ballad, he wrestles with a broken heart, admitting that he’d bring her right back if he could. “And I’d drive them comeback miles, Back to me if I could, If I could find the will and want to for you, Girl you know I would,” He sings, voice full of emotion. “If I could change your made-up mind, If I could put words on your lips, I’d say I’d still do for you girl just like I did, But that ain’t my damn to give.”

On Ain’t My Last Rodeo, Riley Green blends his roots with clever lyrics, showing off his solid vocals, unique songwriting, and straightforward country melodies that are sure to solidify his place as one of the genre’s rising stars.

Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tracklist:

  1. Damn Country Music  (Jessi Alexander, Cary Barlowe, Josh Thompson)
  2. They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That No More (Riley Green, Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo)
  3. Mississippi Or Me (Riley Green, Tyler Reeve, Josh Thompson)
  4. Different ‘Round Here (featuring Luke Combs) (Riley Green, Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton)
  5. Ain’t Like I Can Hide It (Riley Green, Chris Dubois, Bobby Pinson)
  6. Copenhagen In A Cadillac (featuring Jelly Roll) (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin)
  7. Damn Good Day To Leave (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Jonathan Singleton, Nick Walsh)
  8. My Last Rodeo (Riley Green)
  9. Workin’ On Me (Riley Green, Rhett Akins, Randy Montana)
  10. Raised Up Right (Riley Green, Jeremy Bussey, Chris Dubois, Lynn Hutton)
  11. God Made a Good Ol’ Boy (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin, Jonathan Singleton)
  12. Ain’t My Damn To Give (Riley Green, Tucker Beathard, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Different ‘Round Here
  2. Raised Up Right
  3. My Last Rodeo
  4. Damn Good Day to Leave

Riley-green-album

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

Green will hit the road next year on his Ain’t My Last Rodeo tour. Tour dates and more can be found here.

To keep up with Riley Green, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Ain’t My Last Rodeo 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.