Thomas Rhett Releases Deluxe Version of ‘Life Changes’

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Thomas Rhett releases deluxe version of 'Life Changes'

Thomas Rhett, ‘Life Changes Deluxe Version’

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of his platinum-selling album Life Changes, country superstar Thomas Rhett, has released a deluxe version of the record. This time, with three brand new songs: “Country Gold,” “Cardboard Heart” and “When We’re 80.”

The digital version also includes two different remixes of “Leave Right Now” and the radio edit versions with updated lyrics of both  “Leave Right Now” and his latest number one single “Life Changes.” In a recent press release regarding “Life Changes”, Rhett said, “This was the song that inspired the name of the album, and is so special for me because it’s my family’s story. It’s amazing that so many people have also been able to connect it to their own stories.”

The singer-songwriter scored four number ones from this album, since it’s release on September 8th, 2017. Including the title track, along with “Craving You,” “Unforgettable” and “Marry Me”.

Co-written by Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure and Rhett Akins, the added song “Country Gold” on the new deluxe album is an upbeat anthem about Rhett partying down south with some friends.

“Ain’t no gate code, just hop that fence / Ain’t no dress code, baby, come on in / Just pour your worries on Sonic ice / And we gon’ get you feelin’ alright / Got that country gold comin’ out of your radio / A little more funk at the end of your gravel road / Ain’t tryin’ to brag, but we got it all figured out / That’s how we do it in the dirty south,” Rhett sings in the chorus.

The next addition, “Cardboard Heart,” co-penned by Jesse Frasure, Rhett Akins and Sean Douglas, is an up-tempo heartbreak song.

Sometimes I wish I had a cardboard heart / It wouldn’t hurt me when you tore it apart / And movin’ on wouldn’t be so dang hard / If I only, if I only had a cardboard heart / Fold it up, I could just fold it up and move on

The final new song, “When We’re 80,” co-composed by Jesse Frasure, John Osborne and Shane McAnally, is a TR-fashioned love song about his relationship when he and his wife, Lauren are 80-years-old.

Rhett sings, “Tell me it’ll always be this way / You’ll be even more beautiful when you’re gray and crazy / We’ll still kiss and we might cuss / Just tell me that we’ll still be us when we’re 80.”

Rhett is up for three 2018 CMA Awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and Music Video of the year for “Marry Me.” He also received two American Music Award nominations, including Favorite Male Artist – Country and Favorite Album – Country for Life Changes.

Life Changes (Deluxe Version) is now available everywhere you stream or buy music.

 

 

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Jillian Jacqueline Releases Visually Stunning “Sad Girls” Video

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Jillian Jacqueline Sad Girls Video

Photo by: Susan Berry

Big Loud Records’, Jillian Jacqueline, has released the visually stunning one-take music video for “Sad Girls”. The track is one of six songs from her latest EP, Side B. Co-written with Lori McKenna and Tofer Brown, the heartbreaking ballad uses metaphors to portray an agonizing, elongated relationship Jacqueline felt stuck in.

“When I wrote this song, the imagery I had pictured was definitely a rainy city street at midnight” Jacqueline revealed in an exclusive interview with The Fader. “When I came to my longtime collaborator and friend Patrick Tracy to direct this, we both gravitated towards the visuals of a soft romantic image we had seen of 1970s models in a field of flowers” she continued.

Beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, the video developed into exactly that. Styled in a gorgeous sundress, it begins with Jacqueline in a field of green grass and flowers, strumming along to her acoustic guitar. Once the chorus hits, the singer-songwriter is seen singing and walking along to the ballad.

“It’s the first time I’ve shot something quite so ethereal in nature and I think it fits the song beautifully,” shared Jacqueline.

Jacqueline was named as one of New York Country Swag’s 2018 Artists to Watch, before highlighting her story in our Swag Spotlight of the Week feature back in January. Currently, she is gearing up to support country superstar Kip Moore on his fall leg of the ‘After The Sunburn Tour’.

To keep up with Jacqueline, visit jillianjacqueline.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

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New Music Friday – The Playlist 9/21

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This Friday, Maggie Rose released a new album, Change The Whole World, as well as a new self-titled EP from Tyler Rich. We also see new singles from Billy Currington, Jimmie Allen, Randy Houser, Walker McGuire and Lindsay Ell. Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday.

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NYCS First Impression: Maggie Rose ‘Change The Whole Thing’

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Maggie Rose "Change The Whole Thing"

Maggie Rose “Change The Whole Thing”

Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose released her highly anticipated album, Change The Whole Thing today (Sept. 21).

Standing proud in her edgy album artwork, she strays away from the average country music front image. Her black and silver sparkle top infused with matching eyeshadow and backdrop set the mood for the entire album. Stamped with her affinity for finely crafted melodies, a blend of sounds, and complex storytelling, the project includes a variety of all types of music including American music melding Rock, Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Country and Gospel. While the album encompasses a plethora of sounds, they all come together very cohesively for an unforgettable group of songs.

Having being told there is something about her voice live, Rose set out to find out what exactly that was. The powerhouse vocalist nailed it down and recorded the songs for her newest project live in one take with her 13-piece “family band” at Starstruck Studios in Nashville, TN. “No one puts albums out like this” Rose said in her video for the album. To have a full live set of songs is something unique nowadays. The full-length LP features 12 songs, 12 live music videos, a 60-minute documentary.

The title track of the album “Change The Whole Thing” is about watching someone put their heart through hell although the song’s lyrics have a meaning as well. Listeners can embrace the chorus in the context of changing the world around them a little at a time.

The world wasn’t broken in a day/ It ain’t gotta stay this way forever/
But you ain’t got to change the whole damn thing/ You just have to leave it a little better /

Between her song “Do Right By My Love”, the first track off the album that has a bluesy feel, and “Hey Blondie”, with a Footloose vibe, the album gives fans a variety of beats to jam along to. The most diverse song on the album, “Smooth”, offers fans a rhythm and blues theme that transports you back to old New Orleans.

Maggie Rose just embarked on her “Change the Whole Thing” tour and will play shows through December. New Yorkers can see her on tour November 19th at Rockwood Music Hall. For additional tour dates and more information, visit maggierosemusic.com

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NYCS First Impression: Tyler Rich Releases Self-Titled Debut EP

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Tyler Rich Releases Self-Titled Debut EP

Tyler Rich Releases Self-Titled Debut EP

The Valory Music Co. recording artist Tyler Rich has released his highly anticipated self-titled debut EP, available everywhere today. The project features four tracks including his breakout single “The Difference” and advance single “11:11”.

“I’m beyond ecstatic to finally get my debut EP out to the world after all of the time we spent writing and creating!” shared Rich in a recent press release. “I believe these first few songs really show who I am as an artist and what fans can expect out on the road.”

The rising star took to Instagram Live just after midnight on Thursday evening, to chat about the new music. To celebrate, Rich said he was drinking pumpkin beer and gearing up to watch American Horror Story with a few buddies nearby and a man’s best friend by his side, his dog Abby. Rich answered questions from fans on Instagram before grabbing his guitar and singing a few clips of each song.

The leading single from the EP and SiriusXM The Highway No.1 hit “The Difference”, was released earlier this year and is currently sitting at #35 on Billboard Country Airplay. The catchy song marks Rich’s introduction to country music fans and country radio. While Rhett Akins, Ben Burgess, Devin Dawson and Jacob Durrett penned the track, Rich was immediately connected to it’s lyrics and beach-like, California vibe. After learning that fellow Cali-native, Devin Dawson was a co-writer on the track, Rich knew that the song was meant to be for him.

“Despite what some may say, people are always looking for that one person who is going to change their life. They are looking for a person that’s going to be the difference and I felt like it was a song people needed to hear,” Rich explains in an exclusive live interview with NYCountry Swag seen in the video above.

As “The Difference” continued to climb the charts, Rich released the second single from the EP, “11:11” back in June, giving fans another taste of what’s to come. “11:11” marks one of the last songs that the famed songwriter Andrew Dorff co-wrote [along with Jon Nite and Lindsay Rimes] before he passed away suddenly in 2016.

“11:11” puts a twist on the common idea that people make a wish when the clock hits those mirrored double digits. For someone going through a break-up, that time could be a painful reminder of the person they wished they still had. The lyrics are honest and vulnerable, making it a relatable post-breakup song.

It’s 11:11 and I can’t help make a wish / I wish you wouldn’t have left, no, not the way that you did / 
Why the hell did I say things that I didn’t mean / Why didn’t I say you were everything, everything

With the release of the EP, comes two brand new songs, “Adrenaline” and “Take It Or Leave It”. Both of which, Rich co-wrote. “Take It Or Leave It” tells the story of giving the other person the reigns in deciding whether to pursue the next steps towards a relationship.

Girl, there’s no pressure, it’s just whatever you want / I’ll be right here waitin’ / 
With my mind racin’ / Either way, babe, it’s your call

“Adrenaline” is about finally getting over a lost love, when the right person comes along. The lyrics flow into each other navigating the feelings of a new love interest giving you that extra rush adrenaline-like feeling.

Your kiss is makin’ me feel again / Those lips are stronger than medicine
I’m fallin’, I’m all in / You brought me back to life / More alive than I’ve ever been

Overall, the EP is one that country fans can easily keep on repeat. Rich’s charismatic personality in his live shows and distinctive vocals make him a promising act to follow. No official announcement has been made regarding a full-length album, but Rich has teased at the idea that fans might see something in early Spring 2019.

Rich makes his Opry debut next week before joining fellow Californian, Brett Young on the road for his headlining “CMT On Tour: Here Tonight” Tour. The show stops in NYC this December making it one of the hottest tickets for New York country music fans this winter. For more dates and ticket information, visit tylerrich.com.

TYLER RICH EP TRACK LIST:
1. “The Difference” | Written by Rhett Akins, Ben Burgess, Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett
2. “Adrenaline” | Written by Tyler Rich, Jordan Baum, Johan Lindbrandt, Michael McNamara
3. “11:11” | Written by Andrew Dorff, Jon Nite, Lindsay Rimes
4.“Take It Or Leave It” | Written by Tyler Rich, Jaron Boyer, Ben Stennis

 

 

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Hunter Hayes Premieres “One Shot” Animated Music Video

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Country superstar, Hunter Hayes becomes a cartoon character in his new animated music video for his third single of 2018, “One Shot.”

Penned by Hayes himself, this upbeat record entails how a night out with some alcohol can go from enjoyable to embarrassing after having one too many. The amusing and imaginative video paints that picture quite well.

“I started with one shot / To have a good time / Everybody knows how easy one can turn into five,” sings Hayes in the chorus.

In an exclusive quote for Billboard, Hayes explained, “I really wanted the video to portray the humor in looking back at some of my most embarrassing moments and highlighting the fact that it’s really okay to not take yourself so seriously.”

The entertaining music video follows Hayes’ character on a night after night drunken downward spiral until he receives a series of text messages from his manager saying, “Double H, I got u. ONE MORE SHOT.. Meet at the label in 15 minutes. Don’t blow this.” Hayes’ character immediately pulls himself together and hops on his pet llama to his meeting.

Differing from the animated video, earlier this month, Hayes released a vertical music video exclusively for Spotify, which followed him down a street in Nashville singing along to “One Shot.” The singer-songwriter high-fived, danced and took a shot with a few strangers before heading into a bar.

In addition to these two videos, Hayes recently began a mini-series on his YouTube channel, titled “#NoFilter.” #NoFilter is a “to tell the truth” style drinking game in which Hayes features different special guests in each episode who takes turns with the Grammy award-winning singer, presenting statements that the other must determine as true or false. A wrong guess results in the guesser having to take – you guessed it – “One Shot.” The first episode featured Hayes’ friend and fellow singer-songwriter, Dave Barnes. Featured in the second episode, was Stoney Creek Record’s rising country artist, Lindsay Ell.

Hayes even began a secondary series from #NoFilter, titled “One Shot at a Time”, to show his fans how to throw a party, how to entertain guests and choose the right playlists, but most importantly, how to make his favorite drinks.

To keep up with Hayes and future announcements, visit hunterhayes.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Kane Brown Releases Emotional Video For “Homesick”

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Platinum-selling country star, Kane Brown, surprised fans with an emotional yet heartwarming music video for “Homesick”. The track serves as his third single from his forthcoming sophomore album, Experiment.

Co-written by Brock Berryhill, Matt McGinn and Taylor Phillips, Brown finds himself yearning for the comforts of that one person who is home to him on this record.

I’m homesick / This feeling that I’m feeling, no it don’t quit / It’s like half of me is missing / Heaven knows it / That all I wanna do is be alone with / Your brown eyes, just tangled up and holding / Only you tonight until the morning / Baby, that’s the damn truth / If home is where the heart is, I’m homesick for you

The heartening video opens with a special message that reads: “This video is dedicated to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thank you California National Guard and to those who submitted their personal videos.” He shows his thanks in the beginning and end of the video by greeting and shaking hands with multiple soldiers at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, Southern California.

In between the personal and sentimental clips shown of troops reuniting with family members and loved ones, Brown performs “Homesick” at the same training base, accompanied by two acoustic guitarists.

This song is yet another taste of the singer-songwriter’s upcoming sophomore album, along with previously released songs, “Weekend” and the summer hit “Lose it,” which currently resides in the top 20 on the country radio charts.

Brown recently topped the country nominations for the 2018 American Music Awards which airs live on October 9th at 8PM ET on ABC. He received nominations for Favorite Male Artist – Country, Favorite Song – Country for his double platinum-certified number one smash “Heaven”, along with Favorite Album – Country for his platinum-certified multi-week number one self-titled debut release.

Experiment is available for pre-order right now and is set to release on November 9th. Brown will head out on his headlining ‘Live Forever Tour’ this Winter with special guests Granger Smith, RaeLynn, Danielle Bradberry and Jimmie Allen. Visit kanebrownmusic.com for more information.

Check out our Hero Collection, which like Brown’s video, is inspired by the men and women of the Military, Fire & Police Departments across the country. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice. A portion of sales from each purchase in this collection is donated to different foundations each month that support our heroes.

 

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[Watch] Lady Antebellum Perform ‘Hurt’ on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’

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Lady Antebellum on Late Night with Seth Meyers

Photo by Lloyd Bishop/NBC

Seven-time Grammy award-winning trio, Lady Antebellum returned to Late Night with Seth Meyers last night, performing an emotional rendition of “Hurt” off their number one selling album, Heart Break. This was the group’s first major television appearance since signing with their new label, Big Machine Label Group.

Written by Ben West, Jon Green and Melissa Peirce, “Hurt” is one of only two songs on Heart Break that the trio did not personally pen. In a mini docuseries featured on the band’s Facebook page titled “Heart Break Stories,” they shared how this record came to be the “dark horse” of the album.

“There was a song Charles brought back up that we’d been pitched in the past and I remember hearing it maybe a year ago,” recalls the trio’s Dave Haywood. “We tried it a couple of different ways. At first I was singing the song and it just felt like it didn’t have quite as much vulnerability” added co-lead vocalist Charles Kelley. It wasn’t until the group’s producer, Busbee, combined a selection of string instruments to draw out the song’s true emotion that the trio knew this song was fit for their seventh studio album.

Hillary Scott, lead vocalist, emphasized how emotional this record is for her to sing. Sharing the meaning of “Hurt”, Scott said, “Those moments of when you’re in a relationship a little bit more than the other person was and how hurtful that is.”

While warming up for their Late Night performance backstage, the group shared a video on Instagram of the preparation in their dressing room, rehearsing “Hurt” while Scott was in the hair and makeup chair with Kelley and Haywood on the couch.

Closing out the show, Seth Meyers introduced the performance, “Tonight’s musical guests are a seven-time Grammy winning trio and a 2018 CMA Vocal Group of the Year nominee. Performing “Hurt,” please welcome to the show Lady Antebellum.” Backed by two electric guitars, bass, drums, piano, a cello and Haywood on acoustic guitar, Scott and Kelley stunned with their vocals.

Over the course of their career, Lady Antebellum has accumulated more than 18 million album units and nine #1 hits to their name, both ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors.

Their co-headlining ‘Summer Plays On Tour’ with Darius Rucker hit New York this past summer. Check out our recap of the high-energy show here. The tour wraps up this fall. For dates and more information, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

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Ben Danaher Captivates Fans at NYC’s Rockwood Music Hall

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Ben Danaher

Photo by NYCountry Swag

Wednesday night (Sept 19) in downtown Manhattan, guests at Rockwood Music Hall had the pleasure of listening to singer-songwriter, Ben Danaher perform all 11 tracks from his debut album Still Feel Lucky (Check out our First Impression review of the album here). The intimate venue was the perfect setting for the singer’s heartfelt vibe.

Danaher is a musician who relies on raw talent and honest lyrics, reminding listeners of the importance of this type of artistry in country music. Strapped with an acoustic guitar, the singer began his set with his track, “Hell or High Water”, co-written by country superstar Maren Morris. As he progressed with his music, more fans sat down to listen to his set, and of course, the stories behind his lyrics that the singer shared in between songs.

Prior to singing his title track, “Still Feel Lucky,” Danaher shared a story with the audience about living with his grandmother in Vermont after a series of familial tragedies and difficulty fitting into the Nashville music scene.

“Everyday she [his grandmother] would talk about how lucky she was. When I got back to Nashville, I had to do a new way of thinking, at least for this song.” After the heartfelt performance, the “Still Feel Lucky” singer laughed, stating “That was the fastest, happiest song I got.. It all goes down hill from here.” Ironically, the night only got better as Danaher appeared more and more comfortable on stage and interacting with the audience.

The night was filled with memorable moments, including the artist discussing his most prized possession, his 12 passenger van named Carl. As well as his first trip to NYC; however, one of the more poignant moments of the night was when the singer-songwriter opened his heart to fans, sharing the song he wrote for his young niece, after her father was tragically taken from her. The singer wanted his niece to know that she wasn’t alone in missing someone.

“I was kinda kicking around in Nashville, playing songs for people that were too sad. I took it as a reason that I wasn’t fitting in with country music, which is weird that sad music isn’t country music anymore. I thought that was the point. After my brother passed away, I didn’t want my niece to feel that it wasn’t okay,” he explained just before singing “Everyone’s Getting Over Someone.”

Danaher ended his Rockwood set with a brand new unreleased song, “The Apple and The Tree,” and left the show with many brand new fans in his corner. For future tour dates and more information, visit bendanaher.com.

 

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Reba McEntire Inducts Dustin Lynch into Grand Ole Opry

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Dustin Lynch Opry Induction

Photo Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry, LLC / Chris Hollo, Photographer

Tuesday night (Sept. 18), platinum-selling Broken Bow Records star Dustin Lynch stepped into the famed wooden circle of the Grand Ole Opry for what would be the night he was inducted into the family. After singing a few of his hit songs, iconic entertainer and Opry member Reba McEntire surprised the singer onstage to induct him as the Grand Ole Opry’s newest member.

Back in August, Trace Adkins surprised Lynch with the exclusive invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. McEntire welcoming Lynch as an official member came as a complete surprise to the “Good Girl” singer. Clearly shocked and emotional, Lynch thanked his friends, family, bandmates and everyone who plays a part in his career. He later shared, “I wouldn’t have wanted to be inducted by anyone else … Reba’s the top of my list. She could have been anywhere in the world today and chose to be here. That means so much to me.”

Dustin Lynch & Reba McEntire, Opry Induction

Photo Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry, LLC / Chris Hollo, Photographer

Lynch made his Opry debut back on March 2, 2012, singing his breakthrough hit “Cowboys and Angels” from his self-titled debut album. The track later went platinum-certified.  Since then, Lynch has racked up five more platinum or gold #1 singles (“Where It’s At,” “Hell of a Night,” “Mind Reader,” “Seein’ Red” and “Small Town Boy”) and three Top 5 Country albums (Dustin Lynch, Where It’s At and Current Mood).

Aside from the Opry induction and the surprise of Reba McEntire, even more good news was in store for Lynch on his special night. Backstage, BBR Music Group Executive Vice President Jon Loba stepped up to surprise the star with a special commemorative plaque certifying over 1 billion digital streams throughout the course of his career.

Meanwhile, Lynch’s energetic current single “Good Girl” is making its way up the Country radio charts, and its action-packed video is live now. Up next for Lynch is a high-profile performance at the all-genre iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, NV, on Saturday (Sept. 22), and he’ll team up with Cole Swindell and special guest Lauren Alaina for the “Reason To Drink… Another Tour” beginning October 4 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

For tour dates and more information visit DustinLynchMusic.com.

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