Exclusive Interview: Walker Hayes Chats About “90’s Country”

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Walker Hayes 90's Country

Walker Hayes has released his newest single “90’s Country” which marries his progressive and modern twist on the genre with twenty-two classic songs that have influenced the singer-songwriter and most country fans from an era of music that will never grow old. In a recent chat with New York Country Swag, Hayes lets us in on the decision to drop “90’s Country” as well as the writing process that took place with critically acclaimed songwriter and producer Shane McAnally and LYRX.

The most interesting part of the idea behind “90’s Country” is the duality of meaning it brings to the fans across the country and specifically here in New York.  On one hand, fans of country music who grew up listening to Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Joe Diffie, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain and all of the other artists referenced in the track, there is a wave of nostalgia that runs over you.  For New Yorkers and fans who live in New York, country music hasn’t always been accessible to us.  For seventeen years the New York and the metro area did not have a radio station playing current country music, so in order to keep up with what was popular in the country music world, prior to streaming and Spotify, you had to go out and buy CDs.  For many fans especially the younger generation of New York country fans, they are hearing these references for the very first time, possibly now choosing to seek out the generation of country music that is so revered everywhere else around America.

Piecing together songs of the past while still creating an entirely new song is no easy task and Hayes explains it was written over months of texts and arguments back and forth. On his debut album boom. each track was authentic to his story, sometimes dark and always personal so when it came to “90’s Country” he was experimenting with a new side of songwriting. “It was such a unique song for me because most of my stuff, actually, 100% of my stuff is personal experience, I just dredge for feelings and emotions and thoughts and details from the emotion that is inside of me and that is the vocabulary I am allowed to use, otherwise I feel like if I select stuff outside of my experience the song begins to become too written,” he explains.  But after releasing “Craig” which although it is an inspiring, real story, it is heavy, he felt he wanted to give his fans something lighter, something different. “I told my team I just want to put out something fun, infectious and when it’s over you have to press rewind and something you want to learn the words too.”

It wasn’t until 2004 when Hayes decided to pursue a music career and to make it his full-time job, therefore, he was able to grow up with music, soak it all in without dealing with the politics and business that come along with making the career choice. “I was able to be a teenager and experience all of those firsts with music constantly in my life, but not yet a business or a dream, because those 90’s country songs influenced me so much without me even knowing,” he tells us.  “Looking back now as someone who writes every day for a living to provide for my family, it’s incredible to look back and realize I was in 7th grade listening to and experiencing deep lyrics like Tim McGraw’s “Don’t Take the Girl”,  and I was just loving it, pressing repeat. Who knew 20 years down the road I would be hopefully writing songs that people would be doing the same thing to in the car.”

Although the process of writing this song took a long time he is thrilled with the finished product. “It maintains my musical perspective while at the same time, throwing it back to my favorite songs,” he explains.  “I’ve been so happy with the reaction it was really tedious but also therapeutic, it was like we put a puzzle together. I feel like this was a good move for me, it sets up a new album and new music in general. We are really glad we spent all of the time we did on it.”

Hayes will join Old Dominion on their Happy Endings Fall Tour which heads overseas stopping in Dublin and the UK for several dates. “I am really looking forward to going back because they are such a unique listener over there, they are very attentive,” he tells us. “They listen to full-length albums they love the material, which is an artists dream.”

Hayes joined us for a Live Swag Session back in April. He returns to New York City this October and country fans can grab tickets to his headlining show at Mercury Lounge on October 9th before he heads overseas.

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NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Ashlyn Grayce

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Ashlyn Grayce

Photo Credit: Bev Moser

Ashlyn Grayce grew up in Nashville, Tennesee and was surrounded by music from the day she was born.  In a recent phone interview, Grayce explained her backstory and how growing up in Music City shaped her career and her goals for her life.  Her parents who were originally from New York and Georgia met singing at The Grand Ole Opry, talk about an incredible story to tell the grandkids.  They both worked in the music industry for all of her childhood, allowing her to be immersed in the culture and business of music.  “I have a picture and I think I was 5 years old and Alan Jackson is holding me on the stage at CMAFest,” she recalls.  “Music has always been a major part of my life.”

Learning how to play guitar and starting to write songs when she was a young teenager, Grayce explains how important it was to her to have the guidance from her parents on this journey. “My parents were always supportive, they know all of the ins and outs and truly understand it and they are able to help me and give me that support.”  Her father was a huge fan of Dolly Parton while her mother always listened to Shania Twain, and growing up she would look up to artists like Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, shaping the type of artist she was going to be one day.

When we discuss who she is listening to now, Grayce says, “One of my top favorite artists right now is Devin Dawson.  I think he is such an amazing songwriter and performer, I can’t really pick one or two top favorites because it’s so neat to see how every artist is so different and puts their spin on the music industry. Everyone is just so talented here, and they really connect with the listeners.”

 

Her current EP, Somethin’ ‘Bout A Song debuted at #4 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart and also appeared on the iTunes Bestseller list. The compilation of songs, all co-written by Grayce are a personal look into the singer’s life, touching on heartbreak, finding love and even the feeling of losing your childhood home. “I just feel like those songs really showcase who I am, I felt that it was kind of well rounded,” she explained.  “I felt like it touched on every aspect of my life.” She is proud to be a role model to young girls growing up and listening to her music, allowing herself to be vulnerable and get very personal when releasing songs to the public to hear.

Looking forward, Grayce just got married and is looking forward to continuing to play shows in Nashville as well as songwriter festivals and is constantly in the writing room working on new material.  Be sure to follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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What We’re Listening To: September Picks

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We recently welcomed a team of writers to the NYCountry Swag Squad. With that, we’re excited to share a new monthly feature with our “What We’re Listening To” playlist, where we’re highlighting 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 September picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

SEPTEMBER PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Prayed For You” – Matt Stell
Songwriters: Matt Stell / Allison Velos / Ash Bowers

It’s funny how music hits you. Sometimes you listen to a song just because you want to, sometimes a friend tells you to listen, and sometimes a song randomly comes on and stops you in your tracks. That was the case for me with Matt Stell’s “Prayed For You” who also joined us for a Live Swag Session to play the song. The beautiful track evokes the idea of praying for that special person that you just know is your soulmate before ever even meeting them. “Every single day, before I knew your name / I couldn’t see your face, but I prayed for you.”  

Holding on to the faith that your one true love is out there, the hopeful love song goes on to paint a picture of the characteristics in the heart’s desire: “For Someone to love me like you do / Graceful eyes to see me through / A smile that steals me, a heart that heals me / A touch that kills me too”.

Whether single or a couple in love, the lyrics are relatable and meaningful, making this one of the best love songs in country music right now.

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Better On Paper” – Brett Sheroky
Songwriters: Andrew Peebles / Brett Sheroky

“Songwriter turned artist, Brett Sheroky released his latest single “Better On Paper” earlier this summer and the song stopped me in my tracks at first listen. This song is not primed for radio nor will you hear it blaring from speakers as you walk to the venue at a concert during a tailgate but for anyone who has dealt with the disintegration of a relationship, these lyrics will hit you harder than you can imagine. “Better On Paper” refers to the pictures you look back on, the post-it notes that served as love letters and ultimately the divorce papers that have to be signed.

“Oh here we are, the end of us is all typed out in ink / I never thought it’d get to where we couldn’t even speak,  it’s hard to believe / the worst of us would wind right here later, better on paper, a couple of strangers, just better on paper.”

I can’t help but hope that more songwriters take a note from Sheroky and write songs that mean something rather than chasing the commercial dream.  Check back tomorrow when New York Country Swag exclusively premieres the video for “Better On Paper”. “

 

Kelly Cunningham, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Here Tonight” – Brett Young
Songwriters: Ben Caver, Brett Young, Charles Kelley, Justin Ebach

“The song just dropped last weekend, but Brett Young’s been playing “Here Tonight” on the road this past month and this song perfectly shapes his new album Ticket To LA, coming out in December. It has a fall vibe attached to it just in time for the season. The lyrics and upbeat tempo reflect the different place he is in life right now in contrast to his last album. His self-titled album Brett Young was more about heartbreak and love gone wrong and now his new album, Ticket To LA, is giving us a more “life is good” side of Brett’s music.”

 

Crystal Fenton, Contributing Writer

Pick: “First Time Again” – Jason Aldean feat. Kelsea Ballerini
Songwriters: Blake Bollinger, Jaron Boyer, Ben Stennis, and Michael Tyler

“Lately, I’ve been listening to First Time Again on repeat. This song tears at my heart; I especially love/cry when you can actually hear the twinge of despair in her voice when she sings “Begging baby please just stay”. Also, I can relate to pretty much every lyric line in this song, as I’ve had a similar experience. Plus, it’s been rainy here in NYC making it the perfect weather to listen to a song where the emotion really resonates through each word.”

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “One Shot” – Molly Holmberg
Songwriters: Hunter Hayes

“Hunter Hayes has been out of the scene the last few years focusing on songwriting while playing a few shows here and there. Although in the last two months Hayes has come back full swing with honest lyrics and a vulnerable side that we’ve been waiting for. In the new track “One Shot,” it’s clear that Hayes is having a blast. Musically, he blends the new and old, incorporating elements of pop, country, and even a bit of jazz making “One Shot” feel like the total package. In the chorus of “One Shot,” Hayes sings about something that most people can relate to: “I started with one shot / To have a good time / Everybody knows how easy one can turn into five / Don’t judge me, ’cause it ain’t nobody’s life but mine / And I only get one shot / So I take it one shot at a time.”

We all know how easy it can be to keep going along with the motions while having a great time with friends! It’s fun, infectious, yet also conveys a solid message at the same time.  Hayes delivers all around with his amazing singing, songwriting, production, and with his charismatic personality. It is the perfect upbeat song to add to any playlist and I know that my friends and I have been playing it since the moment it came out!”

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Bittersweet” – Paul Brandt featuring Lindsay Ell
Songwriters: Ben Stennis, Brad Rempel, Paul Brandt, Seth Mosley

“Although I’ve heard the name Paul Brandt thrown around for years, I only recently discovered his music. The Canadian artist has a huge catalog of phenomenal songs, including “My Heart Has a History” and “All About Her,” but it’s his newest release, “Bittersweet” that I can’t stop listening to. Featuring fellow Canadian Lindsay Ell on electric guitar and co-written with High Valley’s Brad Rempel, “Bittersweet” is an up-tempo country song that you can’t help but tap your feet to. The lyrics touch on life and the moments that you don’t want to forget, but that are bound to only become bittersweet memories. “From the moment to memories, this life is bittersweet,” Brandt sings, and I couldn’t agree more. “We’re living and dying and laughing and crying, and finding the beauty between.” If you haven’t heard Paul Brandt’s music just yet, I highly recommend “Bittersweet” as the gateway into his vast catalog.”

Pick: “Miss Me More” – Kelsea Ballerini
Songwriters: Brett McLaughlin, David Hodges, Kelsea Ballerini

“Last weekend I saw Kelsea Ballerini on the Graffiti U World Tour at Mohegan Sun. Since then her song, “Miss Me More,” has been stuck in my head on repeat; naturally, I had to choose it as my September pick. It’s one of my favorite songs off her sophomore album, Unapologetically, because of her sassy lyrics and ear-catching beat.

“I miss me more / I miss my own beat of my own snare drum / I miss my own sheets in the bed I made up / I forgot I had dreams, I forgot I had wings / Forgot who I was before I ever kissed you / I thought I’d miss you, but I miss me more,”

At the show I couldn’t help myself, shouting at the top of my lungs, singing the lyrics right back to her and of course dancing like nobody was watching. What I love about Ballerini is how relatable her music is and this song, in particular, she sings with such confidence, belting out the lyrics. “Miss Me More” is an empowering song that every girl should listen to at least once. I can’t wait to see her again when the tour comes to the Barclays Center next month!”

 

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Tragic” – Jillian Jacqueline
Songwriters: Andrew DeRoberts, Bob Dipiero, Jillian Jacqueline

“Back in May, I was lucky enough to see Jillian Jacqueline perform at Nash FM 94.7 Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17 where she performed a new song by introducing it as one of the few off of her next EP Side B. As soon as she sang the first chorus, I knew I NEEDED the studio version. I was counting down the days until Side B was released just for this very song. After waiting a long four months, I finally have “Tragic” on repeat. The lyrics “Bottom line, I survived. Spent all year being so dramatic. It was sad and I was lonely, but I’m standing here alive in this moment, so why’s it gotta be, why’s it gotta be tragic?” are something I believe everyone should hear.”

 

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Heart Like A Wheel” – Eric Church
Songwriters: Eric Church

“One of the songs I have on repeat as of late is Eric Church’s “Heart Like A Wheel.” Church slows things down with bluesy vocals and unique flair to bring to life a romantic story about opposites attracting. Opening lyrics such as “She’s caviar and mascara, I’m corduroy and leather It’d take one hell of an imagination to ever paint us together” set the tone for the gospel sounding ballad.  “Heart Like A Wheel” is almost like a seductive follow up to another fan favorite “Like A Wrecking Ball.” Give this song a listen as we look forward to Church’s new album Desperate Man which will be available out October 5th.”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Hell or High Water” – Ben Danaher
Songwriters: Ben Danaher / Maren Morris

“Earlier this month, we published a First Impression reviewing country singer Ben Danaher’s debut album, Still Feel Lucky. I really related to the entire vibe and raw emotion throughout all the tracks; however, my favorite song (right now) is “Hell or High Water” by the singer This song is such a jam! The track, co-written by country star, Maren Morris, is one of those songs that can translate across multiple genres of music. It embodies soul, country, and rock all in one. Not to mention, “Hell or High Water” features killer guitar riffs. I encourage you to go listen to Danaher’s radio-friendly tune because soon you will be loving the entire album as much as I do.”

 

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Carrie Underwood Celebrates New Album with Nash FM 94.7 at Opry City Stage

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Photo via Nash FM 94.7 Facebook

Photo via Nash FM 94.7 Facebook

Friday afternoon (Sept. 14), Country superstar Carrie Underwood celebrated the release of her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty, with an intimate performance for Nash FM 94.7’s “Up Close & Country” at Opry City Stage. 

Country fans from the New York metro area and beyond, who won their way in to the exclusive event, filled the fourth floor of the new Opry City Stage venue eagerly awaiting the special performance, which was broadcasted live on Nash FM 94.7 in New York as well as other major markets across the country.

Reigning queen of country, Carrie Underwood, took the stage after being introduced by Nash FM DJ Katie Neal to talk about the new album, the songwriting and producing process behind it and play her new music along with some of her biggest hits to date. 

After warming up the intimate crowd with “Church Bells”, Underwood thanked the audience for being there and celebrating new music with her, before playing the debut song and title track off her new album “Cry Pretty”. Check out our exclusive video of the chilling song here. 

She also played “Jesus Take The Wheel”, which in many ways is the song that started it all for her as the first single off her debut album, Some Hearts. After a powerful performance of “Love Wins”, the second single off of Cry Pretty, Underwood thanked the fans for the positive response on the track, which encourages bringing people together and to be understanding of one another. 

Photo via Nash FM 94.7 Facebook

Photo via Nash FM 94.7 Facebook

Chatting with DJ Katie Neal between songs, the two discussed Underwood’s recent conversation with Nash Nights Live’s Elaina D. Smith on her “Women Want To Hear Women” podcast in which Underwood elaborated on some of the shocking reactions she received after announcing her all-female tour lineup. 

“I feel like just normalizing things like that is definitely a step in the right direction,” she tells Neal. “Nobody thinks anything if there are three dudes going on tour together and then I get a lot of questions like ‘Oh my gosh, you’re having three females, it’s so risky, crazy thing that I’m doing and I’m like no this is just going to be a really awesome show.” 

Underwood will bring up-and-coming female artists, Maddie & Tae and Runaway June out with her on the road for her Cry Pretty 360 Tour. “They’ve all got new music out, so go check them out. They are all just really talented and strong women and I love that,” she tells the New York country fans in the audience and folks listening at home. The Cry Pretty 360 Tour comes to The Big Apple, hitting Madison Square Garden on October 2nd, 2019. 

Before ending the show with a Carrie Underwood classic, “Before He Cheats,” the country singer thanked the fans one last time. “It just feels like we’ve been working on this album for so long and I’m so excited and so excited to share it with everybody. […] it’s just been an incredible journey. I know it’s not over, because we still have obviously a great tour to do, but just Thank You from the bottom of my heart.” 

Fans can buy or stream the new album everywhere today. 

 

 

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Brett Young’s Releases “Here Tonight” & Announces New Album

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Brett Young Here Tonight

After weeks of teasing fans via his social media, with clips and sneak peaks of his new song and upcoming album, the reigning ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, Brett Young, delivers another sure to be charted single, “Here Tonight.” In the same vein as his hits, “Mercy” and “In Case You Didn’t Know,” the song evokes so much emotion that the listener can’t help but to get caught up in the heartfelt lyrics.

Co-written by Young with Ben Caver, Justin Ebach, and Charles Kelley, “Here Tonight” tells a romantic story of a man getting so caught up in falling in love that it feels like the only moment in time, wishing that it could last forever.

With that being said, “Here Tonight” is a slight departure from the singer-songwriter’s usual sound and heartbreaking lyrics. The track features both pop influences, as well as, a more uptempo, California vibe, making the single a seemingly perfect fit for the California native’s upcoming sophomore album entitled Ticket to L.A.

The artist’s sophomore record, Ticket to L.A. is slated to be released on December 7th via Big Machine Label Group. Album pre-orders are available everywhere, with an exclusive album bundle offered here. The record consists of 13 tracks, including the first single (track two), “Here Tonight.” If the newly released track tells us anything, we can expect Young to show growth both sonically and lyrically, while playing with different genres and tempos, but still delivering those heartfelt and meaningful lyrics we so desire.

Check out the lyric video and the full list of album tracks below. The entertainer will be heading out on his first headlining tour, ‘Brett Young’s CMT on Tour: Here Tonight,’ to New York City’s Playstation Theatre on December 9th, with openers Tyler Rich and Rachel Wammack. For a full list of tour dates, visit Young’s website.

Ticket to L.A Track List:

  1. Ticket to L.A.
  2. Here Tonight
  3. Catch
  4. 1, 2, 3 Mississippi
  5. Let It Be Mine
  6. Where You Want Me
  7. Used to Missin’ You
  8. Change Your Name
  9. Chapters (Feat. Gavin DeGraw)
  10. The Ship And The Bottle
  11. Reason To Stay
  12. Runnin’ Away From Home
  13. Don’t Wanna Write This Song

 

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New Music Friday – The Playlist

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This Friday we were graced by a brand new album from superstar Carrie Underwood titled Cry Pretty as well as new singles from Eric Church, Brett Young, Erin Enderlin, Dolly Parton featuring Sia and Heather Morgan. 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 September Woman of the Month: Diane Monk

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Diane Monk

 

It isn’t often that a member of the Nashville music industry community is also a fellow New Yorker.  Our Woman of the Month for September, Diane Monk-Harrison, is just that.  She is at the forefront of promotions for Warner Music Nashville based in New York City, working closely with their roster to help cultivate radio and streaming promotion as it pertains to the North & South East region.  Monk has worked with countless artists over her career spanning from BB King & Elton John to Lyle Lovett and Carrie Underwood. In a recent phone interview, Monk explained how she got into the business and how her passion has truly kept her at the top of her game.

“No two people have the same path getting where we are in this business.  For me, I didn’t know the music business existed behind the scenes, I didn’t know about the business in general, I was a hairdresser out of high school before going to college,” she tells us.  Growing up right outside of Boston, her brother-in-law was in a band that was signed to a major record label and it opened her eyes to a whole new world that was out there, the business behind the music industry. “I love music and live shows, and quickly realized you can work doing this as a job,” Monk explains.  “Prior to that I never thought of a career in music, I don’t know how they let me in the school chorus because I seriously cannot carry a note to save my life, but I’ll tell you what, I recognize a hit song when I hear one.”

While in school full time she took the advice of an A&R representative that worked closely with her brother-in-law’s band and found an internship in the industry.  With Boston being such a rich town full of music, she took a job working for a jazz promoter, then nightclub/concert venue receptionist and finally landed herself an internship at a radio station.  Explaining to us that each job she took introduced her to new faces, new positions and really set her up for a career in this industry.  “One bit of advice I had gotten was, take whatever job you are given, then max out at it, learn everything you can about that job and then some, make the people around you dependent on you in that position.”

Her hard work paid off, working for MCA Records in regional promotion for over a decade in all formats including Pop, Rock, R&B, Alternative and Adult Contemporary. “One week you are out working with Lyle Lovett and Mary J Blige and the next week you are at a Tom Petty or Elton John concert or the next week you are with a brand-new band (Blink 182) on the road visiting radio stations. “It’s a lot of steps and a lot going on at the same time. You have to keep your eyes open while juggling all of the other aspects of the job, the business and things that are going on around you in general,” Monk explains.

NYCountry Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner (left) Diane Monk,  NYCS Managing Editor Christina Bosch (right)

 

She took a National promotion, transitioned to working Adult Contemporary for Columbia Records and loved having one format that she could focus all her energy on. At the time her artists included John Mayer, Train, and Five for Fighting to name a few. From there, she was offered a job working the country music format for Sony’s sister company in Nashville.  Just prior to making the move over to the country format, Monk’s husband turned her on to two albums, Kenny Chesney’s Lucky Old Sun and Eric Church’s Carolina that she listened to incessantly all summer. “I was hooked,” she said. Making the transition into the country music world was exciting and she eventually ended up at Warner Music Nashville where she has been for the past four years.

Over the years she has seen the industry and the way music is discovered and consumed change drastically. The days of going to a retail store and buying an album off a shelf has changed into purchasing music online to now streaming music through Spotify or Pandora.  When we discuss the changes, she explains how streaming has changed the game for artists and for the industry but now there are just new ways to discover and promote artists. “At Warner, we’re an artist-driven company, data-driven and lean on terrestrial radio coupled with streaming and satellite to break new and established artists; you don’t lose any of the creativity of the job and promoting artists, you just have more outlets and more measurable metrics,” she says.

Although her everyday schedule changes from day to day, a typical day in the life includes attending shows, visiting radio stations and keeping tabs on her artist’s music on the airplay charts. It could mean arranging artist travel or radio interviews, waking up on a tour bus or driving around the country on radio tour.  Her main roster now includes High Valley, Devin Dawson, Michael Ray, Morgan Evans and most recently Kenny Chesney.  She spent this summer having the ride of a lifetime attending Chesney’s Trip Around the Sun Tour eleven times throughout her region and promoting his latest album Songs for the Saints.  Her energy and passion for the music is evident when you see her attending music events, she knows every word to their songs and supports the artist in a way their biggest fans would. “I am living my dream, a dream at one time I never knew existed, but when it comes to working with the artists, I’m very passionate about them and their music because this is their livelihood and their dream,” Monk humbly tells us.

As far as advice goes for maintaining a job in the industry Monk tells us “I’m highly competitive and always striving to outperform those around me but know it’s teamwork that gets the job done. Do it with passion, integrity, heart and be prepared for some long days (often away from home) and sleepless nights.  Be resilient, work hard, have fun along the way but also recognize when you need to make time for yourself and really shut it down on off days” She has excelled in this industry, always working towards a common goal and hoping to help each artist live out their dreams.

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NYCS First Impression: Carrie Underwood ‘Cry Pretty’

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Carrie Underwood Cry Pretty

There’s no denying the power of Carrie Underwood within the country music community. The golden-voiced superstar has been a fixture in the genre since her American Idol win back in 2005. Today, Underwood releases her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty, which only further serves to cement her role as the reigning queen of country. However, unlike previous efforts, Cry Pretty shows Underwood stretching her sonic wings, veering in different directions musically, topically, and emotionally.

Sonically, Cry Pretty shows Underwood exploring different sides of her voice, hints of a more R&B/ soulful tone lacing many of the album’s tracks. The LP contains thirteen songs (including a bonus track “The Champion”), with each showing a different side of Underwood. For the first time in her storied career, many of these lyrics sound like they’re coming directly from the singer’s heart, rather than presenting her in character. The album also allows her to wear both her producer hat, co-producing with David Garcia and her writer hat, having written on nine of the album’s tracks.

While Underwood has always excelled in the art of the story song, as evidenced by the likes of “Last Name” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” she truly shines when she lets down her guard and sings from the heart. Nowhere on the album is this more evident than on track 12, entitled “Kingdom.” The song, co-written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Dave Barnes, plays as a love song to Underwood’s own husband and children, remarking that their perfectly imperfect life is their kingdom.

Cry Pretty also shows Underwood tackling some difficult subjects, touching on the long-term and long-reaching effects of a single bullet in “The Bullet.” She also hits on the topics of school shootings and politics in “Love Wins.” While she doesn’t overtly advertise an opinion within these songs, she uses her platform to draw attention to some tough topics, and “The Bullet,” co-written by Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, and Allen Shamblin, provides one of the album’s most poignant moments.

On the album, Underwood also shows off a more lighthearted side, releasing what could be described as her first party song. It would be safest to liken “Southbound,” co-written by Underwood, Garcia, and Josh Miller, to a Little Big Town song in the vein of “Pontoon” or “Day Drinking.” While the song is certainly a departure for Underwood, it does work here, and we expect to hear it blasting at tailgates for the next fifty years. “The Song That We Used to Make Love To” also veers into a more poppy sound for Underwood than listeners may be used to hearing, but with a voice like hers, it works.

“Low” and “Backsliding” show off the groovy side of Underwood, revealing a more R&B side to her voice. “Backsliding,” written by Underwood, Garcia and Hillary Lindsay, is an ode to going back to an ex that you most definitely shouldn’t, and interestingly, wouldn’t sound out of place on a Thomas Rhett album. Alternatively, “Low,” written by the same writing team as “Backsliding” really allows Underwood to show off a different and underused side of her voice. Rather than focusing on belts and glory notes, she explores different tones, riffing and running the notes from high to low.

Other highlights of the album are “Ghosts on the Stereo,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, and the late Andrew Dorff, and “Drinking Alone,” co-written by Underwood, Garcia, and Brett James. On the latter, Underwood laments the old adage that misery loves company, while the former tells of her “having a ball with Hank, Haggard, and Jones.”

For Underwood fans, Cry Pretty is a unique but engaging offering, stretching the singer outside of her normal realm, yet still keeping her planted in her musical roots. For country music purists, the overall body of work might veer too much away from the Underwood of “I Told You So” and “Jesus Take the Wheel,” but for fans of music as a whole, Cry Pretty offers something for everyone.

The album is available to buy or stream everywhere today.

Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Track List:

  1. Cry Pretty (Carrie Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
  2. Ghosts On The Stereo (Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, Andrew Dorff)
  3. Low (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  4. Backsliding (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  5. Southbound (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
  6. That Song That We Used To Make Love To (Hillary Lindsey, Jason Evigan)
  7. Drinking Alone (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
  8. The Bullet (Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, Allen Shamblin)
  9. Spinning Bottles (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  10. Love Wins (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
  11. End Up With You (Hillary Lindsey, Brett McLaughlin, Will Weatherly)
  12. Kingdom (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Dave Barnes)
  13. *Bonus Track* The Champion (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, Chris DeStefano, Christopher Bridges PKA Ludacris)

 

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Dustin Lynch Plays Bad Boy In His “Good Girl” Video

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Dustin Lynch surprised fans with the unexpected release of a new song following his most recent single “I’d Be Jealous Too”. The release of “Good Girl” is not on his Current Mood album and already appears to have had success, as it debuted at Number 37 on the Airplay chart and is still rising.

The country star along with video director Mason Dixon take fans to the Mojave Desert where they deliver the music video for the upbeat single. Country music’s newest bad boy runs from the law with his new love interest as a modern-day Bonnie & Clyde. The video plays out with Lynch and actress Angie Simms running from the police. While at first the couple is portrayed struck in love as they check into a local motel, a news report shows the opposite as they’re wanted for robbing a convenience store. The front desk clerk recognizes the two and the police get involved. Lucky for Lynch, he spots the cops first and they make their escape. Not too long later, they’re at a local diner and while Simms is in the bathroom Lynch gets arrested by the authorities. She manages to get her hands on another set of keys and works to save her man.

“They are rare birds,” Lynch says about the song in a recent interview with Esquire. “We went in and recorded it immediately.” Lynch knew right away he wanted it to be released just in time for summer. He explained it also gave him the opportunity to act for a few hours. “I didn’t have to just sing the song 796 times into the camera,” he says enthusiastically. “It was a new challenge—trying not to look like an idiot when I’m acting in a scene.”

Dustin Lynch will be the newest inductee into the Grand Ole Opry on September 18 after being invited by Trace Adkins earlier in this summer. Lynch is also currently on tour, and this fall he kicks off a tour with Cole Swindell and Lauren Alaina. A full list of dates is available on the Lynch’s website.

 

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{Win} Carly Pearce & Brett Young – Front and Center Taping at Opry City Stage

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NYCountry Swag has your tickets to be a part of a phenomenal night of country music featuring Carly Pearce and Brett Young as they film their Front and Center Special at Opry City Stage.

In this exclusive double episode of public televisions groundbreaking concert series, Pearce and Young will perform their hits and you and a friend can be in the room to experience this epic night.  Enjoy delicious food and drinks in the heart of Times Square at Opry City Stage as you are a part of the taping experience for one of Fall’s hottest shows.

We’re giving away a few pairs of tickets on all platforms, so enter to win below then head to our  Instagram, Twitter & Facebook for for more chances to win! All winners will be notified on Saturday, 9.15.18 by 7PM.

Not feeling lucky? Limited tickets are available for this unique event for just $30 at: www.oprycitystage.com

 

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Congrats to all of our winners!

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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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