Morgan Evans

Morgan Evans 10 in 10 New York City Tour Stop

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Morgan Evans

 

Ten nights, ten cities, one incredible artist.  Australian native, Morgan Evans has spent the past week touring the country, playing ten shows in ten nights and night number eight just happened to be New York City. Having played shows so far in California, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Texas, and Georgia, Evans teamed up with Southwest Airlines to jet set to each location to promote his current single “Kiss Somebody”.

New York Country Swag has been following Evans since last year when he first played Opry Circle in the City, his infectious charisma hasn’t changed one bit as his American following has grown immensely over the past year. Signed to a record deal with Warner Music Nashville and gearing up to release his debut EP later this fall, Evans is primed and ready to bring the success he found in Austraila over to the states.

He opened his set with a single that was only released two weeks ago to digital outlets, however, the sold-out New York City crowd knew every single word to “Day Drunk”. “You guys are officially singing this song the loudest I’ve heard yet,” he stopped to tell the audience. Having moved to the United States just a few short years ago after traveling back and forth, Evans has since then met the love of his life, Kelsea Ballerini, got married and signed a record deal with a major Nashville record label.  His life has changed drastically and he wrote a love song to not only his wife Kelsea but also to America called “American” as well as “Life Changes” which he then mashed with Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” and The Beatles huge hit “Hey Jude”.

 

One of the most unique and interesting parts of Evans’ show is the fact that he has the ability to play all of the instruments needed for each of his songs.  With the help of a pedal loop which allows him to record each individual part of the song he then plays them all together while he sings.  It is fascinating to watch and to start each song the crowd was attentive watching his talent shine through.  He sang “I Do” which was released just days after his wedding, pointing out that in the audience right up front was a couple who got engaged before he sang that song in Nashville a few months back.

His set wouldn’t be complete without “Kiss Somebody” which Evans’ explained, “As of last week, officially, crazily, became a top 1o single” thanking John Foxx and his team at Nash FM 94.7 for playing the tune. The smile on his face watching the sold-out crowd sing every word back to him was priceless and the perfect way to end a great night of amazing music from the newcomer.

For exclusive videos from Morgan Evans’ 10 in 10 Tour in NYC head to our Instagram.

 

Morgan Evans

 

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Craig Campbell Plays His First NYC Show at Opry City Stage

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After his Swag Session with New York Country Swag, Craig Campbell headed to Opry City Stage in the heart of Times Square to perform his first New York City show for fans.  The 75-minute set took place in The Studio, the fourth floor of the Opry City Stage venue and Campbell sang songs from his previous albums as well as tracks from his latest EP, which was released earlier this month.  Included in his set were “My Little Cowboy” which he wrote when he found out that he was going to be a father, as well as “Family Man”.  “This song may have single-handedly gotten me my record deal,” he said before singing the heartfelt track from his debut 2011 album.

“I’m going to play you some of my favorite country songs of all time,” he said before performing a medley of “Two Dozen Roses” by Shenandoah, “Killing Time” by Clint Black, “Brand New Man” by Brooks and Dunn and “Here’s a Quarter” by Travis Tritt.  “Those are just some of the reasons why I fell in love with country music,” he said after the intimate audience cheered for him.

“I’m excited to be here tonight to play you these new songs,” he said referring to “Me Missing You”, “Mas Tequila” and “Kids in the South” which all are featured on his new EP. These songs have been written over the course of Campbell’s past three years, getting ready to release the best possible music for his fans. With a little bit of everything, each song highlights another side of the singer and his ability to spin real-life stories into song.

Continuing to showcase his talent and versatility he stepped up to the piano to play John Legend’s “All Of Me” and even stated that since his daughter wouldn’t stop singing this song around the house, he had no other choice, but to learn to play it, leading him into the Disney phenomenon “Let It Go” from Frozen.  Putting his own twists on classic tunes, his vocal ability was showcased throughout the night.

Being sure to thank his entire team from Broken Bow Records and BMG, many who were in the crowd, he was humbled by the success and love he felt from the room.  Closing the night with his latest single “See You Try”, “Outskirts of Heaven”, “Keep Them Kisses Coming'” and the hilarious play on words “Fish”, Campbell entertained and proved that listening to his new music was the perfect way for New Yorkers to spend a Wednesday night.

 

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Swag Sessions: Featuring Craig Campbell

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Making the rounds in New York City, Craig Campbell is promoting his latest EP all around town.  The singer stopped by Refinery Rooftop for a NY Country Swag Session to play his latest drinking song “Mas Tequila” as well as his current radio single “See You Try”.  After playing the tunes, Campbell told our Managing Editor, Christina all about hearing “See You Try” for the first time and his album release week which included his 6th annual charity cornhole tournament and took place during CMA Fest in Nashville.

Watch the full video below and for more on Craig Campbell check out his Swag Spotlight.

 

Craig Campbell

NYCountry Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner with Craig Campbell and NYCS Managing Editor, Christina Bosch at Refinery Rooftop, NYC

 

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Artist Interview: Dustin Lynch Chats at TOCFest 2018

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Right before taking the stage at Taste of Country Music Festival, Dustin Lynch took a few minutes to chat with New York Country Swag about what fans can expect from his set as well as 3 essentials he would need if he were the one camping on the mountain.

For a full recap from the festival click here.

 

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Artist Interview: Rodney Atkins Reveals New Album Details

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“These are some of the most authentic, country fans anywhere you go.” Rodney Atkins says during our interview about playing shows in New York. He also revealed some tidbits about his brand new album due out later this Fall.  Watch the full video above and for more from our weekend at Taste of Country Music Festival, click here.

 

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Swag Sessions: Featuring Lauren Davidson

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The warm weather is back (finally!), so we filmed our next Swag Session right in the middle of Times Square with local New York City/New Jersey country artist Lauren Davidson.  Davidson played “I’ll Drink To That” then premiered a brand new single which was released this Friday, June 22nd under Skyfall Sony. Watch the full Swag Session below and to learn more about Lauren Davidson in our Swag Spotlight Feature with her here.

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Mason Ramsey Performs at Nash FM 94.7 Stage 17

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Some may call it an overnight success, but after going viral on the internet for yodeling in Walmart, 11-year old Mason Ramsey has had quite a few exciting months.  He stopped by Nash FM 94.7’s Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17 last week to charm the studio audience and DJ Jesse Addy with his quick wit, adorable smile and exceptional singing voice.

Mason Ramsey Nash FM

Ramsey, dressed in jeans, boots a slick button-down shirt and of course his giant cowboy hat took the stage and talked with Jesse Addy before playing his two singles “Lovesick Blues” and “Famous”.  In typical 11-year old fashion, he was playing basketball out in the hallway and when Addy asked if he won he replied: “Well, I kept on dunking”.  His innocent nature and a tip of the hat in gratitude after each song, he left the audience smiling and feeling great.  Check out the full Facebook Live below.

 

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Haley Mae Campbell

NYCS Swag Spotlight: Haley Mae Campbell

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Haley Mae Campbell

Photo Credit: R. Katheryn Photography

Although born in Long Island, NY singer-songwriter Haley Mae Campbell moved to South Carolina when she was just a few months old and explains in a recent phone conversation that she didn’t listen to country music until she was in her teen years. Starting her career in a non-singing role as Abu the Monkey in Aladdin when she was only 10 years old, Campbell was bitten by the performance bug. Her parents bought her a guitar when she was 13-years-old and she explains it all spiraled from there.

“I remember I heard this song, ‘Somewhere With You’ by Kenny Chesney and I just thought that was the most amazing song I’ve ever heard,” she recalls. Growing up, she listened to a variety of genres thanks to her dad, who was the family DJ, including The B-52’s, The Who, and a bunch of 80’s rock.  She was also exposed to rockabilly early on, The Old 97’s being one of her favorite bands from a young age, she explains that she recently was on the bill on an outlaw country cruise where they were the headliner. “It was a childhood dream come true because I grew up idolizing them, because my parents did, so it was a pretty full circle moment to hang out with them as an artist.”

After graduating high school a year early and convincing her parents that she was going to pursue her music career, Campbell made the move to Nashville last August. At just 19-years-old she has already made amazing connections in the industry and has had incredible opportunities.  Back in Charleston at the local radio station, she opened for artists such as Sheryl Crow, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Chris Janson, and Lauren Alaina, watching them and being able to learn from them.  “It’s not only about being talented or original but at the end of the day, you have to be great to work with to be successful and stay grounded and appreciate the people that are around you,” she tells us of what she has taken away from those opening slots.

Her latest release, Lovers Lottery is a good representation of the music she has been inspired to create since her move to Nashville. Four of the songs are solo writes while she tried something different on two of them, co-writing.  “It was scary at first, but now I love it. It’s kind of like going on a blind date when you are writing with someone new for the first time, it can be very awkward or it can be the best thing ever so you just have to take your chances most of the time,” she says.  The band that plays her live gigs with her are also the musicians on the new project, giving the EP a very natural and authentic vibe.  “I really felt like it was the best representation of the songs and the way we play them live which was my goal.  I really think it shows people who I am as an artist.”

“I think it’s just persistence, I am very determined and when I really, really want something I’ll do anything to get it,” Campbell says.  It’s a matter of being strong and positive and building those relationships and eventually, I was able to get those opportunities along the way.”  Follow Haley Mae Campbell on her social media channels including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Dan + Shay Release Self-Titled Album

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Dan + Shay

Dan + Shay released their third studio album today on Warner Music Nashville, the self-titled project highlights the duo’s undeniable ability to use their outstanding harmonies to convey messages of love and sincerity. “Our first two albums helped us build an incredible, and super-loyal, fan base, so we knew it was our responsibility to them to put out the best music we could on this record,” Dan + Shay explains in a recent press release. “Most importantly, we wanted to deliver a project that would satisfy the people who got us where we are in the first place.”

The record evokes powerful images, an especially high point on the record is their duet with Kelly Clarkson “Keeping Score”, an ode to letting the small things go and just appreciating life.  With both members getting married since their last album release, Obsessed in 2016, it is apparent that the affection from their wives has truly given the boys a new kind of love to sing about.

Either Dan Smyers or Shay Mooney had a hand in writing all but one track, they poured their hearts into this record, showcasing their songwriting skills as well as their vocal ability to deliver the music. Additionally, Smyers co-produced the project with Scott Hendricks.

The debut single from the project “Tequila” is currently sitting in the top 3 spot on the charts and was an instant hit for the duo, with fans singing the chorus back to them almost immediately after its release.

Dan + Shay will be hitting the area on Rascal Flatts 2018 Back to Us Tour where they will be joined by Carly Pearce on July 6th at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater.  For tickets click here.

 

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Dillon Carmichael Plays His First NYC Show

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Dillon Carmichael

 

The Rockwood Music Hall is an intimate venue, perfect for any artist’s very first show in New York City. Kentucky native Dillon Carmichael performed songs from his forthcoming debut album, due out later this summer to fans last night, bringing a little bit of Burgin, Kentucky to the Big Apple.  “I ain’t ever seen TV’s that big, it’s like being in the future up here,” Carmichael tells us when he introduces himself before the show. “It’s been awesome, Y’all got a pretty cool place here, I even had a slice of pizza, best pizza I’ve ever had,” he laughed.  We had the opportunity to chat over the phone last month for his Swag Spotlight Feature, where he explained he had never been to New York before.

His forty-five-minute, full band, showcase gave listeners a sneak peek into his debut album, filled with traditional country grit and a blend of soulful bluesy tones. The album which was produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Anderson East) features songs about growing up in a small town and loving the greats like Waylon and Haggard.  He even performed a cover of the 1979 Jennings classic “Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line”.

He performed his current single “It’s Simple” towards the end of the evening, then closing out a night of country soul music with the title track to the album “Hell on an Angel” he explained that he is a huge Lynrd Skynrd fan and that he felt him in the room when they wrote that song that day.  “This is my “Freebird”,” he said before playing the track to end his set.

Be sure to preorder Hell on an Angel here which is slated for release on August 17th from Riser House Records.  Head to NYCountry Swag’s Instagram for exclusive videos from last night’s show.

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