[Listen] 2019 Artist to Watch Brandon Ratcliff “Number in My Phone”

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Brandon Ratcliff Number in My Phone

Primed for a big year, rising country artist and our Swag Spotlight artist, Brandon Ratcliff released a new song across all platforms earlier today. After finding success with his debut single, “Rules of Breaking Up,” the singer-songwriter is sure to keep the momentum going with his new song, “Number in My Phone.”

The track was written by the Louisiana native, along with talented songwriters Pete Good and A.J. Babcock. Not to mention, the song was produced by two of the more recognizable names in Nashville, Shane McAnally and Good. “Number in My Phone” is a charming and clever story about how a relationship can begin from a simple gesture, such as getting someone’s number, and then all of a sudden that person means the world to you. On the contrary, it tells the full story, as that person, that number, becomes just a number again, after a breakup.

Like his last hit, “Rules of Breaking Up,” the new track features a catchy chorus with a relatable story, making it a perfect future radio single. “Cause you were just a number in my phone / Till I called you up and we talked until you were a first date, red wine kiss / And you were staying later every night, until you were an angel in my bed / Leaving your clothes at my place / You were the best damn thing I ever had till you were gone / Now you’re just another number in my phone.”

With a great team around him, smooth vocals, and a unique blend of R&B and new wave country, Ratcliff is proving that he is worthy of a spot on NYCountry Swag’s Artist to Watch 2019 list. Catch Ratcliff on Kelsea Ballerini’s ‘Miss Me More Tour’ with Brett Young this Spring. For more information and dates head to brandonratcliff.com

Take a listen to the track below and click here to check out our New Country Music Spotify playlist for all of the newest country music.

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George Strait Is Back With “God and Country Music”

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George Strait

For everyone who has been waiting for the arrival of new George Strait music, the wait is now over! On Thursday night (Jan. 29th) George Strait posted a photo of the cover art for his newest single “God and Country Music” and it is now available to listen. That sweet voice you hear towards the end of the song is Strait’s 6-year-old grandson, Harvey Strait. We all know the legend is a family man and this takes it to a whole new level. Penned by Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna, the song is a quickly going to become another Strait classic.  The new song references past country icons and reflects on the belief that country music is one of only two things “still worth savin’.”

“There’s always lost in the found / Darkness in the ‘I Saw the Light’ / It’s still livin’ in those small towns / In some church or backroad honky-tonk tonight / It’s a dance between the sin and the salvation / Come hell or high water, there’s two things still worth savin’ / God and country music,” Strait sings.

With this new song, Strait shows that he is not leaving the classic sounds of country music. “God and Country Music” features all of the trademarks his past songs have, including the sweet sounds of an acoustic guitar. Strait first debuted “God and Country Music” live during a show in Las Vegas in December as part of his ‘Strait to Vegas’ residency along with two other new songs, “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” and “Codigo.”

Strait has announced the upcoming release of a new studio album titled Honky Tonk Time Machine, which is slated for release on March 29th and you can find the track listing below.

 

  1. “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
  2. “Two More Wishes” (Jim Lauderdale and Odie Blackmon)
  3. “Some Nights” (Bubba Strait, Brice Long and Phillip White)
  4. “God and Country Music” (with Harvey Strait) (Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna)
  5. “Blue Water” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
  6. “Sometimes Love” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
  7. “Código” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
  8. “Old Violin” (Johnny Paycheck)
  9. “Take Me Away” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
  10. “The Weight of the Badge” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
  11. “Honky Tonk Time Machine” (Bubba Strait, Brice Long and Bart Butler)
  12. “What Goes Up” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Jeff Hyde)
  13. “Sing One with Willie” (featuring Willie Nelson) (George Strait, Willie Nelson, Bubba Strait, and Buddy Cannon)

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Dylan Scott Releases New Single & Video for “You Got Me”

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Dylan Scott You Got Me

As we anticipate the release of singer-songwriter, Dylan Scott’s Nothing To Do Town EP this coming April, the recording artist gave us something to hold us over as we wait. After dropping his newest single, “Nothing To Do Town,” at the end of last year, Scott released another track off the EP, “You Got Me,” along with a video to go with it. This marks the first new song from the singer in 2019 and the second off the upcoming EP.

Scott delivers the ultimate heartfelt love song with “You Got Me,” written by Justin Wilson, Jason Sever, and Kyle Fishman. Although the only song off the EP not penned by the singer, the lyrics feel personal, as if drawing inspiration from the singer’s relationship with his wife, Blair. The slow jam features catchy lyrics with uniquely enticing instrumentals to go with it. The chorus is super relatable, surely to be quoted by fans in the future. “When you kiss me / You stop me / When you touch me / You rock me / No one knows me like you / Nothing I wouldn’t do / Yeah, whenever you want me, you get me, you got me, girl.”

Scott acts as the narrator in the music video, singing the lyrics both on stage and at a table in an empty eatery, while the camera follows around a cute couple. Although simplistic, the video is exactly what it should be, focusing on the cuteness and comfortability of being with your person.

Scott continues headlining his  ‘Nothing To Do Town Tour’ with special guest, Seth Ennis, through April. We caught him earlier this month on opening night at the Gramercy Theatre. Check out some highlights from the sold-out show here. For a full list of tour dates and more information head to dylanscottcountry.com.

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Florida Georgia Line Releases “Women” Featuring Jason Derulo

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“Starting out the only one you love is mama / Then you start growin’ up and wonderin’ / What made the girls start gettin’ pretty / Then you start carin’ ’bout how you’re lookin’ / Anything it takes to get ’em lookin’ / Thinkin’, “Damn, I gotta get one with me”

FGL Jason DeRulo

Florida Georgia Line released their sixth song from their upcoming fourth album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country today called “Women”. In this track, FGL along with featured pop-star, Jason Derulo sing about women’s impact on them and how they are “the reason we’re livin’ and lovin’ this life.”

Derulo’s countertenor singing voice mixed with Hubbard’s southern twang makes this one of FGL’s most beautiful ballads to date. Florida Georgia Line got their start with tailgate hits such as “Cruise”, “Round Here”, “Anything Goes”, “Sun Daze” along with many others. However, since both Kelley and Hubbard were wed (2013 and 2015 respectively) they seemed to have changed their style of music. The Dig Your Roots album had many of these slow, love songs such as “Grow Old”, “Island”, “God, Your Mama and Me” and of course their hit single “H.O.L.Y.”. We can expect to see more ballads from them in the future.  

BK and Tyler are no strangers to collaborations with pop stars, performing in the past with Nelly, Hailee Steinfeld, The Backstreet Boys and most recently, Bebe Rexha as their song “Meant to Be” went on to last 50 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

This is not Derulo’s first song with the boys of FGL. In 2014, Derulo was featured on the remix version of “This is How We Roll”. Derulo has more experience in country music as he performed with Luke Bryan on “CMT Crossroads” singing hits such as “Country Girl”, “Strip it Down”, “Kick the Dust Up”, and his own “Talk Dirty to Me”.

Can’t Say I Ain’t Country comes out February 15th and the boys hit the road with Dan + Shay, and Morgan Wallen starting June 13th, with Canaan Smith and Hardy joining select shows. They will be in the New York City area on July 20th at Jones Beach. Grab your tickets here. Watch the video for “Women” below and check out our New Country Music Spotify playlist to hear all of the new country music that is released. 

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Zac Brown Band Announces 2019 The Owl Tour

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The Owl Tour

Announced earlier today, Zac Brown Band will continue their reputation of being one of the most anticipated shows of the summer. The Owl Tour will kick off May 25th in Indianapolis, Indiana and conclude on October 26th in Dallas, Texas.  Openers for the tour include Caroline Jones and Lukas Nelson and the Promise of Real.

The summer tour will be in support of a brand new album, the band’s sixth studio album which they will release sometime this year. The first single from the project “Someone I Used to Know” was co-written with pop-star Shawn Mendes.

The Owl Tour will hit the New York area four times, giving New Yorkers ample venues to choose from including June 22nd and 23rd at PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey and August 23rd and 24th at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island. More info and ticket information available at zacbrownband.com

Take a look back at our review of their 2018 summer tour, Down the Rabbit Hole which we caught at Citi Field and check out the full list of tour dates below.

+ Make sure you’re following @NYCOUNTRYSWAG on Instagram, so you don’t miss any upcoming announcements, ticket giveaways and more.

 

Zac Brown Band The Owl Tour

May 25 – Indianapolis, IN @ Legends Day – Indy 500
June 7-8 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
June 9 – Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
June 14 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
June 15 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
June 21 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
June 22-23 – Holmdel, NJ @ P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
June 28 – Burgettstown, PA @ KeyBank Pavilion
June 29 – Tinley Park, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
June 30 – Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Summerfest
July 12 – Calgary, AB @ Calgary Stampede
July 21 – Brooklyn, MI @ Faster Horses Festival
July 24 – Paso Robles, CA @ California Mid-State Fair
July 25-26 – Irvine, CA @ Five Point Amphitheater
August 9 – Denver, CO @ Coors Field
August 11 – Des Moines, IA @ Grandstand – Iowa State Fairgrounds
August 23-24 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
August 25 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
August 29 – Hershey, PA @ Hershey Park Stadium
August 30 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
August 31 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
September 6-7 – Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion
September 8 – Hartford, CT @ XFINITY Theatre
September 19 – Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
September 20 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheater
October 17 – Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place
October 18-19 – West Palm Beach, FL @ Coral Sky Amphitheatre
October 20 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
October 25 – Rogers, AR @ The Walmart Amp
October 26 – Dallas, TX @ The Dos Equis Pavilion

 

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Women of the Month Advice Round-Up

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Over the past year, we have featured interviews with some of country music and Nashville’s biggest names in the industry in our “Woman of the Month” feature. Each month we chatted with another powerful woman in the business whether they worked in radio, publicity, marketing or management. At the end of each interview, we were sure to ask if they had any advice for young girls who wanted to pursue their dreams in the music industry and the best practices to put in motion to make that dream a reality. Here are some of our favorite quotes from our Women of the Month.

 

“Lean in to working as hard as you can, as soon as you get out of college or in your early twenties, that first season of life as a young adult should really be about being ambitious and excited and hungry,” – Olivia Hanceri, Director of PR, SMACKSongs – January, Woman of the Month

 

“I think it so important to be true to yourself and remember, not everyone is going to like you which is always hard, that’s ok, it is important to figure out who you are and what you want to do and what you want to put out in the world and sometimes it’ll work and sometimes it won’t, but at the end of the day when you are rooted in who you are it’ll all be okay.” – Betsy Spina, On-Air Personality for Radio Disney Country – October, Woman of the Month

 

“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.” – Diane Monk, Warner Music Nashville – September Woman of the Month

 

“Surround yourself with the people that fire you up, that lift you up, that fuel you and that build you up in every sense of the term.” – Basak Kizilisk, Vice President of Marketing for Morris Higham Management, August Woman of the Month

 

“Just be open to everything. Be open to any opportunity that is there, being a female in country radio and country music, there are very few spots and it is very intimidating. Find your path to get there, your story is how you become who you are.” – Elaina D. Smith, On-Air Radio Personality, Nash Nights Live – July Woman of the Month

 

“I encourage girls growing up in this business to be able to express themselves however they want because what really matters is how hard you work, how kind you are to people, how honest you are and not about what you are wearing or how you portray yourself.” – JoJamie Hahr, Vice President of Marketing for BBR Music Group – June Woman of the Month

 

“Good women on a like-minded mission are unstoppable, honestly. We have to make a statement by showing up every day and doing the best job we can do and that’s in everything, relationships, in motherhood, at work and everything. Your best one day may not be your best the next day, but keep your head up, keep your word.” –  Kelly Ford, Mornings with Kelly Ford NASHFM 94.7 – May Woman of the Month

 

“We are so fortunate we get to do amazing things with our careers but there is the side that you have to roll up your sleeves and work, there are those days where it’s twenty-hour days, and you are up until 2 am writing a press release.  I love what I am doing so much, we are so fortunate but it’s a lot of hard work and there is a lot of ups and down through that process.” – Jensen Sussman, President and Owner, Sweet Talk Publicity – April Woman of the Month

 

“Being a woman in today’s climate is an exciting time, it’s not an easy time but I am so lucky to work with a team of men who have been so supportive.” – Katie Neal, On-Air Radio Personality, NASHFM 94.7 – March Woman of the Month

 

We look forward to featuring a different woman each month in 2019 and giving amazing advice to those who want to break into the industry.

 

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Brett Young Releases Two New ‘Spotify Singles’

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Brett Young Spotify

Photo Via Spotify

California born and ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, Brett Young brings his unique Caliville style to the “Spotify Singles” playlist today. The singer-songwriter recorded a new take on his chart-topping hit “Mercy” which has been streamed over 62 million times globally. He also covered his longtime friend and fellow songwriter, Gavin DeGraw’s hit song “Not Over You.”

“Mercy” was written by Young and Sean McConnell for his eponymous debut self-titled album. The new take on the song includes an additional minute and a half to the original mashed with a verse from electronic music producer and DJ, Marshmello’s and Khalid’s “Silence”. The song was intended to as Young said “to hurt people’s feelings – but in the best way” and he definitely accomplished that.

“Not Over You” is one of DeGraw’s smash hit songs that everyone knows and loves. Young put his Caliville twist on the track which was released today. The two became such great friends and eventually collaborated for his recently-released sophomore album Ticket to L.A. Take a listen to both “Mercy” and “Not Over You” below.

Beginning in April, he will be hitting the road with Kelsea Ballerini on her Miss Me More Tour with Brandon Ratcliff. Unfortunately, the tour does not stop in New York City but Young makes a stop in New Jersey at Starland Ballroom on March 7. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 1. For additional information and tour dates, visit BrettYoungMusic.com.

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New York! Who’s Ready To Head to Hunter Mountain for Taste of Country Fest?

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Taste of Country

In some parts of New York, today will be below freezing temperatures but we can all look forward to June and Taste of Country Music Festival at Hunter Mountain.  Earlier today they announced their full line-up for the three-day country music fest. Heavy hitters Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and Little Big Town were announced late last year as the headliners. The other artists include some of NYCountry Swag’s favorite rising artists.

For our third year in a row attending the festival, NYCountry Swag plans to not only have an awesome merchandise booth featuring our country music inspired gear but our Hero Collection too. Last year we hosted interviews and meet and greets at our booth with some of the festivals biggest names. Read about last year’s festival here and let us know if you plan on attending!

Taste

Taste of Country Festival takes place at Hunter Mountain on June 7-9, 2019. Tickets and more info can be found at tasteofcountryfestival.com plus make sure you are following @NYCountrySwag on Instagram for ticket giveaways, meet & greet opportunities and more. Have your tickets for the festival? Follow the official playlist here.

Full lineup below

Keith Urban

Rascal Flatts

Little Big Town

Brooks & Dunn

Brett Eldredge

Josh Turner

Morgan Wallen

Michael Ray

LANCO

Walker Hayes

Lindsay Ell

Runaway June

Tyler Rich

Brandon Lay

Ross Ellis

Adam Doleac

 

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Everything Is Bigger In Texas…Including Country Music

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Everyone knows the phrase ‘Everything is bigger in Texas’ and when it comes to musical talent that sure is the truth. Texas has had its fair share of mainstream artists – talent you may have heard of Aaron Watson, Cody Johnson, Jack Ingram and of course ‘The King of Country’ George Strait. However, Texas airways and watering holes are filled with musicians playing Red Dirt Country Music.

Red Dirt Country can be best described as a mix of blues, folk, roll, bluegrass, and honky tonk. While mainstream country music is a little more ‘polished’, thanks to studio musicians, new technology and a higher budget, Red Dirt Country music is rawer, most times recorded only using the first take. You can hear every lick of the guitar, every beat of the drum, every chord of the piano. Every emotion comes through with the words of the song because the singers are also the writers. It’s their life they’re singing about.

Most Texas country songs are written about the blue collar lifestyle, the monotony of every day life – looking forward to the weekend. Most don’t have that happy ending as mainstream country songs do. One thing all the Red Dirt artists have in common is they all sing about their love and pride for Texas.

Below is a list of some of the Texas country artists that we think you’ll love. Take a listen to each of them on our Spotify Playlist.

Cody Johnson

Texas Country Artists

Listen: “Monday Morning Merle”

Stay Connected: @codyjohnson

 

Pat Green 

Texas Country Artists

Listen: “Take Me Out To a Dance Hall“

Stay Connected: @patgreenmusic

 

Randy Rogers Band

Texas Country Artists

Listen: “Kiss Me In The Dark” 

Stay Connected: @RandyRogersBand

 

Shane Smith & the Saints

Texas Country Artists

Listen: “The Mountain”

Stay Connected: @ShaneSmithMusic

 

Casey Donahew

Texas Country Artists

Listen: “Double-Wide Dream”

Stay Connected:@caseydonahew

 

Parker McCollum

Listen: “Silhouette”

Stay Connected: @parkermccollum

 

Cody Jinks

Listen: “Hippies and Cowboys”

Stay Connected: @codyjinks

 

William Clark Green

Listen: “Goner”

Stay Connected: @wcgmusic

 

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Kassi Ashton Continues to Impress with “Violins”

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Kassi Ashton Violins

One of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Kassi Ashton, is one of the most captivating stars on the rise. On Friday she released her brand new single “Violins”. Creating a powerful anthem for all, the song was written by Ashton, Luke Dick, and Natalie Hemby and produced by Dick and Luke Laird. Continuing to make a path in country music with her own style, this song shut down past lovers with a chorus every female can relate to.

“I can’t hear the violins you’re playin, there’s no symphony inside my head. I’ve got my own marching band, guess I lost my give a damn.”

Ashton shows that she isn’t one to mess with and brings real-life experience to her catchy release. Realizing that most exes always come running back, she doesn’t have time to waste on unfaithfulness. Between her dynamic delivery, catchy melodies, raucous twang, and wailing guitars, Ashton proves to be an exceptional all-around artist.

“See the feel bad for me in your eyes, I know what your thinking I just keep on blinking”

Ashton brought a whole new attitude of her own to country music upon arrival in 2017 and through releasing “Taxidermy” in 2018 she gained recognition all over the country and has landed a spot of our watch list as well. The California, Missouri singer and songwriter is getting ready for her debut album release and we will be anxiously awaiting its release. If her latest single is any indication of how 2019 looks for her a whole lot more to come. But in the meantime, “Violins” is available now on all digital streaming platforms, and the lyric video can be seen below. Follow along on her socials as well to get a heads up for tour dates, new music, and more!

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