NYCS First Impression: Thomas Rhett, Life Changes + Exclusive Set at NashFM 94.7’s Stage 17

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Thomas Rhett - Life Changes

The highly anticipated third album from country star Thomas Rhett is finally here and it was worth the wait.  Thursday afternoon lucky winners got a chance to sit at Nash FM’s Stage 17, an intimate setting to hear songs off of Life Changes and were let in on insight about the new record before it hit shelves. The record showcases authentic, real-life stories that Rhett couldn’t make up if he tried. On first listen through, so many different sounds are recognized whether it’s his signature blend of smooth R&B with a country flair (“Kiss Me Like A Stranger”), fast-paced rap-like verses (“Life Changes”) or even an ode to doo-wop (“Sweetheart”)  the fourteen tracks on the record offer something for every fan.

“I write best about what I know about, I know how to write those things cause I’ve lived them,” Rhett explained yesterday at the exclusive Nash FM 94.7 Stage 17 performance.  Thanks to social media everyone seems to know every facet of Rhett’s life including his true love for his wife Lauren and their two baby girls, one which they adopted earlier this year from Uganda.  Nash FM’s Katie Neal asked what has been the best and worst advice you’ve gotten since becoming a dad.  “The days are short and the years are long but I know I’ll look back in 10 years and miss this time” Rhett explained. “And the worst advice is probably something Luke Bryan told me” he laughed.

Instead of shying away from personal stories, each song off the new album highlights them in a genuine way.  Fans can feel even more connected to one of their favorite artists by his honesty throughout his songwriting. “As long as I can be honest about the songs I put on the radio, that’s all I can do” Rhett explained to Nash FM’s Jesse Addy after discussing the pressure of continued success and number one hits.

“Craving You” featuring Maren Morris off the new record marks Rhett’s 8th number one single and in his short time in the spotlight of country music, his phenomenal growth as an artist is highlighted throughout Life Changes.  Nostalgia is a key feeling through out the record with “Sixteen” and the current single “Unforgettable” which transports listeners back to a different time and although they are specific to Rhett’s experiences, the songs remain relatable.

“I hated rules, even as a kid growing up… I don’t like staying in a box,” he says of creating the kind of music that doesn’t stay confined to barriers of genre.  His music is never boring and when the slow fade of one song ends you never know what to expect when the next song starts up.  In our opinion, being a great artist understands genre is fluid and making great music is more important than coloring within the lines.

For more exclusive content from Thomas Rhett’s Nash FM 94.7 appearance be sure to check out our Instagram and make sure you are listening to NashFM 94.7 to win tickets to private events and meet and greets with your favorite artists.

Thomas Rhett with NYCountry Swag at Nash FM

 

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– Team NYCountry Swag

 

NYCS First Impression: Dustin Lynch, Current Mood

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With his latest single “Small Town Boy” hitting the number one spot on the country charts this week and gearing up for the release of his new album, Dustin Lynch is riding high. Current Mood, available everywhere today, is a diverse look at Lynch’s versatility featuring songs that highlight his different influences. Having a hand in writing seven of the thirteen tracks on the project, it’s a personal testament to the artist he is becoming. The Tullahoma, Tennessee native writes about what he knows, and Current Mood showcases the different sides of the artist and his smooth vocals.

The production on some of the tracks may lean away from his country roots, combining R&B and pop to create a new lane in the country genre, that so many artists have experimented with recently. “Here We Come” and “Back On It” along with the seductive “Seein’ Red” and “Why We Call Eachother” are just a few examples of what his fans have to come expect, a sultry song with impeccable delivery.

For the songs that stray away from the twang of a country vibe, “Small Town Boy” Lynch’s current single brings him right back. This being his fifth single to reach the top of the charts, “I’m a dirt road in the headlights / I’m a mama’s boy, I’m a fist fight / Kinda county line, kinda cold beer / Little hat down, little John Deere” doesn’t get much more country than that.

A stand out on the record is “Love Me or Leave Me Alone”, written by Dustin Christensen and Chris Gelbuda.  Lynch is joined by Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild who lends her beautiful harmonies to the emotional song about the need to make a decision in a relationship and move on.

“If we’re just playin’ along, then we’re just playin’ ourselves / And I don’t want you to know where somebody is / Cause there’s magic between you and I / And I hate this impatience of mine / Love me or leave me alone / Hold me or just let me go / Cause I’ve felt this fire for so long / So baby love me, love me / Love me or leave me alone”

The album also has its quintessential party and drinking songs that will no doubt be crowd pleasers at Lynch’s headlining, Ride of Die Tour kicking off this fall. “Party Song” and “Wish You Were Beer” are some examples of what to expect during his live performance so get ready to hold your drinks high and sing along.

Grab Current Mood on iTunes here and check out our Instagram for stories from Lynch’s iHeart Radio Album Release Party.

 

 

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Thanks for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!
+ Shop the Store for your favorite Country Swag & Tag us to be featured. #nycountryswag

Join the Weekly Round-Up for upcoming event reminders, ticket giveaways and more!

– Team NYCountry Swag

 

NYCountry Swag Welcomes Christina Bosch as Managing Editor…

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NYCountry Swag

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor

New York Country Swag announces the hiring of Christina Bosch as the newest addition to their team.  In this newly created role, Bosch will oversee the website’s blog as well as help with the overall curation of content.  As a native New Yorker, Bosch has a passion for bringing her favorite music to her hometown and helping to grow New York Country Swag’s branding.

“I am so excited to be joining a team where the main focus is bringing country music to its loyal fans in the metro area.  I have loved the country music genre since I was young and I look forward to pursuing a long career with this incredible brand.”

Born and raised on Long Island, Bosch attended Adelphi University where she studied Communications and got her Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies. She joins New York Country Swag from Girlilla Marketing and The Shotgun Seat where she learned she could turn her devotion and love for country music into a career.

“Christina has a track record with connecting to both fans and artists in the country music world. She is the perfect addition to our team and we are excited to have her start in this new role with us,” said Stephanie Wagner, Founder, New York Country Swag.

Christina can be reached at [email protected]

 

 

Gear Up For This Season’s Final Country Night on the Water Featuring The Swon Brothers

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Headlining our final Country Night on the Water at Bungalow Bar & Restaurant next Friday, September 15th, The Swon Brothers will most definitely be playing songs off their latest EP Pretty Cool Scars.  If you haven’t listened be sure to check it out before you head to the show.

One of our favorite tracks off the six song EP is their latest single “Don’t Call Me” a mid-tempo, catchy song that is certainly relatable.  Written by Jordan Reynolds and Robyn Blakie Collins tells a tale of deciding to make a change and not give in to temptations of a past love.

“Don’t call me / Cause we’ve been here before / Don’t want me / If you don’t want something more / Don’t need me / When you’re lonely at 3 AM / Asking me to come over again / So I can hold ya, already told ya / Can’t do that anymore”

You may remember The Swon Brothers made their debut in the country genre by appearing on the fourth season of The Voice back in 2013, where they released their first single, “Later On.” Finishing in third place overall, they built a following through the singing competition and ultimately had the opportunity to open for Carrie Underwood on her Storyteller Tour last winter which gave the duo the opportunity to play at the iconic Madison Square Garden.

We look forward to hosting The Swon Brothers as well as Caroline Glaser at Bungalow Bar and hope to see y’all there!  If you haven’t already, be sure to grab your tickets to Country Night on the Water here.

 

CMA Nominations Announced…

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Yesterday as backyard BBQ’s and Labor Day parties were commencing, many country stars were getting some very exciting news.  Dustin Lynch, Lauren Alaina, and Brothers Osborne appeared on “Good Morning America” to announce this year’s nominees for the 51st annual Country Music Awards.

After releasing her remarkable double album last November, Miranda Lambert leads the nominations with five, including Album of the Year for The Weight of These Wings. Little Big Town and Keith Urban are tied with four nominations each including Urban’s second year in a row in the running for Entertainer of the Year. Some of New York Country Swag’s favorites, Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion were both nominated twice, including Brothers Osborne’s “Ain’t My Fault” for Music Video of the Year” and Old Dominion for “Vocal Group of the Year”.

The 2017 CMA Awards are scheduled to air on ABC on Nov. 8, at 8 PM ET.  This year’s event will take place live at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.  Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will resume their hosting duties, making this their 10th consecutive year as co-hosts of the awards show.

Check out the full list of nominees below and in the comments let us know who you would like to win big on November 8th!

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Garth Brooks
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“Better Man” – Little Big Town
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban
“Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt
“Dirt On My Boots” – Jon Pardi
“Tin Man” – Miranda Lambert

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Breaker – Little Big Town
From A Room: Volume 1 – Chris Stapleton
Heart Break – Lady Antebellum
The Nashville Sound – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
The Weight of These Wings – Miranda Lambert

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Better Man”
Songwriter: Taylor Swift

“Blue Ain’t Your Color”
Songwriters: Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen

“Body Like A Back Road”
Songwriters: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne

“Dirt On My Boots”
Songwriters: Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley

“Tin Man”
Songwriters: Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to each Artist)

“Craving You” – Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris

“Funny How Time Slips Away” – Glen Campbell with Willie Nelson

“Kill A Word” – Eric Church featuring Rhiannon Giddens

“Setting the World on Fire” – Kenny Chesney with P!nk

“Speak to a Girl” – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

“Better Man” – Little Big Town
Directors: Becky Fluke and Reid Long

“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban
Director: Carter Smith

“Craving You” – Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris
Director: TK McKamy

“It Ain’t My Fault” – Brothers Osborne
Directors: Wes Edwards and Ryan Silver

“Vice” – Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Lauren Alaina
Luke Combs
Old Dominion
Jon Pardi
Brett Young

 

Concert Review: Brothers Osborne Headline Long Island Show…

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As the first hint of fall weather starts to hit the east coast, the chill in the air made Friday night the perfect time to break out your cowboy boots.  Fans ranging in age from young to old packed The Paramount in Huntington, NY to watch John and T.J. Osborne shred on their guitars and sing hits off their debut album Pawn Shop.

Warming up the crowd, West Virginia native, Christian Lopez took center stage to perform songs off his forthcoming album which is slated for release later this month.   “It’s nice to know there is an abundance of country music lovin’ folks here in New York,” he said as he thanked the crowd and Brothers Osborne for this opportunity to play his music.  A highlight of his opening set was his unique cover of The Band’s “Ophelia” which he explained he had the honor playing at Nashville’s City Winery event celebrating The Band last November.  Closing out his set with his latest single “1972”, the rootsy, Americana singer impressed the crowd with his original music and definitely gained plenty of new fans.

Three levels of The Paramount were packed, anticipating Brothers Osborne’s return to Long Island’s country scene.  The last time they played here they were opening for Jon Pardi, right after releasing their debut album.  Now the CMA and ACM Vocal Duo of the Year returns to headline their very own show.

“I want y’all to get loud and rowdy out here tonight,” T.J. told the crowd before opening the night with the “Down Home” and quickly jumping into their smash “Rum”.  Fans from the get go were singing along and digging the high energy vibes, even handing the duo mini bottles of rum which they both chugged during the song. Throughout the night, the packed venue heard songs off of Pawn Shop as well as “Love the Lonely Out of You” and “Shoot From the Hip” which only appeared on their debut EP which was released three years ago.

Reigning from Maryland, the brothers appreciate the fact that country music is alive and well on the east coast, and thanked their fans for coming out to the show several times through out the evening.  Treating the audience to a new song, they explained that they have spent the last two months recording tracks for their sophomore album.  Highlights included covers of Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” and Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” as well John’s three-minute guitar solo at the end of “Stay a Little Longer”.  Closing his eyes, he played the guitar so intensely, fans in the very last row felt his passion for the music.
During a high octane performance of their current single “Ain’t My Fault” both brothers bent down over the barricade to hand a guitar pick to one of the youngest members of the crowd, who then held the pick up proudly for the remainder of the show.

During their encore, the duo expressed concern for the devastating hurricane that wreaked havoc this past week in parts of Texas and Louisiana noting that New Yorkers have done their part to aid in the relief efforts. “That’s badass..” T.J stated, “It’s a tragic moment but it’s beautiful to see how we can all come together”. The sentiment was followed by U.S.A chants which paired perfectly with the next song on the set list, “American Crazy”.

Closing out the night with a venue wide sing along of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” fans left The Paramount with no doubt in their mind that Brothers Osborne are the real deal, some of the best musicians in country music who know how to entertain with their honest lyrics and incredible melodies.

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Thanks for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!
+ Shop the Store for your favorite Country Swag & Tag us to be featured. #nycountryswag

Join the Weekly Round-Up for upcoming event reminders, ticket giveaways and more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

Concert Review: Old Dominion Play Intimate Dive Bar Show in NYC…

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Just days after joining Kenny Chensey on his Gillette Stadium arena tour dates, Old Dominion looked out into a very different sized crowd.  A very lucky group of one hundred of their super fans were chosen to win tickets to their last Bud Light Dive Bar Tour stop which took place Wednesday, August 30th at Arlene’s Grocery in downtown New York City. “Hold em’ up! We’ve got a lot to celebrate tonight, a new number one single and an album release” lead singer Matthew Ramsey said while holding up an ice cold Bud Light to cheers with the crowd.

Continuing their album release week, they played each song off of Happy Endings. In such a tiny venue not only were the fans just feet away from the live music but the five band members themselves were standing close to each other, allowing for smiles back and forth throughout the set as well as perfecting their harmonies.

Shuffling the songs from the album, they opened the 90-minute set with “Not Everything’s About You” transitioning to two high energy songs, “Girl Is A Gun” and “Can’t Get You”.  In between songs, lead singer Matt Ramsey joked, “Dive bars man, you’ve gotta go get your own damn guitars, nobody brings it out for you.” which then encouraged the sentimental response from Trevor Rosen…”It’s just like the old days”. Now with three number one hits under their belts, the old days of playing intimate venues are long gone for this chart topping band which made Wednesday night so special.

Explaining to the crowd that “So You Go” became the inspiration for the title of their album, stating that the song leaves the ending up in the air, allowing fans to make assumptions on whether or not the story has a happy ending. Meeting expectations, the NYC crowd sang along to every word of “New York at Night” which Brad Tursi takes lead vocals on, giving the song a different sound while still keeping that classic Old Dominion feel.

The next song, “Still Writing Songs About You” is written from a songwriters perspective, which the band members identify most clearly with, having written hits for Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton and many more popular country artists. “I did an interview earlier today and I told them how our fans treat us like songwriters and they pay attention to what we say and what we do.  It feels really good to know that you care enough to take it all in.” Ramsey says to the crowd.

Saving their latest number one hit for last, “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart” every person in the room was singing every word, making it a highlight of the night.  After playing songs off their sophomore album, they couldn’t leave the stage without singing just a few hits off their debut album Meat and Candy.  The set included their two other number one hit songs “Break Up With Him” and “Song For Another Time” as well as asking what the crowd wanted to hear, over all consensus being “Crazy Beautiful Sexy”.

Sharing the intimate setting with a band so quickly on the rise left fans feeling inspired and thankful for such a memorable night. Have you purchased your copy of Happy Endings? Let us know what your favorite song from the album is!

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Thanks for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!
+ Shop the Store for your favorite Country Swag & Tag us to be featured. #nycountryswag

Join the Weekly Round-Up for upcoming event reminders, ticket giveaways and more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

NYCountry Swag Presents: Country Night On The Water ft. The Swon Brothers

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Country Night On The Water is Back!

Join Us for the Country Night of the Summer….
Friday, September 15th, 9PM


– Special Performance by: The Swon Brothers –
Opening Set by: Caroline Glaser

+ Live DJ playing your favorite Country Tunes all night long!


CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Check Out Scenes from last Summer’s Country Night on the Water —

 Trust us. This is a night you do not want to miss! See You There!

– Team NYCS

#NashvilleInNYC with Elizabeth Lyons…

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Country Artist, Elizabeth Lyons, brings her single, “Champagne,” to life in her new music video now available on iTunes.

 

Lyons says, “Naturally since I’m now in NYC we shot it in the big apple! I’m so thankful for my best friend Carolyn Esserman’s family letting us shoot at their amazing home. The second location, VNYL, was super easy to work with and booked through this awesome website called Splacer!”

The #Champagne music video is extra special to Lyons as everyone in the video is a friend from different parts of her life: childhood, high school, college, and the present. “It meant the world that my friends took their coveted Sunday and spent hours filming this video. We truly had a bubbly time!”

Elizabeth is one of few female country artists that lives and currently represents Country Music in NYC. Creating a new niche market: new fans, new demographic. She is completely a “do-it-yourself”, entrepreneurial artist. With no team, but her business minded family and band, who have been with her from the very start, it’s quite remarkable how Elizabeth continues to shine without the help of a booking agent, manager, publisher, label.

Having lived in Nashville the last 5 years, Elizabeth uses #NashvilleinNYC in her posts and we thought it would be fun to feature Elizabeth’s #NashvilleinNYC favorite spots! Check them out below –

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  • Printer’s Alley brings Nashville’s Grit and Manhattan’s Glamour to Time Square. My go to for LIVE Country music, Karaoke, Southern themed drinks, and everything country. Named for the famous alley in Nashville, this Midtown honky tonk knows how to get down southern style. My favorite drink is the Whistling Dixie.

 

  • Mighty Quinns is my go to spot for BBQ, in my favorite neighborhood, the West Village. There’s seating outside which looks out to a park. It reminds me of my go to spot Martin’s in Nashville. I recommend the Pulled Pork and the Mac & Cheese and backed beans.

 

  • Frye Store to get yourself a good pair of country boots and the best smelling leather. These boots will last a lifetime: pass em down! Worthy and the ultimate classic boot.

 

  • The Bitter End was one of the first places I played in NYC and it has an amazing vibe! The oldest rock and roll club in the city, where acts like Bob Dylan, Jon Stewart, Norah Jones, Neil Diamond, Gavin Degraw, Linda Ronstadt, Randy Newman, to name a few have graced the stage. They welcome all music. Every Monday and every other Sunday, they host open jam sessions for newcomers and aspiring musicians. 

 

  • Space Cowboy Boots resembles Boot Barn, but in NYC! One of the best collections in New York! You can never have enough country boots!

 

  • Naked Cowboy in Time Square – Who doesn’t want to take a picture with the all-American Naked Cowboy? He will instantly bring you to the Nashville Broadway streets.

 

  • NASH FM 94.7 Stage 17 is all the Country super stars first stop when they’re in New York for a special performance. You can listen and win an opportunity to attend a show by listening to Nash FM 94.7.

 

  • Rockwood Music Hall is the classic historic music filled club with several rooms of music. Naturally, you’re bound to run into a talented country act.

 

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With the release of “Champagne,” Elizabeth has a lot to *Cheers* to! She has been recognized by Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star Top 3, sold over almost 100,000 songs independently, a #1 iTunes Country Music Video, Played on CMT & Sirius XM the Highway, iTunes Album All-Time Bestseller and so much more!

“Champagne” written by Lyons, Troy Castellano, and Brett Mandel was co-produced by Grammy, ACM, and CMA nominated producer Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brett Young, Josh Gracin, Brothers Osborne) and Robert Williams, who has been Lyons guitar player for over three years.

Lyons continues to be true to herself, her dreams, and celebrates it all while popping that cork with her song, “Champagne.” Cheers, Elizabeth!

You can catch Elizabeth live on Friday, September 1st at Nash FM 94.7’s “Boots On The Boardwalk” along with Todd O’Neil, Scotty McCreery & A Thousand Horses.

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Thanks for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!
+ Shop the Store for your favorite Tailgate Tees. Tag us to be featured.

Join the Weekly Round-Up for upcoming event reminders, ticket giveaways and more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

Lucas Hoge Plays NYCountry Swag Pop-Up From Times Square…

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Prior to his Cutting Room show, We caught up with Lucas Hoge in the heart of NYC for a Times Square Pop-Up. Check Out his set below!

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Thanks for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!
+ Shop the Store for your favorite Tailgate Tees. Tag us to be featured.

Join the Weekly Round-Up for upcoming event reminders, ticket giveaways and more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag