Blog Archives

Frankie Ballard Kicks Off 2017 Tour in NYC…

January 15, 2017/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

On the evening of Thursday, January 12^th, eager country music fans of all ages piled into New York City’s Bowery Ballroom for a promising night of entertainment from talented singer-songwriter, Frankie Ballard. The show marked the first stop of his 2017 tour, following the release of his third studio album, El Rio.

Ballard’s powerful and energetic performance covered songs from his previous albums, including his three #1 hit singles – “Helluva Life,” “Sunshine & Whiskey,” and “Young & Crazy.” As well as new tunes you can find on his latest album, El Rio, including Ballard’s latest single, “Cigarette.”

In addition, Ballard kept the crowd on their toes with flawless covers, like Elvis Presley’s, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog.” Nobody covers the King quite like Frankie Ballard and the audience seemed to agree.

Arguably one of the best guitarists in Country music today, it may come as a shock to learn that Ballard did not pick up his first guitar until the age of 18. In fact, before music, Ballard’s days were spent on the field. Growing up in Michigan, a young Frankie Ballard was heading towards a career in Baseball until music ultimately stole his heart.

Between his image, unique vocals and impressive guitar shreds – Frankie Ballard is set to be one of the best Country Music artists in the industry. Download his latest album here and let us know what you think!

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

NYCountry Swag’s 2017 Artists To Watch

January 10, 2017/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

2017 looks like a very promising year for emerging country artists. There’s a ton of new blood in the mix and although it is becoming increasingly hard to define the country music genre as a whole, there’s a few standout artists who are adding their own unique flare to the game, setting them apart from the rest. With that, here’s our 2017 personal faves —

Seth Ennis – Not only did he co-write his debut single, “Woke Up In Nashville”, but Ennis also plays ALL of the instruments on the record. This mega talented singer-songwriter is an incredible addition to the country music world.

Listen: Woke Up In Nashville
Stay Connected: @Seth_Ennis

Trent Harmon – Holding the reigning title as American Idol, the Season 15 winner brings a unique, soulful sound to country music. With the recent release of his debut single, “There’s A Girl”, climbing the charts, Harmon is set to make a big splash in the airwaves this year.

Listen: There’s A Girl
Stay Connected: @OfficialTrentHarmon

High Valley – This Canadian Country Duo made up of brothers, Brad & Curtis Rempel, have already made an impression on the charts with their debut single, “Make You Mine”. If you have the chance, make sure to catch them now before they become the headlining act!

Listen: Make You Mine
Stay Connected: @HighValleyOfficial

Runaway June – There’s no stopping Runaway June, the #GirlGang of Country Music. This beautiful and talented trio are making an impact with their debut single, “Lipstick” and paving new routes for Women in Country Music.

Listen: Lipstick
Stay Connected: @RunawayJuneOfficial

Brett Young – Although an injury prevented Young from playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, this athlete-turned-musician soon found a new outlet to put him in the spotlight. The singer-songwriter hit a homerun in the country music world, scoring instant success with his debut Single, “Sleep Without You”.

Listen: Sleep Without You
Stay Connected: @BrettYoungMusic

Ryan Hurd – This super talented singer-songwriter has not only written songs for Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line and more, but he already grabbed his first #1 as a co-writer on “Lonely Tonight”, recorded by Blake Shelton & Ashley Monroe. Now, putting his own voice to the songs he has penned, Hurd is paving his way to what’s sure to be some chart-topping music.

Listen: City Girl
Stay Connected: @RyanHurd

Russell Dickerson – This Triple Tigers Records flagship artist and Nashville native is set to take off in 2017. His contagious energy and stellar performances gains him instant fans in any room he walks in. After his lead single, “Yours” was named one of The Knot’s “Best Wedding Songs of the Year” and won the hearts of all hopeless romantics everywhere; Dickerson is setting himself up for an epic 2017. (Before he hits the road with Thomas Rhett, Catch him at our Country Brunch in NYC on Sunday, 1/29! – Tickets Here)

Listen: Yours
Stay Connected: @Russelled

Walker Hayes – Singer-songwriter, Walker Hayes has managed to create perhaps one of the most unique forms of country music to hit airwaves. Blending rap and country together, this fresh new sound is one only Walker Hayes can pull off.

Listen: Your Girlfriend Does
Stay Connected: @WalkerHayes

Luke Combs – Taking the country music world by storm, literally. The newcomer’s debut single, “Hurricane”, leaves a prominent new mark on country music today. This rising star brings a new level of talent and vocal skills to the table making him a promising new artist to watch in 2017.

Listen: Hurricane
Stay Connected: @LukeCombsMusic

Drake White – Drake White has a voice that is set to conquer 2017. His recent single, “Makin’ Me Look Good Again”, showcases his raw talent with its graceful riffs and powerful chorus. The best is yet to come for Drake White.

Listen: Makin’ Me Look Good Again
Stay Connected: @DrakeWhiteStomp

There you have it, our Top 10 Picks for 2017. We are looking forward to hearing more from all of the amazing artists and new music coming to 2017.

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

– Team NYCountry Swag

Russell Dickerson, Love & Theft and Tyler Farr Celebrate My Country 96.1’s 6th Birthday

January 6, 2017/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

Thursday Night, January 5^th, marked My Country 96.1’s 6^th Birthday. 96.1, Long Island’s premier country music radio station, celebrated with a birthday party at The Emporium in Patchogue, featuring performances by Russell Dickerson, Love & Theft, and Tyler Farr. With a line-up like that, the decision to hop on the LIRR and trek from NYC to the Long Island venue was an easy one!

Singer-Songwriter, Russell Dickerson kicked off the night with a high-energy set. Singing songs from his EP, Yours, as well as a few new songs we can look forward to hearing on his debut album after recently signing with Triple Tigers Records, a new imprint by Thirty Tigers, Triple 8 Management & Sony Music. NYC Country Music fans – you’re in luck. We’re bringing Russell Dickerson back to the big city for our next Country Brunch on Sunday, 1/29 at Printer’s Alley – NY. Grab your tickets here.

Following RD, Love & Theft took the stage. The emerging country duo, best known for their #1 Single, “Angel Eyes,” and recent hit, “Whiskey On My Breath,” kept the crowd singing and dancing along to every beat of the show. The group is set to release their forthcoming studio album in 2017. In the meantime, you can download their first single from the album, “Candyland”, here.

To end the show, next up to the stage was Tyler Farr. Farr, who was recently forced to take a break from touring after his micro-laryngeal surgery last January, came back with a powerful performance like he never left the spotlight. Knocking each song out of the park, Farr had the crowd’s undivided attention from beginning to end. Farr’s set included some of his most popular hits like “Whiskey in My Water”, “Better in Boots” and “Redneck Crazy” as well as his new single, “Our Town,” one of our personal favorites! Farr ended the show in an encore with his #1 Hit single, “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.” Tyler Farr returns to New York this summer for the Taste of Country Music Festival. Tickets are on sale here.

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

Top 10 Country Music Moments in NYC of 2016

January 3, 2017/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

Who doesn’t love a Top 10 List? In honor of the new year, we’re looking back on 2016 & giving you the Top 10 Country Music Moments that happened in New York City in 2016….

10. New York Country Swag Country Brunch. Okay – Shameless plug here, but back in January 2016, we kicked off the new year with the first ever Country Brunch in NYC. And it was LIT. Definitely Top 10 of 2016 worthy. (PS – Don’t Miss our next Brunch – Sunday, January 29th, 2017.)

9. Cole Swindell performed “You Should Be Here,” on top of Four World Trade Center, in front of the Freedom Tower, in honor of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. A beautiful tribute, with a beautiful song, originally written in memory of his father.

8. A short drive from NYC, Taste of Country Music Festival returned to New York for its fourth year. An epic weekend full of camping, drinks, and country music by headliners like Kenny Chesney, Kid Rock, Jake Owen & more. The festival returns this June & tickets are available here.

7. Country newcomers, LANco, debuted their first music video “Long Live Tonight,” on a Times Square billboard… Doesn’t get more Big City than that!

6. Garth Brooks played Yankee Stadium, marking his return to New York City for the first time in nearly 20 years. The show also marked the first Country Music show ever at the new Yankee Stadium!

5. Good Morning America hosted it’s annual Summer Concert Series in Central Park. Country Artists like Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban & Jason Aldean joined the line-up on the early morning shows – bringing a taste of Country Music to the busy NYC park.

4. Shane McAnally hosted a Songwriter’s Night in the heart of NYC. Talk about “Nashville meets New York”. The mega-hit songwriter, joined the small stage with buddies and famed singer/songwriters Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi & Matt Ramsey (of Old Dominion), Walker Hayes, and Drake White for an intimate and exclusive evening of Country Music.

3. Circle in the City – A taste of Nashville hits Midtown, Manhattan. Acts like Parmalee, William Michael Morgan, and Jennifer Nettles popped up in Bryant Park throughout the summer for free, intimate sessions hosted by the Grand Ole Opry.

2. ‘No Sleep til Brooklyn’ – Keith Urban’s RIPcord Tour wrapped up in Brooklyn this November. During the show, Urban pulled a fan on stage & autographed her shoulder. The next day, the young fan TATTOOED the Country Superstar’s signature. That’s the difference in NY fans! 😉

1. Printers Alley, a Nashville inspired bar & restaurant, opened in Times Square. And, well, it’s pretty much everything every Country fan in NYC could ever want. The food, the music, and the service makes you feel right at home. We partnered with Printers Alley for our last “Country Night” of 2016. Take a look at the video below for highlights of the night!

How many Top 10 NYC Country Moments were you there for? What were your favorite moments? Let us know!

We’re looking forward to returning to Printers Alley for our next “Country Brunch” with Russell Dickerson on Sunday, January 29! Grab your TIX now and don’t miss what’s sure to be a Top 10 2017 Moment.

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Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Stay Swaggin!
– Team NYCountry Swag

Ain’t No Stoppin’ Country Music Maverick, Kane Brown…

December 8, 2016/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

Nearly two years ago; Kane Brown was just a 21-year-old Georgia boy with a love for music. Now? He is one of the most promising new artists in the country music world.

Brown began gaining popularity in early 2014, after posting homemade videos of country music covers like Lee Brice’s, “I Don’t Dance,” and George Strait’s, “Check Yes or No,” on his social media channels. When his videos began going viral, Brown released a teaser of his own single, “Used to Love You Sober.” The original clip was posted in October 2015 and received over 11 million views.

January 2016, Brown signed to Sony Music Nashville & released his debut self-titled album, Kane Brown, December 2, 2016. Brown hit NYC to celebrate and promote the album with an official NYC stop on his first headlining tour, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.”

We caught the show at Irving Plaza on Saturday, December 3. Opening Act, Jordan Rager, another Georgia native, kicked off the night with an energetic set featuring songs from his recently released EP, Southern Boy, including his current single, “Now That I Know Your Name,” and his debut single with Jason Aldean, “Southern Boy.”

Kane took the stage opening with his high-energy hit, “Pull It Off.” Weaving through songs from the new album including crowd-pleaser, “What Ifs” or the tearjerker, “Learning,” – Brown pulls you up and down a roller-coaster range of emotions through his very powerful performance as we get to know this new artist.

Brown adds to the show covering the popular hit, “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, and classics like, Randy Travis’, “Three Wooden Crosses.”

Ending the show in an encore with “Used to Love You Sober,” Brown leaves everyone wanting more. This promising talent possesses perhaps one of the most unique new voices in country music today and shows true potential for a sky rocketing career.

Take a listen for yourself and let us know what you think. Kane’s album can be downloaded here.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC + Chances to win tickets, giveaways & more!

Peace, Love & Country Music,
NYCountry Swag

Country Newcomers, LANco, Bring The Energy To Irving Plaza

November 7, 2016/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

Opening for CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, Brothers Osborne, country newcomers, LANco, took the stage Friday Night at Irving Plaza for their first-ever, full band performance show in NYC. The high-energy group consists of five small town natives – singer-lyricist, Brandon Lancaster, bassist Chandler Baldwin, multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton, drummer Tripp Howell and guitarist Eric Steedly.

After catching LANco this past summer at Nash FM’s, Up Close & Country Series, we knew we were in for a treat. The guys give off an old-school rock-like vibe, mixed with a pop-friendly feel, and when you add that Country twang – you’ve got a truly incredible and unique sound.

There is something for everybody in LANco’s performance. Playing tracks from their self-titled EP, including crowd favorites, “Trouble Maker,” and “American Love Story,” along with covers like, “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” the group delivered with each and every song.

Seeing the faces from the stage just wasn’t enough for lead singer, Brandon Lancaster. To end the show, Lancaster jumped into the crowd walking all the way to the opposite end of the venue and back, getting an up-close visual of each and every member of the sold-out crowd. Closing out their set with their debut single, “Long Live Tonight“, LANco’s infectious energy surely set the tone for an unforgettable night.

If you aren’t listening to LANco yet, you need to. Take a listen here & be sure to catch the guys at a show near you!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC.

Peace, Love & Country Music,
NYCountry Swag

A Note From Our Founder…

October 28, 2016/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

It makes me so happy to see Old Dominion out there killing it. I remember playing their songs a few years ago at one of the venues I was working at (way before New York Country Swag was even a thought) and trying to convince my bosses to let me book them. In reality, maybe a handful of people in our area (if that), would have known who they were at the time. It just didn’t make sense for us to do the show.

Fast forward a year, and these guys sell out Joe’s Pub in NYC at 200+ tickets. Another year later brings us to now, where they sold out PlayStation Theatre at 2000+ tickets in October 2016. The OD guys are incredible songwriters and even better performers. They are headed straight to the top and I feel so dang happy that there were venues out there who booked them in those early days.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in the past few months of breaking into the music industry with New York Country Swag, it’s that there are some truly, incredibly talented people who may never get their shot, despite how hard they work. This is where one of my biggest goals at New York Country Swag stems from. We need to give artists a new and different platform to help get their music out there! Our goal is to produce fun and unique events while showcasing artists that we believe in. We want to build relationships with both the fans and the talent, and help these artists get their music heard. Whether it’s a Country Brunch in NYC, a Clambake in Brooklyn or a Country Night on the Water in Rockaway Beach, we are often bringing fans to these special events who may have never heard music by these artists before.

In the past few months, we have produced several unique & successful events all over NYC, showcasing artists like Russell Dickerson, Carter Winter, Elizabeth Lyons, Blaire Hanks, Rob Bellamy, Lauren Davidson, The Dalton Sheriffs & more. We have sought out working with these artists, not only because we love and respect them, but, because we believe in their music and want to share their talent with other like-minded fans.

I am so thankful for the relationships we have made in this industry (and continue to make) and hope that with each event we can continue to spread the Country Music Love in NYC.

I want to send a special THANK YOU to the artists we work with & to everyone who follows us, who attends our events and who rocks our merch! The support means the world to us. We are proud Country Fans in NYC and are excited to continue this journey with you all!

We have a great line-up of upcoming events in the works and are looking forward to sharing them with you. Be on the lookout for announcements next week!

Best Wishes,
– Stephanie Wagner
Founder/Operator
www.NYCountrySwag.com

#CircleInTheCity October Series – Ft. RaeLynn

October 5, 2016/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

Tuesday Night, October 4^th, brings us back to The Southwest Porch in Bryant Park for Part 2 of The Grand Ole Opry’s #CircleInTheCity October Series, featuring RaeLynn.

Welcomed to the stage by Nash FM’s, Mike Allan, RaeLynn steps foot into the famous wooden circle for a #CircleThrowdown right in the heart of New York City. The “sassy, blonde, Texas girl,” Raelynn, kicked off her set with the title track of her upcoming debut studio album, Wild Horse. She follows up with “Insecure,” another track on the highly anticipated album.

The former NBC’s The Voice contestant, (#TeamBlake), takes us through personal stories and insights into each song of her set including a cover of Dolly Parton’s, “Jolene,” and her very own debut single to country radio, “God Made Girls.”

Before ending the show in the big apple with the ironically named track, “The Apple,” RaeLynn introduces us to the touching story behind her latest radio single, “Love Triangle.” The powerful ballad alludes to growing up being a kid of divorce and the difficulty of being forced to split your love.

WildHorse releases on December 2^nd, but can be pre-ordered now for immediate access to “Love Triangle” and the title track, “WildHorse”. Go on and get it and let us know what you think!

Currently, RaeLynn is on tour with her former Voice coach, Blake Shelton. The two take on Barclays Center this Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th!

Missed the show? Check Out the Live Recording from the Grand Ole Opry’s Facebook Page here.

Check out more pictures from the show on our Facebook & don’t forget to follow us on instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC.

Want to rock a NYCountry Swag snapback? Get yours here.

Peace, Love & Country Music,
NYCountry Swag

#CircleInTheCity October Series – Ft. William Michael Morgan

October 4, 2016/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

The Grand Ole Opry returned to NYC Monday Night, October 3, for a special October edition of #CircleInTheCity with a #CircleThrowdown by Country newcomer, William Michael Morgan.

It’s been a rather special week for WMM, not only did his debut album, Vinyl, release this past Friday, but his single, “I Met A Girl,” hit #1 as of Monday!

The 23 Year Old, Mississippi native took the stage at The Southwest Porch in Bryant Park just after 6PM.

Morgan opened his set with the title track of his debut album, Vinyl. The song set the tone for the small, intimate show & the busy NYC Park was quickly entranced by Morgan’s deep voice and obvious southern charm.

Morgan’s nearly 60 minute set consisted of some of his own songs from the new album including; “Beer Drinker,” “Cheap Cologne”, “Lonesomeville” & “Missing”, as well as some solid covers by greats like Merle Haggard, George Strait, Hank Williams, Jr. and Mark Chesnutt.

He closed his set with his very first number one AND very first single, “I Met A Girl”. The ballad, which was co-written by Trevor Rosen of Old Dominion, Shane McAnally and Sam Hunt, spent 58 weeks at radio & 49 weeks on the Mediabase/Aircheck charts, making it the longest chart run to Number One in the chart’s history.

Giving the crowd just one more – Morgan brought the pitch back up with Kevin Fowler’s, “I Pulled A Hank Last Night,” sending the audience into a slew of feet stomping & hands clapping along to the music before ending the show.

Morgan’s distinct voice and irresistible enchantment makes him one of the most promising new acts to hit the Country Music scene.

Missed the show? Check Out the Live Recording from the Grand Ole Opry’s Facebook Page here. Don’t Miss Part 2 of the #CircleInTheCity October Series, TONIGHT! Tuesday, October 4th with RaeLynn back at Bryant Park at 6:00PM.

Check out more pictures from the show on our Facebook & don’t forget to follow us on instagram (@NYCOUNTRYSWAG) to catch a glimpse of our Country Music Adventures in NYC.

Want to rock a New York Country Swag snapback? Get yours here.

Peace, Love & Country Music,
NYCountry Swag

NYCountry Swag Presents: End of Summer Country Bash ft. Russell Dickerson

September 19, 2016/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

Friday, September 9th – Russell Dickerson returned to Bungalow Bar & Restaurant in Rockaway Beach, Queens, NY

for NYCountrySwag.com’s End of Summer Bash: