Blog Archives

NYCS First Impression: Chris Janson’s ‘Everybody’

September 22, 2017/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

Released today, Everybody is Chris Janson’s highly anticipated sophomore album. For fans, the title says it all, everybody will find something to love on this record even if it is just an appreciation for the hard work and incredible stamina Janson pours into his craft.

“I’m so proud of my new album and happy to share a full preview of it so people can hear the depth and diversity of the music,” said Janson in a press release regarding giving fans a chance to hear the album early. “With this album you really get a sense of who I am. No one could ever question if it’s real or not, or if I’m really this guy. I lived all these songs, I wrote all these songs and they all come from an absolutely real place.”

Co-writing all 12 tracks on the project, Janson has a hand in telling his story the way he wants to. Whether it’s fun songs like “Who’s Your Farmer” or the debut single “Fix a Drink” or a more serious note like “Bein’ A Dad” and “Drunk Girl” his true personality shines through.

While the radio-friendly, “Out There”, and “Name On It” have the potential to be huge hits for the singer, “Our World” sounds like it was specifically recorded for Janson’s live set, featuring his signature harmonica skills and will be the perfect sing-along for fans. Most recently opening for Sam Hunt at Madison Square Garden the crowd came out in full force singing to all of Janson’s hits.

When Janson sings love songs such as “Eyes For Nobody But You” you can feel that he actually lives those emotions. During his energetic live set, he takes time to slow things down and tell the story of the first night he met his wife, their journey together and the true sentiment of love that they share. As a songwriter, “Bein A Dad” is a standout track, highlighting the true feelings wrapped up in being a parent.

“It keeps me young, it takes me back / it makes me cry it makes me laugh / it’s what I do it’s why I breathe / my flesh and blood, my legacy / it’s the hardest and most rewarding job I’ve ever had, ain’t nothing like bein’ a dad.”

Overall, Everybody cohesively sums up the type of artist Janson is striving to be. By putting his marriage, his family and his love for music at the forefront of his album he attracts different types of country music fans.

Tune in alert: Don’t miss Chris Janson performing “Fix A Drink” on LIVE with Kelly and Ryan next Tuesday, September 26th. To catch his incredible live set check out http://www.chrisjanson.com/tour.

NYCountry Swag Presents: Country Night ft. Mo Pitney

September 19, 2017/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

New York Country Swag Presents: MO PITNEY

Friday, September 29th, 8PM
FREE SHOW! with RSVP
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Check Out Scenes from our last Country Night at Printers Alley with Brandon Ray —

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

– Team NYCS

Ryan Kinder Chats After Circle in the City Set in Bryant Park

September 19, 2017/in Blog, Interviews /by Christina Bosch

As the summer comes to a close, Circle in the City presented by NASH FM 94.7 in partnership with Southwest Airlines held its final event of the season, Friday night featuring Ryan Kinder. He took to the mini Opry circle to sing a few new songs and his latest single “Still Believe in Crazy Love”. As the sun set, Kinder attracted a crowd around the Southwest Porch in the corner of Bryant Park with his powerful voice. Kinder had two backup singers join him for the evening and the beauty of the three voices harmonizing made for an extremely special night.

Sitting down with the Alabama native, he recalled the first moment he heard “Still Believe in Crazy Love”. “I had one night home and we flew in to play for XM in Nashville, I was so tired and Nick my manager asked me to come to this writing round. I was exhausted, but he said ‘just come with me,’ so I did,” he explains. “The first song that Jerry Flowers came out to play was “Still Believe In Crazy Love” and I just woke up….I was so delirious I didn’t care, I walked up to the stage and said: “Don’t you let a single person hear this song, you send it to me, I’m cutting it.”

Kinder was once told, “Never ever cut an outside song unless you are really pissed off you didn’t write it.” With “Still Believe In Crazy Love,” he felt such a passion for this song that he knew he had to cut it himself. Written by Jerry Flowers and the late great, Andrew Dorff, the lyrics are universal while still remain unique to each listener. Dorff’s father makes an appearance in the emotional video for the song, which Billboard.com premiered today, along with the most important people in Kinder’s life.

‘Crazy Love’ is the first off his forthcoming debut album, which Kinder says is definitely in the works. “We don’t have a date. I’m taking my time on it, because I want to get it right,” he explains. He tells us the new project will be more southern and rootsy than his past endeavors.

When we asked about his opportunity to play as a part of the Circle in the City series, Kinder could not hide his smile. “It was unbelievable, The Opry is so cool because they are some of the greatest people I’ve ever met, they are so kind and the Opry doesn’t really chain themselves to country even though it is the bedrock of everything that is country…” he tells us “The Opry understands the true meaning of a music lover and they don’t care if the radio plays them or not, they care about the genuine nature of music and that’s really all they care about.”

For reviews of other Circle in the City events check out Opry Circle in the City with Michael Ray and Morgan Evans.

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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

Sam Hunt, Maren Morris & Chris Janson Sell Out Madison Square Garden

September 18, 2017/in Blog, Concert Reviews /by Christina Bosch

One album, four years after his debut EP, only six songs sent to radio, Sam Hunt has reached extraordinary heights in a very small amount of time. Thursday night was no different for the genre-bending superstar, completely selling out Madison Square Garden. As the “15 in a 30” Tour made its NYC stop, Hunt’s tour mates Ryan Follese, Chris Janson and Maren Morris took part in the epic evening, warming up the crowd.

As fans were packing into The Garden, Ryan Follese took the stage to play a few songs including his latest single, “Put a Label On It”. “I know every artist probably says this but this is totally a bucket list item, playing this stage tonight,” he told the crowd. The former frontman of the pop-punk band, Hot Chelle Rae, has recently released a few singles to country radio all on his own. Mashing up the theme song to “Fresh Prince of Bel-air” and his former band’s biggest hit, “Tonight Tonight” had the audience jumping around and singing along.

A common theme throughout the night of incredible music was the fans packing out The Garden from beginning to end. It didn’t matter if a song was a radio single, a number one hit or a track buried on an album. Fans didn’t care if it was traditional country or had a twinge of R&B or pop, they cared that they loved the artists and the way the night made them feel.

Chris Janson was the perfect opening act for such a big show, providing the crowd with a high-energy set that left fans on their feet. Singing all of his radio singles including “Buy Me a Boat”, “Fix a Drink” and even his unique version of “Truck Yeah” which he wrote and Tim McGraw cut. “We are in the greatest city on God’s green earth tonight, I love America and I love New York City,” Janson said, which was met with an eruption of cheers. Before singing his smash hit “Holdin’ Her,” (which he wrote for his wife, Kelly, and his children) he explained, “I believe if you speak simple acts of positivity to the world, positive acts rain down upon you”. His inspirational words were the perfect lead-in for the love song. Before closing out his set, he let the fans in on a secret, that the very first instrument he ever learned to play was the drums for a punk rock heavy metal band. He took a seat behind the drumset showing off his skills.

Next to take the stage, Maren Morris, is the perfect counterpart for a Sam Hunt tour. Morris creates a unique version of country music, blending country with R&B. The power vocalist sang songs off her debut album Hero only stopping throughout her set to thank the audience for their enthusiasm and for singing along. From her latest single “I Could Use a Love Song” to “Once” and “80’s Mercedes” every song had fans on their feet and swaying along.

“I never thought I would be doing this song at Madison Square Garden. It’s such a special night and it’s been an amazing week and it all started with this song,” she explained. “I’m gonna take you to church on this one” Holding up her microphone to the sold-out crowd, she watched in amazement thousands of people singing her lyrics back to her. The moment was a highlight of the evening, even bringing the songstress to tears.

Hunt’s headlining set featured songs that were exclusively on his first mixtape Between the Pines as well as covers of songs he has written for other artists and of course, his most recent absolute smash, “Body Like A Back Road”. The atmosphere was electric as Hunt’s amped up production featured huge screens and even smoke. It was the perfect mix of spectacle and slowed down moments that allowed the fans to feel like they were taking part in something really special.

Reminiscing to playing Irving Plaza for a small crowd three years ago, Hunt acknowledged how quickly his career has taken its turn and how he has had an incredible year. “This is amazing to be playing Madison Square Garden, I would say it is definitely a highlight of 2017 for me, it’s been a good year,” he tells the crowd in a moment between songs. Taking a moment to also thank Billy Currington for cutting “We Are Tonight” which was written before his career as an artist took off.

This being his first headline tour, Hunt took a few minutes to slow things down, sit on a stool by himself on stage and talk to his adoring fans. Taking us through his musical journey growing up in Georgia, the acoustic set featured songs from all genres including traditional country, R&B, and pop music. He explained to the crowd filled with men and women of all ages, “This generation, y’all don’t pay attention to genres of music; you don’t pay attention to genres of people. You listen to what makes you feel good; you hang out with people you like, not people who look like you.” The sentiment hit home, where fans of Hunt do not care which radio station is playing his songs, they only care that they love his songs. Before ending his night on the main stage with “Break Up In A Small Town,” Hunt took to a smaller stage on the opposite end of the venue to perform “Make You Miss Me” on piano. Hunt showed versatility and the ability to entertain a sold-out crowd in New York City.

Overall, the epic night ended with confetti spraying down and fans leaving The World’s Most Famous Arena super impressed with the four-hour show. The 15 in a 30 Tour continues through the month. For more information and tour dates check out SamHunt.com

Perhaps one of the most surreal parts of the night for us was running into so many fans rocking New York Country Swag gear! We saw everything from our Red & Blue Line Snapbacks to our Whiskey Me Away Flannels. Thank You for the support and for rockin’ your swag! Most importantly, Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

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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

Brent Cobb Shares New Single “Ain’t A Road Too Long”

September 18, 2017/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

Brent Cobb

In collaboration with Ram Trucks, singer-songwriter Brent Cobb released his latest single today, “Ain’t A Road Too Long”. The official video (below) is the final installment in a four part video series titled Long Live the Storytellers. The partnership with Ram Trucks highlights the journey a songwriter takes to write the perfect song. Brent explains in a press release, “[Being a part of Ram’s ‘Long Live the Storytellers’] campaign is important to me because I’ve been writing songs my whole life. I was born into it. Professionally, I’ve been making a living at it for over a decade and any breaks I’ve had along the way have been because of the songs I’ve written.”

Click here to watch parts 1-3 of the mini documentary. Cobb is currently in the middle of a huge U.S. tour including over 35 dates as part of “Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show” as well as several shows with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on their 2017 SOUL2SOUL Tour.

New York! 5 Rising Country Stars You Should Be Listening To

September 18, 2017/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

There is no doubt about it, country music is making a rise in the New York City and its surrounding metro areas but with only the most well-known artists heading to our big venues, it might be hard to find your next favorite up and coming country act. New York Country Swag is here to help with a list of some new music we think you should have on your radar. Whether you love pop-country acts or something a little more traditional, check out these five rising stars…

Russell Dickerson

1. Russell Dickerson – If you have been a fan of New York Country Swag and our events you know that Russell Dickerson will obviously be our number one pick. Dickerson released his debut single “Yours” into the world back in 2015 and has been on tour with some of country’s biggest acts since then. After closing out his opening set with Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour, he then transitioned to open for Florida Georgia Line’s Smooth Tour which is hitting the west coast over the next two weeks. His energetic live performance along with catchy lyrics and unique genre-bending melodies has led to huge success, all before his debut album hits shelves. Yours available for pre-order here, features 12 tracks including his latest smash single “Billions”.

For Fans Of: Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley

Our Favorite Songs: “Yours”, “Blue Tacoma”

Stay Connected: @Russelled

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5 Rising Country Artists I Steve Moakler

Ashley McBryde

2. Ashley McBryde – Ashley McBryde charms with a haunting voice and brings life to honest stories. The Arkansas native moved to Nashville 10 years ago and has played her fair share of dive bars and biker hangouts perfecting her craft. Country music fans are starting to see what a kick-ass singer and songwriter she is, having the incredible opportunity to open for Eric Church this weekend in Alabama. McBryde sings her heart out on her latest single “Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega”, the story of perseverance and chance meetings. Sirius XM The Highway has also been playing the singles off her forthcoming debut LP and has recently announced she will be a part of the 2nd Highway Finds Tour which will make its NYC stop at Gramercy Theatre on October 21st.

For Fans Of: Chris Stapleton, Dixie Chicks, Miranda Lambert

Our Favorite Songs: “Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega”, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”

Stay Connected: @AshleyMcBryde

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Steve Moakler

3. Steve Moakler – A refreshing change from most artists who grew up in the south, Pennslyvania native Steve Moakler takes pride in his northeast roots, highlighting the people who helped shape him as an artist in his latest album Steel Town. The album presents a cohesive look into Moakler’s life and the lead single “Suitcase” gives off a “Die a Happy Man” vibe, just compelling listeners about a simple love story. Fun fact, Moakler co-wrote Dierks Bentley’s smash hit “Riser”.

For Fans Of: Brett Eldredge, Blake Shelton

Our Favorite Songs: “Suitcase”, “Wheels”

Stay Connected: @SteveMoakler

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Carly Pearce

4. Carly Pearce – With debut single, “Every Little Thing”, currently sitting in the 8th spot on the country charts, Carly Pearce is headed for stardom. In a genre where female artists aren’t always given their fair shot, Pearce has a secret weapon, her tenacity and determination to make it in this business. One listen to the heartbreak ballad and you can understand why fans are quickly opening their eyes to the young songstress. Just like our top artist to listen to Russell Dickerson, Pearce’s debut album hits shelves everywhere on October 13th.

For Fans Of: Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles

Our Favorite Songs: “Every Little Thing”, “If My Name Was Whiskey”

Stay Connected: @CarlyPearce

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Morgan Evans

5. Morgan Evans – Moving to the Nashville to pursue his music career further, a native of New Castle, Australia, Morgan Evans just released his first U.S single “Kiss Somebody”. The track is light, the perfect combination of pop-country and Evans’ smooth voice serenades his listeners. After seeing Keith Urban perform back in 2004, he knew that was the path he wanted to follow. Back in Australia, Evans’ band consisted of his brother and his best friend. When heading to the states, he found it was hard to find that chemistry, so he taught himself how to use a loop pedal and acquired the ability to tour alone. Along with his Australian accent, and his ability to create a backup band all on his own, he is a standout in the country genre.

For Fans Of: Keith Urban, Brad Paisley

Our Favorite Songs: “Kiss Somebody”, “Everything Changes”

Stay Connected: @MorganEvansMusic

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Do you have a favorite new artist your listening to on repeat? Tweet us and let us know! @nycountryswag

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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

Lee Brice’s Next Single is Here!

September 18, 2017/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

Back in May, Lee Brice released “Boy” the first single off his forthcoming album and fans and critics alike were touched by the incredible ode to his sons. If “Boy” was any indication of what is to come from the artist, his next single released Friday takes Brice to a whole new level. “What Keeps You Up at Night” kicks off the 15-track record which is slated for release November 3rd. With a brand new baby daughter, Trulee Nanette, and two growing boys, Brice is obviously aware that the important things in life are his family. Not only does the mid tempo song showcase Brice’s amazing range but the lyrics encapsulate maintaining priorities in a crazy world. Brice co-wrote the song with Jessi Alexander and Ross Copperman.

What keeps you up at night? / What makes your heart beat wild? / what weighs on your mind, leaves you paralyzed what keeps you up at night? / what makes you take a stand, wanna get up and dance / what makes you laugh til you cry, raise your hands to the sky, what keeps you up at night?”

“Lyrically, personally and musically it’s one of my favorite songs on this album — it was the beginning, the foundation and the bare soul of this album,” he tells People Country. “I didn’t want it to lull anyone to sleep — I wanted it to rock. Now, maybe, just maybe, it’ll cause someone out there to consider what keeps them up at night.”

The self-titled record promises to be some of Brice’s best work yet. Lee Brice is hitting the road with opening Morgan Evans, one of our 5 Rising Country Artists You Should Be Listening To. The tour stops at Playstation Theatre in NYC on October 19th and Starland Ballroom in NJ on October 20th. Grab your tickets here. Check out the track listing below.

Track Listing:
• What Keeps You Up At Night
• Little Things
• American Nights
• Boy
• They Won’t Forget Us
• I Don’t Smoke
• You Can’t Help Who You Love
• Rumor
• The Locals
• Songs In The Kitchen
• Story To Tell
• Have a Good Day
• Eyes Closed
• Dixie Highway
• The Best Part of Me

Jackie Lee’s “Getting Over You” Reaches 20 Million Spotify Streams

September 12, 2017/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

After headlining our sold out Country Night on the Water earlier this summer, rising country artist Jackie Lee has reached another incredible milestone very early on in his career. “Getting Over You” his breakout single has reached over 20 million streams on Spotify.

Check out our recap from our Country Night on the Water with Jackie Lee and Caroline Jones below and grab your tickets to our final Country Night on the Water coming up this Friday, September 15th at Bungalow Bar & Restaurant featuring The Swon Brothers and Caroline Glaser.

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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

Opry Circle in the City with Michael Ray and Morgan Evans

September 11, 2017/in Blog, Concert Reviews /by Christina Bosch

With a fall chill in the air, Thursday night at the Southwest Porch in Bryant Park was the perfect setting for some acoustic country music. Circle in the City presented by Southwest and NASH FM 94.7 is a free show available to all those in New York City who want to experience a taste of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

First up to stand in the Opry’s signature microphone was rising star, Morgan Evans who was introduced by NASH FM 94.7 DJ, Katie Neal. Evans, who just released his first single in the U.S, hails from Austraila. He stood in the mini wooden circle to sing three songs including “Kiss Somebody”. A highlight from the country crooner included a song called “Everything Changes”. Before singing Evans’ explained how quickly life can change, going from living in Austraila to moving to Nashville, meeting the love of his life and getting engaged. For all those who don’t know, Evans is engaged to country superstar Kelsea Ballerini.

Not only was the Southwest Porch filled with country fans, but the surrounding areas of Bryant Park had people holding up their phones to take videos and were singing along to the radio hits. Next to stand in the wooden circle was Florida native, Michael Ray. Ray, who gratefully thanked Southwest and Nash FM for the opportunity to perform in NYC, sang songs including “Real Men Love Jesus”, his latest single “Get To You” and even a cover of Keith Whitley’s, “Don’t Close Your Eyes”.

“To be here representing the Grand Ole Opry is an unbelievable thing,” he said as he acknowledged the radio team here in New York, as well as everyone that works behind the scenes in the music industry. To close out the night, Ray sang his first number one single, “Kiss You in the Morning” and even gave the fans a chance to sing along.

Missed the show? Check Out the Facebook live video from the Grand Ole Opry’s Page of Morgan Evans’ set here and Michael Ray, here.

If you weren’t able to make this event, don’t miss Ryan Kinder this Friday, September 15th. For more information, visit Click Here, plus check out our throwback to #CircleThrowdown from last year’s event with RaeLynn.

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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

Jennifer Nettles’ Poignant 9/11 Tribute “King of the City”

September 11, 2017/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

Today, 16 years after the tragic events that took place on September 11th, 2001, Americans all over the nation reflect on where they were when they heard the news. Grammy award winning country singer Jennifer Nettles is putting a fresh new narrative in place, releasing “King of the City”, inspired by an immigrant window washer who’s life was lost that day.

“That day in September / I’ll always remember / Started out just like the rest / I was floor 26 when the first plane hit / And I still feel that sound in my chest/ “It’s true I wasn’t born here / But my heart is sworn here / To hold up your dreams with my own / That day on my porch / I made it to church / And I prayed for each soul to fly home.”

The story unfolds as strings and Nettle’s voice crescendos, creating a beautiful testament to all of the fallen victims. Hear “King of the City” below and purchase the single on Amazon, Apple Music, and iTunes.