NYCS First Impression: Blackberry Smoke ‘The Southern Ground Sessions’

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Blackberry Smoke

The boys of Blackberry Smoke have been garnering fans across the rock and country genre for over a decade. Their smooth, American Southern rock and country sound has always resonated with music lovers. After releasing their sixth studio album, Find a Light back in April, they dropped an accompaniment to that album, an acoustic EP entitled The Southern Ground Sessions.

The record is a captivating six-song EP that the group, consisting of Charlie Starr, Richard Turner, Brit Turner, Paul Jackson, and Brandon Still, wrote and recorded in Southern Ground Studios. In a press release, the leader singer (Starr) stated, “It felt really cool to come back to Southern Ground Studios and play music with some good friends. It was like stripping it down and playing in the living room.”

Just like their previous full-length, independently-released Blackberry Smoke albums, The Southern Ground Sessions is a unique mix of soulful vocals, beautiful harmonies, and lyrics, as well as, killer acoustic instrumentals. Songstress, Amanda Shires lends her vocals to two tracks, “Let Me Down Easy,” as well as, the band’s tribute and rendition of Tom Petty’s, “You Got Lucky.” Additionally, singer Oliver Wood shares his talent on the track, “Mother Mountain,” which was previously released over the summer.

All six tracks transition and flow effortlessly into one another, each showcasing a 70’s musical flair with contemporary lyrics. One of the standout tracks off the EP, “Best Seat In The House,” shows off those 70’s vibes both sonically and lyrically, “ You got a right to  your opinion / You got a right to speak your peace / You got a right to be silent / Well that ain’t ever work for me.”

After listening to the record, it is evident how humbled and excited the band felt to have the tracks available, wherever music can be bought or streamed, sharing on Twitter, “Brothers and Sisters, friends and family: The Southern Ground Sessions EP is officially out everywhere today! We had a blast putting this together and hope you enjoy it.”

For the next month, Blackberry Smoke will continue to tour throughout Europe, returning to the United States just before Thanksgiving, to play their annual, “Brothers and Sisters Holiday Homecoming Show” in Atlanta, Georgia. If the band makes it to the tri-state area, we will be sure to let you know. Go to blackberrysmoke.com for more information about the band.

The Southern Ground Sessions Track List:

  1. Run Away From It All
  2. Medicate My Mind
  3. Let Me Down Easy (feat. Amanda Shires)
  4. Best Seat In The House
  5. You Got Lucky (feat. Amanda Shires)
  6. Mother Mountain (feat. Oliver Wood)

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NYCS First Impression: Brandon Ray ‘Body Language’

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Brandon Ray Body Language

 

Back in June of 2017, NYCountrySwag hosted a special night with rising country star, Brandon Ray, at Printers Alley NYC. This past Friday, Ray released his debut EP, Body Language. The six-song release is the perfect introduction for music lovers to Ray, who has spent much of the last year on the road with the likes of Devin Dawson, Cody Johnson, Bobby Bones, and Muscadine Bloodline.

On Body Language, Ray shows off his impressive range, seamlessly melding country, pop, and hints of R&B. The EP opens with the title track, a sexy uptempo about the object of Ray’s attention who needs to “say nothing at all” to catch his attention. Written by Brett Eldredge, hints of the superstar are evident on the song, but it is also the perfect intro to Ray’s music, as he then slows things down with the romantic “Still Got You.” “Even if the oceans all run dry, even if the stars fall out of the sky, even if we lose everything we got, even if the world just stops, I still got you,” Ray croons on this one that’s sure to make listeners swoon.

On “Small Talking,” Ray channels his inner Kip Moore, and this is easily a standout of the collection. “I’m done with small talking,” Ray sings. “Dancing all around it, when we know we both want it.” “Second Thoughts” follows the tone of “Small Talking,” Ray’s deep growl on display. Things slow down on “Bring Your Love Back,” which is a slow, groovy track that shows Ray pleading with an ex-lover over a moody guitar. “Bring your love back,” He pleads. “Show up at my door at midnight, fall into the past, we could pretend that we didn’t end with a bad goodbye… I just miss you tonight.”

The EP ends with “Ends of the Earth,” which has been on our writer Nicole’s playlist since its initial release over a year ago. The track is one of Ray’s best, with a catchy chorus that promises Ray will go to the ends of the Earth to make someone happy. The song caps off the EP perfectly, leaving the listener ready for more. For Brandon Ray, Body Language is a solid debut EP, sure to win over new fans with each listen.

Brandon Ray is currently on tour and you can catch a glimpse of his Body Language as he opens for Jon Pardi and Chase Rise throughout the fall.

Body Language is now available everywhere you stream or buy music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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Keith Urban Returns to Brooklyn for ‘Graffiti U’ Tour

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As the ‘Graffiti U’ tour comes to an end, New Yorkers were once again lucky enough to have 4-time Grammy award winner, Keith Urban, return to Brooklyn at the Barclays Center this past Saturday, October 27. This time around he shared the stage with one of his biggest fans and country-pop princess, Kelsea Ballerini.

Keith Urban Kelsea Ballerini Brooklyn

Kicking off the night Ballerini, opened the show with the title track from her sophomore album, “Unapologetically.” This was only the beginning of her 45-minute set featuring all her hit singles over the years, along with some fan favorites. One of her jobs of the night was to get everyone warmed up for Urban and that is exactly what she did. Before singing her hit song “Legends,” she spoke to the crowd telling everyone, “You know I put this next song out around this time last year and just to see the way you let it into your hearts, your lives, and your radios, it’s really changed the entire meaning of the song for me. Since I wrote it a couple of years ago, I learned that the word legend can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people but tonight I just want to dedicate this song to you, for changing my life in such a beautiful way, you’re the legends!” As she belted out the lyrics with everything she had, the crowd softly sang along, showing how meaningful this song really is to her.

As the night went on, Ballerini mentioned to the crowd, “You know I got to play New York quite a few times but this is the biggest room I ever got to play in New York! So thank you, Mr. Urban! So I’m very, very excited to be here tonight!” Throughout her set, Ballerini sang her singles, “Love Me Like You Mean It”, “Dibs”, “Yeah Boy”, “I Hate Love Songs”, and her newest single, “Miss Me More.”

That wasn’t all for the country-pop singer, she covered one of her favorite songs to ever be written, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, performing a beautiful rendition of the song, which is also featured on her new deluxe version of her latest album. Though EDM-Pop duo The Chainsmokers were not there to join her on stage, she performed their duet “This Feeling” for the Brooklyn crowd. As her set was coming to an end, she closed it out with the audience singing along to her hit song, “Peter Pan.”

Keith Urban Kelsea Ballerini Brooklyn

Next up was the headliner himself, Keith Urban. As he took his rightful spot in the middle of the stage, the crowd went wild, while he went straight into playing his songs, “Never Comin Down,” his number 1 hits, “Days Go By” and “Coming Home” which features singer-songwriter, Julia Michaels. After getting the night started, he said to the crowd, “We made it back! Are you guys doing good tonight? Amazing! Three songs in and you guys are singing at the top of your lungs, this is going to be a good night tonight!”

If you have ever experienced a Keith Urban show, you know he loves interacting with the crowd as much as possible and Saturday night was no exception. Before the night went any further, Urban took the time to read everyone’s signs in the crowd, even those at the very top of the arena with the help of his binoculars and a spotlight. During this part of the show he also brings up a lucky fan to the stage and this time it was a girl named Emily, who had the honor of singing part of “Stupid Boy” with him. (Check out our exclusive video from the special moment here) Before continuing his set, he mentioned, “Brooklyn we are in for a long night tonight, heads up! If you want to sing and dance and stand on chairs and completely annoy the people around you this is your night to do it! Be free and have a good time!” This is exactly what everyone did as he performed a two and a half hour set of his hits and fan favorites.

Keith Urban Kelsea Ballerini Brooklyn

Throughout his set he performed his songs, “Female,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color,“ “Long Hot Summer,” “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” “Somebody Like You” and “Gone Tomorrow (Here Today).” Urban, never misses a beat with his performances, all while showing off his incredible guitar solos. That wasn’t all for country superstar, his show was packed with girl power, singing his hits, “Drop Top” featuring Kassi Ashton and “The Fighter” featuring Carrie Underwood. Ballerini also returned to the stage to sing Urban’s duet “We Were Us,” (Check out our exclusive video here) and if that wasn’t enough he brought out an American roots rock band from Atlanta, Georgia called Larkin Poe. Before bringing the duo out, he introduced the two sisters, Megan and Rebecca Lovell to the audience, mentioning actor Russell Crowe told him to check them out. They shared the stage with Urban for two songs, showcasing their powerful vocals as well as their incredible mandolin and slide electric playing. At one point, Megan, on slide electric went head to head with Urban on the guitar, turning it into an epic jam session.

As the night was coming to an end, Urban went through the crowd giving everyone hugs and high fives while making his way to his second stage to perform for the back of the arena. Following the tradition of his shows, Urban gave one lucky fan in the crowd the guitar right off his back, before making his way back to the main stage. He finished off his set with his hit “Wasted Time.” But that wasn’t the end, Urban performed a two-song encore saying, “Brooklyn you still here? Dang, so you don’t want to go home? Ok firstly thank you so much for still being here, I appreciate that, more than you know…It takes a lot to get here so every single one of you I wanna say thank you for choosing to come and see the concert tonight!” He ended the night with his third single off his very first number one record, “But For The Grace Of God” and “Horses”. At the end thanking the crowd for coming out once again, leaving everyone wanting more.

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NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Kelleigh Bannen

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“Is it really true that there isn’t a place for us? We’ve been told that for so long, I was told that 10 years ago and 2011 when I signed my first record deal and now it’s even worse, that we are even less of a presence on the radio and I don’t say that to call out radio, I just want to know is it true that in 2018 there is no room for women in this genre?” 

Kelleigh Bannen

Singer-songwriter Kelleigh Bannen took the time to chat with our Managing Editor recently about growing up in the heart of music city, finding her path to her music career and especially about being a woman in this music industry.  Although she may be a new artist being played across your Spotify or your radio waves, Bannen has been in this industry, working to unveil the struggles and provide an honest look at the life of a singer and songwriter for years.  She did grow up in Nashville but that does not mean that she automatically chose the life she is now pursuing.  “The people that I knew that were chasing country music were our babysitters who moved to town and they would sing jingles and trying to get there break and I really just saw a lot of people come to town and then go home when it didn’t work out. To me as a Nashville native, the music business felt really unattainable,” she explained. She grew up learning to play classical instruments like the violin and even to this day says that it informs the melody in her writing.

She fell in love with storytelling, the way Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, and even Frank Sinatra would express the lyrics in a song.  In high school is when her admiration for women in country music started, looking to Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood for inspiration.  Now, as her own artist creating music, she strives to always write the best song, looking for lyrics that mean something and tell a great story.

Most recently she released a mini EP, The Joneses, featuring three songs all co-written by Bannen.  Her latest single, “Happy Birthday” has resonated with fans and listeners after she premiered it on Sirius XM The Highway which has fully embraced all three songs, playing them for their listeners across the country.  The track tells the story of missing someone on their birthday and making the bold choice to reach out even though it may not be the best decision at the time.  “I love that way that songs happen to you as a writer, you work really hard and you try really hard to do certain things in the writing room but the most magical things that happen, are the things that happen to you,” Bannen explains about the writing process.

Besides songwriting and recording new music, Bannen has her own podcast.  ‘This Nashville Life’ discusses the inner workings of the music industry, the good, the bad, and the sometimes not so pretty.  She features executives, Nashville’s biggest songwriters and influencers in the business looking to shine a light on what fans of the genre may not realize. “I have a neat perspective where I can be an ambassador for our town and I love storytelling and I think there are so many ways to go about it and it’s just another way to be a storyteller and to advocate for our business, not from a financial perspective from a heart perspective,” she says.  “I really care about what we do and I care that great songs still have a place in this world. I really care about people knowing about those stories and another way to let the fan in and connect with what we are doing and let them peek behind the curtain and be a part of it.”  She explains that she loves how in country music the artists and the songwriters have an intimate relationship with their fans and this podcast is just another way to let them be involved in the process behind the songs that they are supporting. Click here to listen to ‘This Nashville Life’.

Finally, we discuss the topic on everyone’s minds this past month, women in country music.  Bannen has a lot to say and laughs telling us, “Okay, this is going to be a long answer…”.  Earlier this month, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild included her name during her acceptance speech at the CMT Artist of the Year event, proving that women are making great music they just need the recognition and chance to be heard.  First, she comments on how much she respects and admires Karen and Kimberly from Little Big Town and explains that they have been huge supporters of her career for many years. After that, she digs into the real problem, being told that there isn’t a place for women in this genre. “I just want to know is it true that in 2018 there is no room for women in this genre? What the heck, I don’t believe that there isn’t an audience for us because we are telling the truth about our lives, we are writing our asses off, we are singing our asses off, I just don’t believe it, I just believe there is a disconnect.”

She says these things, not knocking the men who are out there getting radio play and huge tours, she is happy for their success, however, she knows that it isn’t just the women that need to advocate for other women, the men need to step out and do it too. “What we need is the opportunity and when you hear a song of ours that you love, don’t just text me privately, it is so sweet but I want to be like ‘Hey, thank you, can you please tell someone.’ My girls do it, Raelynn just shared the video this week, Kelsea [Ballerini] did it when the song first came out so, hey dudes, we need you to use your incredible platform to champion us. We are so glad that you get the opportunities that you have we are just asking to champion us too,” she passionately expresses.  She honestly tells us that although she understands how the business works, she hopes that we can break the cycle of women not being played on the radio, therefore they don’t have hit singles and then don’t get picked up for major tours.

As an independant artist, Bannen is continuing to pave her own journey in this industry, releasing music and looking forward to a full-length album in the new year. Be sure to follow Kelligh Bannen on social media, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and listen to The Joneses below.

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Empowering a Different Kind of Hero Through Music

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One of the most rewarding things we have had the opportunity to do with the NYCountry Swag brand is create a line of products that directly supports our heroes. Originally inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments, The Hero Collection allows us to help make a small difference, not only by enabling fans and artists to wear the gear to show support, but also by donating a portion of all sales to different charities and foundations that assist our heroes across the country.

We love being able to use our platform to raise awareness and spotlight different organizations for our every day heroes.

As October comes to an end, we think it is important to reflect on the importance of this month. That’s why in honor of it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our Hero Collection is devoted to a different type of hero, women (and men) who are battling for their lives or survivors of this terrible disease.

The Pink Line from NYCountry Swag's Hero Collection, Breast Cancer Awareness

The Pink Line from NYCountry Swag’s Hero Collection

We’ve created a special limited edition collection of pink line themed products and will be donating a portion of all sales from each purchase to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer. To learn more and shop the collection, click here.

Feeling inspired, below we are highlighting ten powerful country songs geared towards empowering all women to keep going, no matter what their battle is.

 

1. “This One’s For the Girls” – Martina McBride

Key Lyrics: “This one’s for the girls / Who’ve ever had a broken heart / Who’ve wished upon a shooting star / You’re beautiful the way you are”

 

2. “Keeper of the Flame” – Miranda Lambert

Key Lyrics: “I’m bent, but I’m not broken / I’m stronger than I feel”

 

3. “A Little Bit Stronger” – Sara Evans

Key Lyrics: “I know my heart will never be the same / But I’m telling myself I’ll be okay / Even on my weakest days, / I get a little bit stronger”

 

4. “One Day You Will” – Lady Antebellum

Key Lyrics: “Just keep holding on / And every heartache makes you stronger”

 

5. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain

Key Lyrics: “Oh, oh, oh, I want to be free yeah, to feel the way I feel / Man! I feel like a woman!”

 

6. “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” – Martina McBride

Key Lyrics: “When you feel lost and scared to death / Like you can’t take one more step / Just take my hand, together we can do it / I’m gonna love you through it”

 

7. “Follow Your Arrow” – Kacey Musgraves

Key Lyrics: “Just follow your arrow / Where it points, yeah / Follow your arrow”

 

8. “I’m a Survivor” – Reba McEntire

Key Lyrics: “With gentle hands and a heart of a fighter / I’m a survivor”

 

9. “Woman, Amen” – Dierks Bentley

Key Lyrics: “She gives me faith / She gives me grace / She gives me hope / She gives me strength”

 

10. “Female” – Keith Urban

Key Lyrics: “Soul survivor, Holy Water / Secret Keeper, fortune teller / Virgin Mary, scarlet letter / Technicolor river wild / Baby girl, women shine / Female”

Listen to these songs and many more on our ‘Girl Power – Female Empowerment Playlist’

below and be sure to give the playlist a follow.

 

 

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NYCS First Impression: Jessie James Decker ‘On This Holiday’

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Jessie James Decker is getting us all into the holiday spirit with her brand new studio Christmas album entitled, On This Holiday. This cheery collection of ten songs features Decker’s renditions of six holiday classics, along with four original Christmas tunes, all co-penned with Daniel Tashian: “Snowlight,” “Wonderful Day,” “Christmas In Cabo” and “Baby! It’s Christmas.” Plus, fans who purchase the album exclusively at Target will receive an eleventh bonus track entitled, “My Favorite Holiday.”

The singer-songwriter put her own personal twists on “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire),” “Santa Baby,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Her distinct vocals belt out each tune with such grace.

The two standouts of these classic covers have to be “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Decker opted for a bit more of an upbeat tune with both of these songs, while the originals carry on a slower tempo. Each of them has a “sway to the beat” element.

“Snowlight” is a fun song about dancing in the snow with her husband. Decker sings in the chorus,
“Just meet me in the snowlight / Come on and dance with me tonight / The streets are shining so bright / Don’t you love the feeling in the snowlight”.

“Wonderful Day” tells the story of Decker’s version of the perfect holiday day spent with her husband. She sings in the chorus, “The countdown begins / I can’t imagine it without ya / Ain’t it fun, everybody is feeling the love / It’s a wonderful day / Feeling so good to have you home for the holiday / And I can’t wait to unwrap you / Hey, it’s a wonderful day on this holiday / And I can’t wait to spend it with you”.

“Christmas in Cabo” is an island vibe tune about spending Christmas on the beach in Cabo, rather than in the cold weather. Decker sings in the chorus, “Spending Christmas in Cabo / So long Chicago / I need sun rays on this holiday / Taking shots of tequila / So long, we’ll see ya / Let’s have our fun by the sea, adios”.

“Baby! It’s Christmas” is a cheery jam about the best aspects of Christmas time. Decker sings,  “It’s that time again where we all get to be together / The snow is falling in this frightful weather / And I can’t wait to see all the lights on the tree at night / Baby! It’s Christmas, say yeah”. 

“My Favorite Holiday” tells the many reasons why Christmas is Decker’s favorite holiday. She sings in the chorus, “Oh Merry Christmas / Oh you don’t wanna miss this / It’s Santa and his sleigh / It’s Rudolph and his gang / Oh Merry Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday”

To celebrate the album’s release, the country star will be playing a holiday show at City Winery in Nashville, Tennessee on December 5th featuring special surprise guests. Tickets are available here.  On This Holiday is now available everywhere you stream or buy music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Levi Hummon Plays New EP ‘Patient’ at Intimate Nashville Release Party

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Levi Hummon

Photo Credit: Molly Holmberg

Rising country star Levi Hummon is no stranger to the music industry. With a father in the business, Marcus Hummon, writing songs like “Cowboy Take Me Away”, “One of These Days”, and “Bless the Broken Road”, Hummon has been surrounded by talent from a young age. Today he released his brand new EP Patient comprised of six tracks. To celebrate the release of Patient Hummon took the stage at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley last night (October 25th).

This being his very first VIP Party event, Hummon performed an acoustic set of two songs before meeting everyone, signing posters and CDs, and taking lots of photos. Hummon has created quite the fan base for himself since releasing music on Spotify, and other streaming platforms, that has been featured on top playlists such as New Boots and Hot Country. People waited in line at the door for over three hours before the show started to catch the new rising star. Hannah Ellis started off the night singing new songs and included her hit single “Home And A Hometown” which she sang for us just a few weeks ago during our Live Swag Session.

Levi Hummon Patient

Photo Credit: Molly Holmberg

Hummon then took the stage for a nine-song set, opening with one of his latest singles “Change My Life.” In between songs, the singer-songwriter told stories behind the songs, the meaning behind them, and thanked the people that got him where he is today. The rest of the night went by too fast. The crowd was up on their feet, singing every word, and the energy in the room was so infectious it was undeniable. Hummon finished the night with a fan favorite “Songs We Sang”, which has 16.9 million streams, that got everyone clapping and singing along.

After the show, the highly anticipated EP was released on all streaming platforms. Off of the six-track record, we see three new songs “I Still Do”, “Tough Love”, and “Earthquake.” “Earthquake” is a favorite on the road and since fans keep requesting it Hummon thought it would fit perfectly on the EP. The top track “I Still Do” got an immediate response from the crowd. The ballad is based off a real-life break-up, with his former record label, Big Machine Label Group.

If you are looking for a new artist or song, look no further. Levi Hummon is changing the game and bringing irresistible songs to the plate. You can now stream the EP on any service now or buy it here!

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New Music Friday – The Playlist 10/26

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It’s the best day of the week… New Music Friday! Today we see plenty of new releases included a deluxe album from Kelsea Ballerini on the one year anniversary of Unapologetically. Brett Eldredge gets us in to the Christmas spirit with a deluxe release of his holiday album, Glow. New albums from Josh Turner, I Serve a Savior, Dillon Carmichael, Hell On An Angel and an EP release from Levi Hummon. In addition, we see new music from Brett Young, Mitchell Tenpenny, Brandon Ray, Pistol Annies, Sara Bareilles and more. Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:

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Kelsea Ballerini Releases Four New Songs on Deluxe Album

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2018 Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Kelsea Ballerini, has released the deluxe version of her sophomore album, Unapologetically, in honor of the one-year anniversary of its original release. Expanding the storytelling collection of twelve songs, Ballerini has added four new tracks, including her previously released collaboration with EDM-pop duo The Chainsmokers “This Feeling,” “Fun and Games,” “I Think I Fell in Love Today” and a live acoustic cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”  The country superstar scored her fourth number one single from this album with “Legends” and made waves with her not so typical love song, “I Hate Love Songs.” Ballerini’s current single, “Miss Me More” is sure to be added to the album’s list of accomplishments.

Co-penned with Forest Glen Whitehead and Shane McAnally, “Fun and Games” is an uptempo song about relishing in a casual, non-exclusive romantic relationship until one person realizes they’re longing for something more. Ballerini sings in the chorus, “It’s all fun and games / It’s all poker face / Three A.M., your place / You hold me close like you do your cards / Can’t tell the joker from the queen of hearts / Or the queen of spades / It’s all go then stay, every time you call me, hey / It’s all fun and it’s all games ’til someone doesn’t wanna play.”

The next addition on the deluxe album, “I Think I Fell in Love Today,” tells the magical story of the moment Ballerini knew she was in love. She sings in the chorus, “‘Cause love don’t have any rules / When gravity starts to pull you closer to another / From a friend to a lover / Looks like forever in his eyes / That don’t happen all the time / But, when it does it changes everything / And I think I fell in love today.”

As if these four new songs weren’t exciting enough, the singer-songwriter is not done releasing new music this week. Ballerini took to her Instagram stories on Wednesday (Oct. 24) to surprise fans with the news that she will be releasing a recorded version of the fan-favorite song that she has previously performed on a few tours, “We Were Like” exclusively for fan club members. The link to the free download will be emailed to everyone who signs up here (https://kelseaballerini.com/wewerelike) on Monday, October 29th. “It’s just for you because I love you and I love knowing that you love the song,” Ballerini told fans on Instagram.

The superstar will be in New York City this Saturday, October 27th, to open up for Keith Urban on his Graffiti U World Tour at Barclays Center. Tickets are available here.  If you are unable to make it to the show, not to worry, you can catch Ballerini performing at the 2018 CMA Awards airing live from Nashville on November 14th at 8/7c on ABC.

Unapologetically (Deluxe Edition) is now available everywhere you stream or buy music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Dillon Carmichael ‘Hell on an Angel’

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Dillon Carmichael Hell on an Angel

Photo Courtesy of Shorefire

You are always told to never judge a book by its cover and the same goes for people as well. Dillon Carmichael is the same way. With looks like Stapleton, you might expect one thing but you will be in for a pleasant surprise. Carmichael puts in his songs Hank’s timelessness rhythm and Eric Church’s mysteriousness, all while incorporating a voice of his own. In his new album, Hell On An Angel, Carmichael puts forth music that is unlike any in today’s scene.

“Hell On An Angel” is the title track to the new album, produced by the award-winning Dave Cobb. The music from this album has already garnered a huge response from his growing fan base. The song tells the story of a reckless teenager who gets arrested and their mother is left to wonder where she went wrong. It paints the picture of him having “one foot in the fire and the other stepping on her [angel’s] wing”.

Other songs off the album include “Country Women” which explains the story of a man who simply likes a country woman. Between not being afraid of tractors, the loudness of his gun, and a love for horses, “country women is all I [Carmichael] will ever want.” “Natural Disaster” explains the opposite. No matter how hard he tries to get over her, like a Mississippi mudslide, he keeps losing ground. “The whiskey won’t chase down a memory that’s faster, it’s too late for cover here, comes another natural disaster.” Carmichael paints the imagery of each song so well with his lyrics, making it hard to not fall in love with the songs. “Hard On A Hangover” is a song that seems familiar but is very much its own. As soon as you press play it transports you back to that old country feel.  “I snuck in through the back door like I always do, I locked it up and kicked off my old noisy boots, and I tiptoed down the hallway to our king sized bed, and I thought that I got away with it again, but I hold on to the sound of a door slam, she left her wedding rings on the nightstand, with a note that told me it was over”

Co-writing 8 of the 10 songs on Hell On An Angel, the album also has contributions from Leroy Powell and Jon Pardi. Other people featured on the tracks include steel guitar phenomenon Robby Turner, bass player Brian Allen, drummer Chris Powell, and others. While each song is uniquely different, they come together for a wholesome sound tying the record together. Dillon Carmichael is a name that you want to keep an eye on as he will be climbing up the charts very soon. Check out the track listing below and make sure to stream it on Spotify.

Hell On An Angel tracklist:

1. “Natural Disaster” (Anthony Smith, Chris Wallin)
2. “It’s Simple” (Carmichael, Larry McCoy, Chris Rodgers, Neal Coty)
3. “Country Women” (Jon Pardi, Jim Kaufman, Britton Cameron)
4. “Hell on an Angel” (Carmichael, Daniel Smalley)
5. “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” (Carmichael, McCoy, Coty)
6. “Hard on a Hangover” (Carmichael, Becky Montgomery, Robert Jason Young)
7. “What Would Hank Do” (Carmichael, Jordan Rager, Houston Phillips)
8. “Might Be a Cowboy” (Carmichael, Joey Hollis, Tom O’Connor)
9. “Old Flame” (Carmichael)
10. “Dixie Again” (Carmichael, Aaron Raitiere, Leroy Powell)

Hell On An Angel is now available everywhere you stream or buy music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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