Blog Archives

NYCS First Impression: Carly Pearce Shines with ‘Every Little Thing’

October 13, 2017/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

Carly Pearce, one of our 5 Rising Country Stars You Should Be Listening To, released her debut album today. Releasing Every Little Thing is an important milestone for the young singer-songwriter who left high school to pursue her music career, working at Dollywood when she was only 16 years old.

“Raw, real, I’m not trying to hide anything, and I think by sharing my struggles, whether you’re a young girl or someone my age or my mom’s, you’re either going to experience it, are going through it or already have,” she says about her debut record. The breakout title track earned Pearce her stripes and her record deal with Big Machine Record and the single is currently sitting in the number 6 spot on the country charts.

Pearce co-wrote 8 of the 13 tracks on the project along with smash hit writers such as Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird, Hilary Lindsey, Natalie Hemby and Shane McAnally. Whether it’s a story about heartbreak and the well-known sorrow felt after a relationship ends (“Every Little Thing”, “Careless”) or missing home and pride in your hometown (“I Could Use A Ride Home “Honeysuckle”) Pearce’s earnest way of expressing her emotions through her music is reminiscent of powerhouses such as Carrie Underwood.

Not all of the songs on the record are ballads, “Dare Ya” and “Color” are playful and Pearce’s rich, velvety tone shines through. Producer, Busbee has backed Pearce and has helped to shape the album. Her latest single, “If My Name Was Whiskey” is a fresh spin on a common vice.

If you are a fan of powerful lyrics, a strong female presence, and artists like Martina McBride, Eric Church and Carrie Underwood, check out Every Little Thing, you won’t be disappointed.

Grab your copy of the album on iTunes, and be sure to listen to NASH FM 94.7 this Tuesday to hear Carly perform at Stage 17 NYC.

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NYCS First Impression: Russell Dickerson Impresses with Debut Album

October 13, 2017/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

High energy live set, great songs to dance along to and sheer determination to make it in this business, Russell Dickerson has officially arrived y’all. His debut album, appropriately titled Yours after his incredible love song, is filled with 12 tracks with a little something for every fan. Fans who have seen Dickerson open for Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour or most recently Florida Georiga Line’s Smooth Tour know the sheer power he can bring to a live show as he jumps around the stage and engages with his fans. He brings that same energy into this new album, featuring up-tempo songs, slow grooves and even a wedding version of “Yours”.

“I’m beyond stoked to have my first full-length album out and available for pre-order!” he says in a recent press release. “The support from my fans is what has brought me this far. The Yours EP has changed my life, and I cannot wait to see what the Yours album will bring!” Fans of Dickerson will be pleased to know, five favorites off his Yours EP made the cut for the full-length album including, “Yours” (the original and an acoustic wedding version), “MGNO”, “Blue Tacoma” and “Every Little Thing”. As a co-writer on each of the 12 songs, this album embodies the music that he wants to create, fun music that his fans will love to listen to and that will inspire repeat spins.

Besides “Yours” which started out as a simple love song for his wife Kailey, the album has no shortage of romantic vibes including the up-tempo “Every Little Thing” and the reggae-inspired, “Would You Love Me” as well as “You Look Like A Love Song” which shines with a gospel choir singing background vocals. Dickerson gets sensual with “All Falls Down” and “Low Key” but does it in a way that feels genuine and will make you want to grab a bottle of wine, turn down the lights and slow dance.

For those missing the lazy, hazy days of summer, “Float” will bring you right back and hold you over until you are able to enjoy those warm days at the beach again. The nostalgia-filled, “twentysomething” and “Billions” are primed for arena sing-alongs.

The LP highlights Dickerson’s incredible ability to be versatile, and although it is cohesive each song has its own influence and vibe. Grab Yours on iTunes and check out our recap from our Country Night on the Water with Dickerson last year.

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Thanks for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!
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– Team NYCountry Swag

[Watch]#TBT Carrie Underwood’s Idol Audition

October 5, 2017/in #TBT, Blog /by Christina Bosch

In honor of American Idol making its return, here is one of our all-time favorite auditions just in time for Throwback Thursday. Carrie Underwood not only sings an incredible rendition of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” but she charms the judges, even when they make her cluck like a chicken.

Underwood went on to win season 4 of the most popular singing competition back in 2005 and has gone on to win a whopping 174 worldwide awards including 7 Grammys. Exactly 15 years after its inception, Idol is back on a new channel with all new judges. ABC will be the new home of the singing competition. Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and country music’s very own Luke Bryan will sit in the judge’s chairs.

The new season will kick off in 2018 on ABC.

Jo Smith Entertains with Winnie’s Jazz Bar Pop-Up

October 3, 2017/in Blog, Interviews /by Christina Bosch

Georgia native, Jo Smith joined us at Winnie’s Jazz Bar inside Refinery Hotel last week for a New York Country Swag Pop-Up Set. During her acoustic set, Smith performed tracks off her debut EP, Introducing Jo Smith and shared stories about how growing up in a small town helped to inspire her sound. “I lived 30 minutes away from the nearest McDonalds so there was a lot of creativity to be had because there was nothing else to do,” she laughs explaining where she grew up. The EP, produced by Shane McAnally and Jesse Frasure not only introduces the artist to the world but a new genre they coined, “Jo-Town”. “I was just so grateful to have an idea of a sound that I feel like hadn’t really been done before and to find producers that didn’t say no, they just figured out a way to make it happen,” she tells us.

Taking a seat on the piano bench, New York City patrons were treated to a three-song, acoustic set featuring “Old School Groove”, “Dance Dirty” and a brand new song called “Marry You Tomorrow”. The singer blends mo-town and country to create a unique sound that is reminiscent of all of her influences growing up including Bruce Springsteen, Patsy Cline and Aretha Franklin.

Be sure to follow Jo Smith on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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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

[Watch] #TBT Florida Georgia Line & Chase Rice “Gettin’ Down in a Pirate Town”

September 28, 2017/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

Kicking off our very first of a #TBT Series, we bring you this week’s find – “Getting’ Down In A Pirate Town.”

The setting is the streets of Downtown Nashville, in June of 2011. Jesse Rice, Chase Rice, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard are standing on a street corner singing a song they wrote as part of a coastal-inspired album after taking a trip down to the Florida Keys. This video, taken a year before the four songwriters hit big with “Cruise” features four friends before their lives changed forever. (Cue the chills.)

The track along with 15 other beachy, Carribean themed songs can be found here on Jesse Rice’s first installment of The Pirate Sessions.

Shannon O’Connor/Andrew Ambrosecchio/Jimmy O’Connor/Johnny Wagner – Thanks for sending this video our way. Do you have a favorite #TBT Video? Send it our way – [email protected]

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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

Nash Next Semi Finalists Perform at Hill Country BBQ…

September 28, 2017/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

Photo Courtesy of Nash FM 94.7 via Instagram

10 of New York’s local artists performed at Hill Country BBQ in Midtown last night to compete for the chance to become New York’s Nash Next Finalist. With NASH FM’s Jesse Addy taking over hosting duties, his counterpart Katie Neal sat at the judge’s table. Other judges included Leslie Slender and celeb guest Kevin Jonas.

Throughout the night, contestants each had an opportunity to sing a cover song and one original song to impress the crowd and the judges. The lower level of Hill Country BBQ was jam-packed with friends, family, and fans of the artists as well as NYC country music lovers hoping to get a glance into the future of country music.

Although each act brought a unique flair, overall winner Ddendyl Hoyt who first sang an exquisite rendition of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and then sang her original “Where I Come From” (below) stunned with her strong vocals.

Ddendyl will have a chance to travel to Nashville to compete to becomes NASH Next 2017 Superstar! The ultimate finalist and winner of the nationwide competition will be announced by none other than country’s biggest act, Garth Brooks and will receive a record deal with NASH Next Records under the Big Machine Label Group.

Below is a full list of the semi-finalists who competed last night along with links to their social media platforms.

Give them a follow and check out their music to help support local artists!

Ddendyl Hoyt
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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October Rose
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Carolyn Miller
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Donna Ward
Instagram | Facebook

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Lauren Davidson
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Molly Adele Brown
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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After the Reign
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Lauren Murray

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Cole & Caldwell
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Brian Kapler
Instagram | Facebook

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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

NYCS Artist Interview: Meet Singer-Songwriter Sandra Lynn

September 26, 2017/in Blog, Interviews /by Christina Bosch

California native Sandra Lynn started dancing when she was two and a half years old, acting when she was five, and singing when she was only seven. As a performer from such an early age, she seemed to always gravitate towards country music. “I listened to a lot of different types of music growing up, but I remember as a kid hearing Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” come on the radio for the first time and I remember exactly where I was… in Encino, California with my mom at a stop light,” she recalls. From that moment forward, her understanding of the power of raw, vivid imagery as well as the way a song could pull you in had her inspired. It wasn’t until after college that she starting writing songs in LA and then in 2010 finally made her first trip to Nashville.

After releasing her debut EP back in 2014 which was produced by Rascal Flatts’ Jay Demarcus, and a few more singles that were picked up by CMT and GAC, Lynn decided to dive deeper into her songwriting. We asked about her songwriting process, “I tell people it’s kind of like dating a little bit, you go into the room with different people and everyone has a different process,” she explains. “It’s such a weird thing when you walk into a room and you are like “Hi, nice to meet you..ok let’s talk about the most personal thing that is going on in your life” it is such an interesting, cool process,” she laughs.

Spending the past two years writing for her debut record, Lynn tells us she really wants to speak to women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The first single off her new project “Hey California” is the perfect song to kick off the songstress’ debut album. The upbeat track along with Lynn’s impeccable vocals makes for the perfect feel-good single. “when I was sitting down with my co-writer and producer Dave Brainard I told him 2 things, I want to write a country song that has a little bit of a Beach Boys vibe to it and I really wanted to give a nod to my southern California roots.” Lynn recalls her parents playing the Beach Boys, Endless Summer album for her when she was younger and explains that she pulls from many different genres to influence her unique sound. “I feel like you pull all of those influences into your music and it sort of rounds you out to make you who you are as an artist,” she tells us.

Working to release the debut album and gearing up to release the next single, Lynn is taking the time to perfect her craft and put out a record she is proud of. Be sure to follow along on her socials, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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NYCountry Swag’s Country Night on the Water Ft. The Swon Brothers with Caroline Glaser

September 26, 2017/in Blog, Concert Reviews /by Christina Bosch

Friday, September 15th, at Rockaway Beach’s Bungalow Bar and Restaurant was the perfect setting for a great night of warm weather on the deck, cold drinks and great country music. Brothers Colton and Zach, of The Swon Brothers were the headlining act, bringing along Colton’s fiance’ and fellow The Voice alum, Caroline Glaser as their opener.

Concert goers gathered early at the bar to grab their drinks and play some corn hole with the NASH FM 94.7 street team. As the sun set over the water, NASH FM host and personality, Kelly Ford, stepped on stage to bring a little bit of Nashville to New York City by teaching the crowd the “holler and swaller” technique of taking a shot. She then introduced Caroline Glaser to the stage.

With an angelic voice, Glaser sang songs off her 2016 self-titled album including, “Dreams”, “I Hate That Part” and “Your Love”. Showing off her hauntingly beautiful vocals as well as her guitar skills, she also sang a cover of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” which caused a venue-wide singalong.

By 10 pm the deck was packed with fans rockin’ their favorite New York Country Swag gear, and The Swon Brothers took the stage for their 60-minute set. The duo sang songs from their debut self-titled album including “95” and their first radio single “Later On” as well as songs off their most recent EP Pretty Cool Scars. The set featured incredible harmonies from the brothers as well as great interaction with the crowd. They sang their chart-climbing latest single “Don’t Call Me” and “Dwight Trashed” which is quickly becoming a fan favorite drinking song, off their latest project. They finished their set with a fantastic rendition of The Eagles’ classic, “Take It Easy” and even stayed after to meet some very lucky fans.

Click below for more pictures from our great Country Night on the Water and for more information about The Swon Brothers check out their website.

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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

NYCS First Impression: Midland’s Debut LP On the Rocks

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

Midland, three men with killer mustaches’ and even better wardrobes are making old sound new. Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy and Jess Carson live and breathe 70’s and 80’s country music. Hailing from California, Arizona, and Oregon the trio now call Texas home and are releasing their debut album, On the Rocks on Big Machine Records.

With the infamous statement “that’s not country music” lingering around today because of the fluidity of the genre, there is no doubt Midland is country music at its finest. Featuring some of country music’s best songwriters including, Shane McAnally, Rhett Akins, and Josh Osborne, the 13 track LP is filled with clever stories, complex harmonies and all the banjo one could want from a country record.

Throughout the album, Midland’s influences are clear, Gary Stewart, Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, George Jones and of course George Strait especially on songs like “Burn Out” and their debut single that made its way all the way to the top of the country charts, “Drinkin’ Problem”.

A standout on the record, which also appeared on their self-titled EP, “Check Cashin’ Country” unapologetically tells the struggles of being a touring musician.

“I hear that tip jars got a jingle, cause we ain’t got a single on the radio / we make em dance wherever we go, tryin’ turn a nickel into solid country gold it goes T for Texas and Tennesee / we’ve got miles to cover and places to be the highways the only kind of life for me, sure ain’t in it for the money, this ain’t check cashin’ country.”

On a lighter note, their latest single off the project “Make A Little” is plain and simple about making love.

“So we should make a little, Generate a little / Maybe even make the world a better place a little / We could turtle dove, Dixieland delight / You know it can’t be wrong when it feels so right / It all comes down to you and me girl / There’s just not enough love in the world / So we should make a little / Then make a little more tonight”

Whether it’s songs about heartbreak and drinking away your sorrows (“Lonely For You”) or finding new love (“This Old Heart”), On the Rocks is chock-full of twang, fiddles, and genuine country music.

The album release comes on the heels of their big tour announcement with Kacey Musgraves and Little Big Town, which hits NYC on February 24th, 2018. For all of Midland’s upcoming tour dates and more information check out midlandofficial.com

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.