Lee Brice and Morgan Evans Pack Out PlayStation Theater

 

Lee Brice PlayStation Theater

With the lights of Times Square shimmering down the street, PlayStation Theater is a great venue for New York country music fans to catch their favorite artists. Last night was no exception, rising star Morgan Evans took the stage to warm up the crowd before headliner, Lee Brice.

Lee Brice/Morgan Evans PlayStation Theatre

Evans tells the story in his live set of how he decided to skip finding an American band to back him, but instead to record all of the music solo on stage with the use of a peddle loop.  He played covers of Ed Sheeran and his main influence growing up, Keith Urban as well as new songs including “Life Changes” and “Day Drunk”.  “I do love New York,” he says adoringly, “I always feel like I’m in a movie when I’m here.” His first single released in the states, “Kiss Somebody”, has not hit radio airwaves yet, but you could have fooled the crowd, they knew every word to the uptempo love song.  New York City fans may have had the opportunity of seeing Evans earlier this summer when he played the Grand Ole Opry’s Circle in the City in Bryant Park.

 

Right at 9:15 on the dot, Lee Brice took the stage and filled his set with plenty of his incredible hits throughout the years as well as new songs off his forthcoming self-titled album due out November 3rd.  A true performer, Brice packed the 90-minute set, alternating between new and old and uptempo hits and ballads.  His passion for his music is evident during his live set, always interacting with his loyal fans who sang along the entire night.  Concert-goers heard “That Don’t Sound Like You”, “Hard to Love” and his first number one single “Woman Like You” as well as his latest single “Boy”.

“We feel and we are so blessed to be here again, and even more blessed that you guys are here because you make all of our dreams come true,” Brice says mid-concert. “I can’t stress that enough.”

Lee Brice PlayStation Theater

 

A highlight of the night was Brice’s obvious adoration for our police men and women, our firefighters and our military.  He thanked them for their service before singing his touching hit “I Drive Your Truck”.  The stage went dark as the twinkle lights of cell phones popped up for the duration of the song.

Brice closed his set with more smash hits including “Parking Lot Party” and the song he wrote for his wife “I Don’t Dance” as well as a cover of Lynrd Skynrd’s “Simple Man”. Before leaving the stage, he autographed and handed off his guitar to a deserving fan who held the American Flag high the entire night, Brice proves there is a reason he can come back to New York City time and time again.  His fans love him and his music and look forward to many more shows from the megastar.  Pre-order his self-titled album on iTunes.

 

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Devin Dawson Rockwood Music Hall

Devin Dawson Grooves at Rockwood Music Hall

Devin Dawson NYCountry Swag Rockwood Music Hall

Rising country singer-songwriter, Devin Dawson, packed out Rockwood Music Hall last night for a showcase of songs off his forthcoming album, Dark Horse, available early 2018. The intimate setting was the perfect place to hear new music from the crooner, whose style is like no one else in the business right now.  Dressed in his signature black, Dawson took the stage after a heartfelt introduction from Warner Music Nashville CEO and President,  John Esposito.

Throughout Dawson’s first full band show in NYC, the crowd heard his current single “All On Me”, his latest release, “Dark Horse” along with a few songs that will be available on the new record.  Dawson finds a unique way of emoting his lyrics, the passion for the groove flows out of him as his entire body moves to the music.

Devin Dawson NYCountry Swag Rockwood Music Hall

Dawson is a combination of everything you love about John Mayer with a twist of Johnny Cash and a flair for honesty in his songwriting.  Pre-order his debut album on iTunes.

 

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

Carly Pearce Debut Album

 

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

Russell Dickerson Album Release

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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[Watch]#TBT Carrie Underwood’s Idol Audition

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

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

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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Nash Next Semi Finalists Perform at Hill Country BBQ…

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

Nash Next Ddendyl Hoyt

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October Rose
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Nash Next October Rose

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Carolyn Miller
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Nash Next Carolyn Miller

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Donna Ward
Instagram | Facebook

Nash Next Donna Ward

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Lauren Davidson
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Nash Next Lauren Davidson

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Molly Adele Brown
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Nash Next Molly Adele Brown

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After the Reign
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Nash Next After The Reign

 

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Lauren Murray

Nash Next Lauren Murray

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Cole & Caldwell
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Nash Next Cole Caldwell

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Brian Kapler
Instagram | Facebook

Nash Next Brian Kapler

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– Team NYCountry Swag

 

 

 

NYCS Artist Interview: Meet Singer-Songwriter Sandra Lynn

Sandra Lynn

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

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.

The Swon Brothers I Country Night on the Water

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.

The Swon Brothers I Country Night on the Water

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.

The Swon Brothers I Country Night on the Water

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.

The Swon Brothers I Country Night on the Water

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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