Blog Archives

Morgan Wallen & Luke Combs Tease Unreleased Music

January 17, 2024/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

2024 is off to a good start with both Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs teasing unreleased music on their perspective social media platforms. Learn more here.

Cover Photo Credit: Luke Combs (David Bergman / Morgan Wallen (Matthew Paskert)

One of the best things about social media is the relationship fans get to have with their favorite artists. Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs are two artists that are both absolute superstars and country mainstay artists in their own rights. While we have not yet gotten the collaboration we are all hoping for, both Wallen and Combs teased unreleased music this past week.

A few days ago, Wallen took to Instagram to tease an unreleased song called, “I Guess.” The song gives life to the feeling many of us feel, when we are spinning our wheels in relationships. “I Guess” has old-school Wallen vibes, something fans have been asking for. The unreleased tune is moody, gritty, and honest.

“I guess I’m the problem // And you’re Miss Never Do No Wrong // If I’m so awful // Then why’d you stick around this long? // And if it’s the whiskey // Then why you keep on pulling it off the shelf? // You hate that when you look at me you halfway see yourself // It got me thinking // If I’m the problem // You might be the reason”

On other hand, Combs expresses and shows off his “dad side” on his unreleased song called, “The Man He Sees In Me,” something both him and Wallen can both relate to. Written by Combs with Josh Phillips, the unreleased song is a sweet sentiment about the relationship between father and son. No matter what Combs sings, every song seems perfect for his voice.

He thinks he’s learning fishing // From the man that taught Bill Dance // And I think as I untangle it and put it in his hands // I hope he never finds out that I didn’t hang the moon // And I’ve never scared a monster out the closet in his room // Someday between him leaving home and driving on my knee // Maybe I’ll finally be, the man he sees in me”

While neither “I Guess” by Morgan Wallen or “The Man He Sees In Me” by Luke Combs have release dates just yet, we anticipate that the songs will make their way on the singers’ next albums. Stay tuned!

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs releases.

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Luke Combs, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Check out 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.

Who Is Belles? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music (2024)

January 17, 2024/in Blog, News, Swag Spotlight /by Erica Zisman

Who is Belles? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Kelli Rachel Belles
Birthdate – 06/09/99
Hometown – Omaha, Nebraska
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Selena
Label – Independent
Current Single – “I Hate Trucks” (out /1/26) // as of date of article: 01/15/2024

The Beginning:

Back in 2021, we introduced you to a singer-songwriter who was just starting her solo career after years of singing with her mom and brother. Belles has accomplished so much in the last few years, and we chatted with her all about her new music, her career, and everything in between.

Kelli Belles, who goes by Belles, grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. “I was born into a pretty musical family,” she began. “My grandma was a big band singer, and my mom and my aunts were a pop group called Mulberry Lane. So I actually grew up touring with them and backstage at fairs and festivals, watching them sing, in the van with them while they were warming up, and that’s really what sparked my interest in music.”

Throughout her entire childhood, Belles recalls being enamored with music, but specifically with powerful women in country music. “I’ve always loved country music. It was my favorite thing growing up, listening to Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, and Linda Rondstadt, and that was the music I was trying to write back then and still trying to write now.”

She spent her youth honing her skills in dance, musical theatre, and singing, as well as, started writing songs in high school. “When I was about 14, my mom was kind of playing coffee shops around Omaha and writing her own songs, and I asked to be her backup singer. It took a little bit of convincing,” she shares. Adding later, “Eventually she said yes and that kind of slowly turned into us becoming a duo.”

The Turning Point:

After taking a traditional path for a few years, Belles was reminded of her love of music, and moved to Nashville at just nineteen years old. Since being in the country music capital, the songstress worked to craft her songwriting and cultivate her artistry. “Since 2021, I’ve officially launched my solo career […] I’ve written more songs in the past two years than I think I ever have.”

Still inspired by powerful country artists, the singer is determined to share real stories through her storytelling. “Seeing Lainey Wilson’s rise has been really, really inspiring […] She has some of the best songwriting and really unique stories, and is so true to herself. I’m so excited for the future of females in country music. There’s more of a place for everyone’s stories and all different kinds of female artists.”

Belles continues to blend her country music songwriting with other genres, since finding her own voice and style in Nashville. “Stylistically, I’ve kind of been experimenting with mixing traditional elements and more modern elements. My producer, Ned Cameron was actually a rap producer in LA before moving to Nashville. […] He’s brought a lot of different elements to my music that I think are pretty unique.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Belles is on her first ever headlining tour thanks to the fanbase she has been able to grow via social media. “My social media has grown so much too. That’s what really sparked the tour idea. I really wanted to meet these people in real life that I’ve connected with, so I decided to book this club tour and it’s 20 shows, and it’s my first ever headlining tour, and a lot of venues that have been on my bucket list for years.”

The tour has been a place where Belles could finally connect face to face with her fans. Throughout the tour, the songstress is sure to play both released and unreleased music. In just a couple of weeks (January 26th), Belles will release a new song called, “I Hate Trucks.”

According to the singer, “‘I Hate Trucks’ is a fun one. Obviously in Nebraska, everyone drives trucks […] I have never really been a huge fan of trucks, I don’t really understand why you leave the back of this truck empty all the time, so I brought this idea into a writing session because I don’t really like trucks, but I always end up dating guys that drive these big, huge trucks. […] The hook is “I hate trucks, but I love the boys who drive them.” It’s kind of tongue in cheek.”

2024 is slated to be the biggest year yet for the rising artist, who is planning to release a song every six weeks for the new year. Stay tuned and be on the look out!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Belles announcements and releases.

To keep up with Belles, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

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

Hannah Ellis: ‘That Girl’ – Debut Album Review

January 12, 2024/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Nicole Piering

Hannah Ellis releases her debut album, That Girl, out now, January 12th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

With an introspective and relatable lyrical style similar to many of country music’s best female artists, Hannah Ellis’s debut album That Girl is the perfect foray for the songwriter to become an artist. Much like early Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini, or Maren Morris, Ellis takes traditional themes and country instrumentation to craft a perfect soundtrack for a night out, a breakup, a makeup, or anything in between.

Throughout her debut project, the acclaimed singer-songwriter crafts lyrics in a way that’s truly magical, painting a poetic picture with her unique phrasing and style. The album’s opener, “Country Can,” does just that with its mid-tempo celebration of all the things that country music can accomplish. Over banjo and slide guitar, she applauds all things country.

“Nothing makes you wanna raise one up // Makes you love where you come from // Makes you build a life on a piece of land like // Country can, country can // Get a cold one in my hand // Make these old boots wanna dance with somebody // Make my two lane, four wheels roll down a winding back road // Nothing turns my radio to gold like country can”

Likewise, “Wine Country” paints her as a walking contradiction, classy but country and putting the “boujee in the backroads.” “I have so much fun with “Wine Country,” the Kentucky native revealed to American Songwriter. “I wanna continue introducing all of these different facets of Hannah Ellis, because there’s a lot, there’s an onion there and that side of me is one of my favorites. I love a fancy night out, but also I’m totally fine if it ends in a dive bar. But I think it’s just such a fun song.”

For the Curb records artist, heartbreak weaves its way through the album, proving especially poignant on tracks like “Someone Else’s Heartbreak,” “Karma on the Rocks,” and “Still.” On the latter, Ellis uses the ballad to remind herself that he’s “still the same mess in a different box,” the one that isn’t right despite still having a hold on her heart.

“Someone Else’s Heartbreak” provides a special moment of introspection, finding the singer-songwriter unable to take her own advice, knowing how she’d respond to someone else’s heartbreak, but unable to listen to her own tips. “I can’t take my own advice…To tell the truth, it’s for the best it didn’t last,” she admits. “I promise it’s a good thing, wouldn’t be so hard for me to say, if this was someone else’s heartbreak.”

Likewise, the album’s title track and its closing song take listeners through an emotional journey alongside Ellis, as she admits on “That Girl” that she’s “the kind of girl who wears her emotions like a T-shirt.” Meanwhile, the album’s final track, “Too Much and Not Enough” finds Ellis dealing with the types of thoughts that tend to plague women at all ages and stages. “I’m so sure of myself and so insecure,” she admits. “I wish I could care less, a little bit more. It’s confusing as hell being constantly stuck between too much and not enough.”

Moments of levity come on tracks like “Home and a Hometown,” “One of These Days,” and “Us.” “Us” in particular is a catchy celebration of a relationship that is as certain as things “that just fit perfectly, like old t-shirt and Levi jeans.” Likewise “Plans” finds her and that special someone looking towards the future and what’s to come. “From the church to the dress to the little bare feet,” She sings dreamily. “No we ain’t there yet, but we’re gonna be.”

While Hannah Ellis may be best known for writing songs for others, that’s all about to change with this release. With a mix of poignant lyrics and catchy hooks, Hannah Ellis’ That Girl is sure to establish her as an incredible artist and a future superstar.

That Girl Tracklist:

Country Can
Us
That Girl
Wine Country
Someone Else’s Heartbreak
Karma on the Rocks
Still
Replaceable
Somebody Else
Plans
Home and a Hometown
One of These Days
Too Much and Not Enough

Country Swag Picks:

Someone Else’s Heartbreak
Us
Karma on the Rocks
Home and a Hometown

Hannnah Ellis’s debut album, ‘That Girl,’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Hannah Ellis releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here

To keep up with Hannah Ellis, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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

Dylan Schneider Drops Brand New Song “Bad Decisions”

January 12, 2024/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Dylan Schneider’s new song, “Bad Decisions,” is out now, January 12th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Back in 2021, we introduced you to rising singer-songwriter, Dylan Schneider. In the last few years, the singer has continued to grow both his talent and his fanbase. Today, he drops a brand new song to add to his exciting catalog of songs. “Bad Decisions” is officially out now.

The new single is an incredible anthem that feels catchy-enough to remind you of a Luke Bryan song with a bit more rhythmic flair. Even after just one listen, “Bad Decisions” will get stuck in your head. Written by the singer with Gabe Foust and Jacob Hackworth, the mesmerizing new track is both alluring and relatable. This song feels right up Schneider’s alley, and we hope he makes even more songs like this one.

“You call me up // You’re already drunk // I tell you off and then hop in the truck // Your sweet talkin’ got my KCs creepin’ down the driveway // ‘bout 6 shots away from seeing’ sideways // swear you’re my favorite hangover // Close the door, but we never get the closure // and we’re right back where we never shoulda been // Baby, here we go again // Girl, we’re good at making bad decisions.”

Keep your eyes and ears open for Schneider! He is winning the hearts of fans everywhere with his enticing social media presence and his incredible talent.

Dylan Schneider shares new song, “Bad Decisions,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dylan Schneider releases.

To keep up with Dylan Schneider, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“Bad Decisions” is now available everywhere you buy or stream 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.

Dasha Announces Debut Album + Shares New Song “42”

January 12, 2024/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Dasha shares new song “42,” out now, January 11th, on all streaming platforms and announces date for the release of her debut album. Learn more here.

Last year we introduced you to a unique, singer-songwriter that is taking Nashville by storm. Dasha is one of the most introspective and alluring entertainers on the scene right now. Today, she shared the news that she is releasing her debut album, What Happens Now, out February 16th. To celebrate the news, Dasha is sharing a taste of the album with a brand new song called, “42.”

On the new song, Dasha invites fans into her heart, as she shares a conversation between her and a long-distance love interest. “42” reads like an authentic diary entry. The song swims in the seas of vulnerability and raw emotion, something that Dasha seems to excel in. Although the song is a ballad, “42” still has the edge that we have come to love from all of the songstress’ former releases.

“You ask how many more days // and I say 42 ’til I move back to Nashville // Said you’ve been counting too // It’s strange how in November // It’ll be a year of missing you // I almost can’t believe it // I get to see you soon // More than just a visit, I’ll be living 10 from you // I’m praying that we’ll pick up back where we left off in that back room”

Dasha is proving herself to be one to look out for. We look forward to seeing what Dasha has coming down the pipeline next, and we cannot wait for fans to hear her debut album, What Happens Now. Stay on the look out!

Dasha shares new song, “42,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dasha releases.

To keep up with Dasha, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

“42” is now available everywhere you buy or stream 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.

Troy Cartwright Shares First Release of 2024 with “Over You By Now”

January 12, 2024/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Troy Cartwright shares new song “Over You By Now,” out now, January 12th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new release below.

After having an incredible year finding his true sound and style in country music in 2023, Troy Cartwright is set to continue that momentum in 2024. Today, the singer-songwriter is adding to his growing catalog of songs with a new song called, “Over You By Now.”

The new single is a heartbreaking ballad about unresolved love. Throughout the verses, Cartwright laments about still being in love, despite the break-up. The singer highlights the exact emotions that we all feel when we go through heartbreak and still feel attached to our ex-lover. “Over You By Now” is relatable, genuine, and catchy; despite, the heartbreak it showcases.

“I think it was late September, when I threw away your picture // Somehow, girl, I still see you // I really thought I knew better // When I let you keep my sweatshirt // But I still smell your perfume // I did everything I could to get you off my mind // But your still on my mind // Yeah you’d think after all this time // After all these sleepless nights // I’d be getting there”

Cartwright has a unique voice in the country music genre. His music transcends into the space of true art put to song. “Over You By Now” is a song that is a must-add to your music library!

Troy Cartwright shares new release, “Over You By Now,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Troy Cartwright releases.

To keep up with Troy Cartwright, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Over You By Now” is now available everywhere you buy or stream 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.

Chris Young Announces New Album + Releases New Song “Right Now”

January 12, 2024/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Chris Young revealed plans for a forthcoming album and released a brand new song, “Right Now,” out on all streaming platforms today, January 12th. Listen to the new music here and learn more.

Country music mainstay, Chris Young is giving fans what they want, more music. The singer-songwriter released a few songs last year, including a song called, “Young Love & Saturday Nights.” Today, he is announcing that his next studio album by the same name is slated for release on March 22nd. To celebrate the announcement, Young is giving fans a peak into the album’s track-list, and dropping another new song called “Right Now,” out today.

The upcoming new album boasts eighteen new songs, including fifteen tracks which Young is credited as a writer. The new single, “Right Now” was written by Young with long-time collaborator, Chris DeStefano and songwriter, Josh Hoge. “Right Now” is the story of being in that in-between phase of letting someone go and holding on. Throughout the song, Young does a convincing job at expressing the sentiment of the catchy tune.

“We can’t bring ourselves to burn a bridge // We might have to walk back across // When it’s late, and we’re lonely, don’t wanna move on // And our pride is the only cost // ‘Cause that fire’s still burning // And I don’t think you wanna let it go out // So, if you won’t say it girl, I’ll say it // What are you doin’ right now”

“Right Now” marks a new era of music for Young. Be on the lookout for pre-released songs and his ninth studio album coming soon!

Young Love & Saturday Nights Tracklist:

Looking for You
All Dogs Go to Heaven
Young Love & Saturday Nights
Don’t Call Me
What She Sees in Me
Country Boy’s Prayer
Double Down
Call It a Day
Drink to Remember
Don’t Stop Now
Fall Out
Fire
Gettin’ Older
Right Now
Million Miles
Everybody Grew Up
Knee Deep in Neon
Down

Chris shares new song, “Right Now,” and announces new album.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Chris Young releases.

To keep up with Chris Young, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Right Now” is now available everywhere you buy or stream 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.

2024 Country Artists to Watch

January 10, 2024/in Blog, News /by Team Country Swag

Introducing our 2024 Country Artists to Watch!

Over the past 7+ years of Country Swag, we have always loved to support rising artists and introduce our followers to the best new music in the genre. Since our first Artists to Watch list back in 2017, we have pinned rising stars like Luke Combs, Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis, Walker Hayes, HARDY, Gabby Barrett, Ernest, and more. Each year we choose ten new artists that we believe are destined for killer careers, our only rule when choosing is the artist can NOT already have a number one song.

Check out our picks in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2o2o, 2021, 2022, and 2023 before checking out the 10 artists we picked to have a huge 2024 below.

Country Swag’s 2024 Artists to Watch

WYATT FLORES –

Wyatt Flores // Photo Credit: Matt Paskert

Listen: “Milwaukee”
Stay Connected: @officialwyattflores

From the moment Wyatt Flores came onto our radar, we were all in! Flores has the undeniable “it factor.” His songs are catchy, yet real and his songwriting is emotive, special, and personal. The singer-songwriter has garnered a loyal fanbase both on social media and live shows as he performed to packed out rooms during his sold-out headlining tour in 2023. Flores is primed for a huge 2024, and if you jump on his bandwagon now, you can say you were here from the beginning!

DYLAN SCHNEIDER –

Dylan Schneider // Photo Credit: Peyton Dollar

Listen: “Bad Decisions”
Stay Connected: @dylanschneidermusic

Dylan Schneider is one of the more exciting new artists in Nashville today. In 2023, he grew his fanbase, released new music, and grew his reach across the genre. Schneider continues to release songs that lean into his cool, yet country sound. The BBR recording artist appears to be working on new music, so we anticipate that 2024 will be his biggest year yet!

LAUREN WATKINS –

Lauren Watkins // Photo Credit: Brayln Kelly

Listen: “Anybody But You”
Stay Connected: @lauren.watkins

Lauren Watkins is the type of artist that makes you stop and listen, the second you hear her sing. Much like Megan Moroney, who made our list last year, Watkins has this undeniable poise and knack for songwriting that increases her staying power. The songstress released two EPs last year, which spoke to her talent as both a vocalist and a songwriter. We can only hope that more music is coming down the pipeline soon from the incredible rising artist.

DYLAN GOSSETT –

Dylan Gossett // Photo Credit: William Basnett

Listen: “Coal”
Stay Connected:@dylangossett

Dylan Gossett is a bonafide superstar in Texas, but his talents are finally being introduced to the mainstream country genre. Gossett is unapologetically himself and releases music that fans flock to in droves. His folky and red-dirt songwriting appeal to the country music fanbase. At the top of this year, Gossett landed a record deal with Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records. Additionally, fans can catch the singer on the road this year as part of his ‘No Better Time Tour’!

GRAHAM BARHAM –

Graham Barham // Photo Credit: Jesse Deflorio

Listen: “BAYOU BOY”
Stay Connected: @grahambarham

Last year, Graham Barham bursted on to the country music scene with his debut project, North Of Hell, which featured six undeniably great songs. One of our favorites, “Preachers Need People” showed off his incredible songwriting prowess, while other songs showed off his personality and knack for performing live. Throughout 2023, Barham achieved viral success and began to be noticed by the country music industry. In 2024, we expect that the singer will continue to grow his fanbase and share even more music.

ELLA LANGLEY –

Ella Langley // Photo Credit: Caylee Robillard

Listen: “Paint The Town Blue”
Stay Connected: @ellalangleymusic

Columbia Records and Sony Music Nashville singer-songwriter, Ella Langley is primed for stardom. Much like Lainey Wilson, Langley is rooted in traditional country; however, she still explores different aspects to her talent through her story-telling and production. While many of the singer’s songs deserve a pedestal, one of our favorites is her recent collaboration with Kameron Marlowe called “Strangers.” We suspect that Langley will have an even bigger 2024!

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN –

Charles Wesley Godwin // Photo Credit: David McClister

Listen: “All Again”
Stay Connected: @charlesgodwin

Country-folk artist, Charles Wesley Godwin is a gem in country music right now. While Godwin has been on the scene for a few years, 2023 was a break-out year for the artist, with 2024, looking even brighter! Fans of artists like Zach Bryan are sure to garner a liking for Godwin too. While it is unclear exactly how 2024 will shape up for the artist, we can only hope that more new music is coming down the pipeline soon!

GREYLAN JAMES –

Greylan James // Photo Credit: Trea Allen

Listen: “Ain’t Thinkin’ About You”
Stay Connected: @greylanjames

Big Machine Label Group artist, Greylan James knows a thing or two about hard work and dedication. The budding singer-songwriter worked as a professional songwriter for two years, until he was fired for “not having what it takes”. Subsequently that hardship led him to delve even deeper into music, studying the craft and ultimately landing huge cuts like Kenny Chesney’s “Happy Does” and Jordan Davis’ “Next Thing You Know”. Like a snowball effect, soon after, James secured a record deal of his own. We believe the talented singer-songwriter is primed for a great future in country music.

ZACH TOP –

Zach Top // Photo Credit: Citizen Kane Wayne

Listen: “Sounds Like the Radio”
Stay Connected: @zach_top

Zach Top is revitalizing traditional, 90s-esque country music! The singer draws inspiration from artists like George Strait and Keith Whitley, which is appealing to country music lovers everywhere. In 2023, Top’s single “Sounds Like the Radio” speaks to his talent, as well as, the fun and good energy he brings to music. We are excited to see what 2024 looks like for the rising artist!

DASHA –

Dasha // Photo Credit: Adam Budd

Listen: “Austin”
Stay Connected: @officialwyattflores

If you are on social media even a little bit then you know who Dasha is. Her viral hit song, “Austin” became a fan-favorite almost overnight and continues to rapidly grow. While we love “Austin,” we have believed in Dasha even before the release of the single. Dasha has honed her talents as a singer and as a songwriter and with each release, we believe she has what it takes to keep her star rising!

What other new artists are you enjoying? Make sure to follow us on Instagram, @CountrySwag for the latest in new music. Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming announcements and releases.

Check out the latest tunes in country music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Who is Hannah Ellis? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music (2024)

January 9, 2024/in Blog, News, Swag Spotlight /by Erica Zisman

Who is Hannah Ellis? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Hannah Ellis
Birthdate – 8/14/1990
Hometown – Campbellsville, KY
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Martina McBride, Taylor Swift, JoDee Messina
Label – Curb Records
Current Single – “Wine Country” // as of date of article: 01/08/2024

The Beginning:

Back in 2019, we first introduced you to one of our favorite rising artists, Hannah Ellis. Over the years, Ellis has continued to put out new music, building her catalog and audience one song at a time. Now, nearly five years since our first interview, Ellis has grown tremendously in her artistry and continuously proves her staying power in the genre. Recently, we caught up with Ellis to chat about her path thus far and, of course, her debut album, That Girl coming out this Friday, January 12th.

“I’m from a small town in Kentucky,” began the entertainer. “My parents were both singers, so I saw them singing at weddings on the weekends all the time, and they constantly had me and my sister singing together all the time.” At such a young age, Ellis recalls having a passion for music and singing. She specifically loved country music and was inspired by the powerful female country artists of her youth.

“When you’re eleven, twelve, thirteen, you kind of have this idea that anyone can be famous, and anyone can be found at the local county fair. I mean, I had this huge passion for singing. I was always singing and specifically singing country music,” she shared. Adding, “I grew up in the 90s, and it was an incredible time for country music, specifically women in country music.”

Ellis found inspiration in artists like Martina McBride and JoDee Messina, but also loved Taylor Swift too. “When Taylor Swift came on the scene, that was the first time I felt really connected to someone because her and I are the same age, and it made me feel that someone was finally speaking my language, speaking to me.”

With a supportive family and a desire to be a country music singer-songwriter known, Ellis had a drive to pursue her dream.“As I got older, I started singing in church and singing in the local contests, and stuff, but it wasn’t until I was eighteen, that I really realized that I wanted to pursue music as my life and as my job and career.”

The Turning Point:

Despite knowing ultimately the music was her calling, Ellis had secured a full-ride to the University of Kentucky for college. “I went on to college and just started making trips to Nashville, and kind of got my feet wet in that way. It was a really awesome experience to do the back and forth.” Within two months of graduating from college, the singer made the move to Music City. “As soon as I knew I wanted to pursue country music, I knew that I needed to be in Nashville.”

The second Ellis got to town, she was out networking and meeting as many people as she could in the industry. She wrote with artists around Nashville, connected with industry leaders, and went to every event she could to get her name and talent out there. “I am a person that kind of jumps in with both feet. I would just go to every event, every show, everything that I knew that people who were in the industry would be at. And I just started making connections that way.”

Eventually she landed her first publishing deal in 2015, which later turned into a record deal in 2020 with Curb Records, her current home base.“Being in the same building as a record label, they started to hear my music and go ‘“who is this girl?”’So it was a super organic kind of path into getting a record deal with Curb Records.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Ellis is finally on the brink of releasing her debut album. Her project, That Girl comes out on Friday, January 12th. It is a true conglomerate of her experiences over her incredible career and of course, her own personal experiences too.

“I always knew that this first record was kind of my introduction, my “nice to meet you,” and I really wanted to choose songs that told all the different parts of my story, not just where I am at right now, but how I got here,” she shared. Adding, “It covers a lot of ground. It covers the stories I was writing when I first moved to town and when I got here and when I met my now-husband, Nick and our relationship growing together, and also my growth as a person myself, my struggles, and also the things that I’m super confident and secure in.”

The record features incredibly introspective songs like “Someone Else’s Heartbreak” and “Too Much & Not Enough,” as well as, fun songs like “Wine Country” and “Karma On The Rocks.” It was important to Ellis to not get too precious about the songs sounding the same musically; it was more important to have the stories speak for themselves.

“We didn’t get too hung up on ‘does this go with that?’ or ‘is this sound identical?’ because I think just like my personality, there’s a lot of different facets to the music that I love and there’s a lot of music that was a part of my musical rising if you will, and we just leaned into all the different aspects of me as an artist and me as a person.”

While all the released songs are incredible in their own right, fans can look froward to even more songs off the record including a stand-out called “Still.” According to Ellis, this song was written for a friend. “I wrote it from the perspective of one friend to another, and I wrote it for my friend, whenever she kept kind of going back to the same guy every time he would apologize. […] It’s kind of a song of ‘hey loving someone is not always enough to constitute that person being right for you’, and I think it’s a unique song to me, because I am the person that my friends go to for advice. […] I don’t think there’s a ton of songs out there of one friend talking to another.”

Fans can anticipate that Ellis will be touring the album this year. Checkout her website here for all the information!

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

Dan + Shay Earn 10th Number One at Country Radio with “Save Me The Trouble”

January 8, 2024/in Blog, News, Number One Songs /by Erica Zisman

Dan + Shay’s song, “Save Me The Trouble” marks their tenth number one single at country radio. Get all the details here!

Platinum-selling duo Dan + Shay are one of the best group country acts out there. Their loyal fanbase and their knack for creating music that is unique to them continues to win them accolades. Today, Dan + Shay reach a monumental feat, earning their tenth number one single at country radio with their song, “Save Me The Trouble.”

The chart-topper is the first number one song off Dan + Shay’s most recent album, Bigger Houses. The single speaks to heartbreak in the most beautiful way. Both artists have shared that the single is one that they are specifically proud of off the project. “Save Me The Trouble” is both emotional and relatable, two qualities that country radio and country fans seem to love and reward.

“I can tell by the way // That you’re stirring your drink // Oh, we’re already playing with fire // Said that you had to go // ‘Bout an hour ago // Baby, you’re such a beautiful liar // It feels like a movie I’ve already seen // So right now I’m begging you please // Why don’t you save me the trouble // Keep those pretty blue eyes to yourself // Why don’t you save me the trouble // Give that heartache to somebody else”

Dan + Shay keep reinventing themselves as they grow in their artistry. “Save Me The Trouble” seems to be a step in a new and fresh direction, and it’s clearly working. Congratulations to Dan + Shay and their team!

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Dan + Shay announcements and releases.

To keep up with Dan + Shay, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Save Me The Trouble” is available everywhere you buy or stream 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.