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Chase Rice “I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell” – Album Review

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Chase Rice’s new album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell is out now, February 10th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

On I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, Chase Rice is reintroducing himself to country music fans. Despite co-writing Florida Georgia Line’s powerhouse “Cruise” and having hits of his own with songs like “Ready Set Roll,” “Eyes on You” and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.,” the BBR recording artist looked inward and realized he was chasing something that wasn’t true to who he is as an artist or a person.

Born during time off due to the Covid pandemic, Rice’s new album features thirteen tracks that he wrote or co-wrote while isolated, introspective, and off the road. “This record is all those sunrises and sunsets and road trips and firepits distilled into 13 chapters of my journey, which reveal pieces of myself I hid in plain sight for years. Even from myself at times,” Rice reveals in a statement. “It is quite different from anything you’ve ever heard from me – and it’s the proudest I’ve ever been of a body of work.”

The album was crafted with Oscar Charles at Rice’s rural Tennessee home studio, and features a photo of his late father, Dan Rice, on the cover. In addition to Rice, other co-writers on the album include FGL’s Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Hunter Phelps, Josh Hoge, Ross Copperman, Brad Tursi, and HARDY.

The album is a stark departure from the “Cruise”-lite type of tracks that Rice has released in the past, and shows him stretching himself as both an artist and a songwriter. Prime indicators of Rice’s evolution include his stirring ode to man’s best friend, “Bench Seat,” the stomping “Way Down Yonder,” the apologetic “Sorry Mama,” and the introspective “I Walk Alone.”

Opening with the twangy “Walk That Easy,” it’s immediately clear that this is a more mature Chase Rice, as he shares his ode to the type of true love that doesn’t fade.

Additionally, the pair of tracks that make up the album’s title are two of the most unique songs here, offering clever lyrical twists. On “All Dogs Go To Hell,” Rice uses reverse psychology as he muses over the opposites of life. “I don’t miss you baby,” he croons. “And all dogs go to hell.” Meanwhile, the tongue-in-cheek “I Hate Cowboys” has him losing a girl to a cowboy who seems too good to be true.

“When you listen to the song you of course get that I don’t actually hate cowboys – I’m really fortunate to call several of them great friends,” muses Rice. “But damn, doesn’t it make you crazy when Mr. Steal Your Girl kicks open the door — with that hat and those Wranglers, and he can two-step better than you, talk cooler than you? ‘I Hate Cowboys’ is an ode to the fact that just like Taylor Sheridan writes in ‘Yellowstone,’ if it were easier everyone would cowboy…hell, I wish I could!”

On “Bench Seat,” Rice was inspired by a friend who found himself in a dark place, ready to take his own life until his dog saved him. “I wrote this song by myself with the point of view from the dog’s perspective – which might not be obvious right away – and what that moment might have meant for the two of them if not for that intervention.”

On “Way Down Yonder,” Rice offers a stomping, gritty track in celebration of the mountains of North Carolina where he grew up, while “Oklahoma” features driving guitars and a wild guitar solo that we can’t wait to witness in person.

Rice is incredibly introspective on tracks like “Sorry Mama,” “I Walk Alone,” “Life Part of Livin’” and “Key West and Colorado.” The latter pair both find Rice moving on, letting go, and letting God, finding himself out somewhere on the road.

“Somewhere between Key West and Colorado // I found God in a gold Silverado // Had to get a little lost to get a little found // Learned you can’t find love if you can’t slow down”

“Bad Day to Be a Cold Beer” is an immediate standout, born from a golf course conversation. It finds Rice celebrating the joys that can be found at the bottom of a bottle of your favorite beer, and is a perfectly-crafted summer anthem. 

Of I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, Rice reveals that he wouldn’t have used his father’s photo for the cover if the album wasn’t one he was certain he’d be proud of. “Not only is it the most vulnerable I’ve ever been, it’s also something he’d enjoy listening to and is full of stories I wish I could tell him. I’ve always wanted to honor him by using this photo as an album cover, and I know this project is the one that deserves that.”

With his newest offering, Chase Rice is showing a different side to himself, in the best way possible. He’s more introspective and more country than ever before, and the result is a solid album that we’re sure would make his father proud.

I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell Track List:

  1. Walk That Easy (Chase Rice, William Reames, Barton Davies, Jonathan Sherwood, Oscar Charles)
  2. All Dogs Go To Hell (Chase Rice, Joshua Miller, John Byron)
  3. Way Down Yonder (Chase Rice, Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Corey Crowder)
  4. Key West & Colorado (Chase Rice, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Blake Pendergrass, John Byron, Hunter Phelps)
  5. Bench Seat (Chase Rice)
  6. Life Part Of Livin’ (Chase Rice)
  7. Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer (Chase Rice, Blake Pendergrass, John Byron, Justin Thomas)
  8. Oklahoma feat. Read Southall Band (Chase Rice, William Reames, Barton Davies, Jonathan Sherwood, Oscar Charles, Read Southall)
  9. I Walk Alone (Chase Rice, Jaxson Free, Josh Hoge)
  10. Sorry Momma (Chase Rice, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
  11. If I Were Rock & Roll (Album Version) (Chase Rice)
  12. Goodnight Nancy feat. Boy Named Banjo (Chase Rice, Oscar Charles, Barton Davies, William Reames, Jonathan Sherwood)
  13. I Hate Cowboys (Chase Rice, Michael Hardy, Ross Copperman, Brad Tursi)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. I Hate Cowboys
  2. Bench Seat
  3. Bad Day to be a Cold Beer
  4. Walk That Easy
chase-rice-album

Chase Rice’s new album, “I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell” is out now.

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

Chase Rice will kick off his Way Down Yonder Tour in March, with stops at New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom on April 15 and Long Island’s Mulcahy’s on June 23.

To keep up with Chase Rice, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs To Hell 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.

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Teddy Robb Shares Brand New Song “Stay Single”

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Teddy Robb shares new song “Stay Single,” out now, February 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

It’s official, new music from Teddy Robb is here! The singer and entertainer, one of our personal favorites is following up the release of his song “Pretty Things” with the endearing new track, “Stay Single.”

Written by Robb with Pete Good, James McNair, and Brandon Ratcliff, “Stay Single” is a song all about resisting the desire to get back into a relationship. Usually, after a breakup, it is common to want to ward off all other relationships and simply stay single; however, Robb taps into how difficult that can be when a person piques our interest.

“Got a condo and it’s downtown // Plenty pretty girls runnin’ all around // Got a clean cut, got a clean truck // Damn if I don’t got it all figured out // You come walkin’ in start talkin’ then // I’m fallin’ and baby I’m on fire // You go takin me and breakin’ me // Ya can’t ya see you’re makin’ me a liar // Ohhhhhohhhohoh // When you look at me that way // Ain’t no way I’m gonna stay single”

While the lyrics of the song are simple and relatable, Robb’s vocals are what really up the ante of this song. His vocals are infectious and endearing. Moreover, the tone of his voice elevates the song, making you want to listen to it again and again, and maybe swoon a bit too.

teddy-robb-new-song

Teddy Robb’s brand new song “Stay Single” is out now.

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

To keep up with Teddy Robb, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Stay Single” 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.

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Mackenzie Carpenter Drops New Song “Don’t Mess With Exes”

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Mackenzie Carpenter’s new song “Don’t Mess With Exes” out now, February 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

The incredibly talented singer-songwriter, Mackenzie Carpenter blew us away with her song, “Jesus, I’m Jealous.” Today, Carpenter is showing off her sassy side with her new song, “Don’t Mess With Exes.”

According to the songstress, the song was inspired by reminding people to stop going back to their toxic exes. “They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, so I’m just tryin’ to keep y’all from going insane out here,” shared a cheeky Carpenter in a recent press release. “I hope this song inspires whoever hears it to move on from what is holding them back and become the best version of themselves. Take my advice, don’t let him fool you twice!”

“Go on and dust off your boots take a two-step or two with somebody new, just whatever you do // don’t mess with exes, ‘cause they’ll make a mess outta you.”

“Don’t Mess With Exes” is especially alluring because of the clever wordplay, clearly driven by the phrase “Don’t Mess with Texas.” On the new anthemic track, Carpenter proves that she has the vocals, the songwriting skills, and the grit to become a mainstay in country music.

Mackenzie-carpenter-new-song

Mackenzie Carpenter shares new song, “Don’t Mess With Exes,” out now.

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

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

“Don’t Mess With Exes” 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.

Megan Moroney Releases New Song “I’m Not Pretty”

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Megan Moroney’s new song “I’m Not Pretty,” is out now, February 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

2023 Country Swag Artist to Watch: Megan Moroney is back with a brand new release. While she may have blown up on TikTok in country music because of her incredible song, “Tennessee Orange,” she is proving her staying power with more new music coming down the pipeline. Today, she releases her brand new song “I’m Not Pretty,” out now.

In true Moroney fashion, “I’m Not Pretty” went viral even before it officially came out. The song clearly resonates with fans across the genre, due to its relatable nature. While the story behind the song is relatable, it is the play on words of the title that really makes the track. Moroney sings about the jealousy women often experience especially when their ex dates a new girl. She flips the “I’m Not Pretty” phrase on its head in an unexpected and cool way, showcasing true songwriting chops.

“Did you mean to double tap that spring break throwback from 2016 in PCB? // Somewhere out there my ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend’s scrolling through my Instagram // tearing me down passing the phone around like there’s nothing better to talk about // Zoomin out, zoomin in overanalyzing like the queen of the mean girls committee // but hey whatever helps keep on telling yourself I’m not pretty”

The new song is clearly just the beginning for Moroney. A debut album is reportedly in the works, and it is a matter of time until she is selling out venues as a headliner!

Megan-moroney-new-song

Megan Moroney’s new song “I’m Not Pretty” is out now.

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

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

“I’m Not Pretty” 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.

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Hannah Ellis Shares New Ballad “Someone Else’s Heartbreak”

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Hannah Ellis releases a new ballad called, “Someone Else’s Heartbreak,” out now, February 10th. Learn all the details about the new song below.

Hannah Ellis is a country artist known for her incredible vocal talent; however, it is her ability to weave her real life into relatable and heartfelt lyrics. Her new song, “Someone Else’s Heartbreak” is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking song inspired by her sister’s sudden break-up. Fans have been asking for the ballad, and Ellis delivered it in a monumental way.

Collaborators, Josh Kerr and Emily Falvey helped Ellis bring “Someone Else’s Heartbreak” to life, during a co-write. The heartbreaking and vulnerable track expresses the ever-true sentiments that when you are going through your own breakup it is near impossible to take your own advice. Written from the perspective of the heartbroken, Ellis vocals shine on this touching new song.

“While he was holding you, he always held you back // and to tell the truth, it’s for the best it didn’t last // Girl you were out of his league // Wasn’t worth everything you gave away // I promise it’s a good thing // wouldn’t be so hard for me to say // if this was someone else’s heartbreak // someone else’s lonely // I just tell them give it time // but I can’t take my own advice // when it’s my pain”

“Someone Else’s Heartbreak” has true potential to become an instant fan-favorite. Learn more about Hannah Ellis and her journey to country music in our spotlight interview, here.

Hannah-ellis-ballad

Hannah Ellis shares new ballad, “Someone Else’s Heartbreak,” out now.

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

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

“Country Can” 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.

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Ernest: ‘Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses’ – Album Review

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Ernest’s full-length deluxe album, Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses is out now, February 10th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

Ernest K. Smith, known professionally as ERNEST, has been churning out hits for the biggest stars in country music over the past five years, including Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, Chris Lane, Sam Hunt, Morgan Wallen, and many others. Last year, he released his sophomore record, FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM), an eleven-track project named after the RIAA platinum hit with friend and frequent collaborator, Morgan Wallen. While still in the songwriting business, fans loved what they heard from ERNEST on a personal note, encouraging the Nashville-native to release an additional thirteen tracks on a deluxe version titled FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses.

“I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new music,” ERNEST shared in a recent press release. “It’s even more of the real, honest storytelling that the album was built on, and continues the character’s love story right where it left off with ‘Some Other Bar.’ It’s very reflective, I think everyone will be able to relate to a part of the story in some way. I’m really proud of it!”

On December 16, ERNEST teased the sound and theme of the record with three new songs, “Miss That Girl, “Songs We Used To Sing,” and “Unhang The Moon.” In “Miss That Girl,” the singer shares in conspicuously catchy lyricism how hard it is to move on and admit how much you miss someone. “Songs We Used To Sing” leans into the nostalgia of it all—the breakup ruined all his favorite tunes because he thinks of her when he hears them. Finally, “Unhang The Moon” is the ultimate heartbreak song in which he confesses all his regrets regarding the relationship. The three songs all tell a similar story, as Ernest seems to access more and more emotions with his vocals.

As for the new tracks, “Done At A Bar,” “What Have I Got To Lose,” “Heartache In My 100 Proof,” and “Burn Out,” also touch on heartbreak. The former is a play on the phrase ‘easier said than done.’  The singer admits that it is easy to say things that will fix a relationship when intoxicated at a bar, but when the morning comes, the sweet nothings uttered from the night before fizzle, becoming drunken lies and failed promises. The latter, however, touches on a love that moved too fast. Although it may seem like the real thing at first, all flames eventually die out, and that’s exactly what happened to the singer in this track. 

“Knew it when we started off of both ends // Girl we should’ve seen where this was going // ‘Couple flames just fighting back against a cold wind // Throttles wide open, eyes closed keeping them fire stones smokin’ ‘til we burn out”

On the flip side of heartbreak, love is another major theme on the record. In “Wild Wild West” the singer boasts about how he loves how unpredictable his woman is. “Hill” is another one in which the singer imagines the perfect life he is going to share with the person he loves.

“Drunk With My Friends,” “Anything But Sober,” and “This Fire,” touch on ERNEST’s fun and lighter side. The former is a happy, bar anthem with a tropical theme that has the singer explaining to his woman the reasoning behind his bad decisions. The most amusing part of the track is ERNEST’s use of cartoon voices; the Charlie Brown trombone noise symbolizes the singer’s woman nagging him, and he subtly sneaks in the narrator’s voice from Spongebob before the second verse to say “three days later” before his next inebriated mishap. In the last chorus, he tells her to go get margaritas with her friends to ease the stress. The next two resemble the 90s era of country that so many artists are attempting to replicate these days—ERNEST does a perfect job of recreating the sound with a hint of modernism. In the latter, the singer uses whiskey to put out the fire he has created in the real world.

“Wrecking my world, Lord, and burning it down // There’s fire, fire all over this town // All the tears in her eyes that she’s cried can’t put out this fire”

ERNEST continues to showcase his prowess as a songwriter and a vocalist with FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses. With thirteen unique tracks, the talented rising star demonstrates how being versatile can make one overarching theme so fascinating and thought-provoking. We are excited to see his career take off, and this album will be the launching pad of something very special. 

Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses Tracklist:

  1. “Sucker for Small Towns” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Ashley Gorley)
  2. “Tennessee Queen” (Ernest Keith Smith, Dan Isbell, Jordan Schmidt)
  3. “Classic” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett)
  4. “Feet Wanna Run” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chris LaCorte, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
  5. “Comfortable When I’m Crazy” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson)
  6. “Flower Shops” (feat. Morgan Wallen) (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
  7. “Did It With You” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, Nathan Spicer)
  8. “What It’s Come To” (Ernest Keith Smith, Lily Rose, Ryan Vojtesak)
  9. “If You Were Whiskey” (Ernest Keith Smith, Michael Carter, Ben Hayslip)
  10. “Some Other Bar” (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
  11. “Flower Shops” (feat. Morgan Wallen) [Acoustic] (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
  12. “This Fire” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rocky Block, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan)
  13. “Wild Wild West” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Rafe Tenpenny)
  14. “Hill” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Brett Tyler)
  15. “Burn Out” (Ernest Keith Smith, Andy Albert, Jordan Dozzi, Hunter Phelps)
  16. “Nothin To Lose” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Josh Osborne)
  17. “Songs We Used to Sing” (Ernest Keith Smith, Justin Ebach, Charles Kelley)
  18. “Done at a Bar” (Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson)
  19. “Drunk With My Friends” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Thompson)
  20. “Anything But Sober” (Ernest Keith Smith, Alysa Vanderheym)
  21. “What Have I Got to Lose” (Ernest Keith Smith, Brian Kelley, Dean Dillon)
  22. “Heartache in My 100 Proof” (feat. Jake Worthington) (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Thompson)
  23. “Unhang The Moon” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Brad Clawson, Jacob Durrett)
  24. “Miss That Girl” (Ernest Keith Smith, Brad Clawson, Jacob Durrett)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Drunk With My Friends
  2. This Fire
  3. Done At A Bar
  4. Burn Out
ernest-new-album

Ernest’s new deluxe album ‘Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses’ is out now.

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

ERNEST is going on Morgan Wallen’s massive ‘One Night At A Time’ World Tour along with Parker McCollum, HARDY, and Bailey Zimmerman. The group will play two shows at Metlife Stadium on May 19-20, as well as some of the largest NFL and MLB stadiums across North America. For tickets, head to his website.

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

Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses 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.

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Luke Combs Drops Heartfelt New Song “Love You Anyway”

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Luke Combs shares new song “Love You Anyway,” out now, February 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Everything Luke Combs touches sky rockets to the top of the charts and goes platinum seemingly in a manner of minutes. While some naysayers might argue this point, it is hard to argue that Combs knows how to crank out good music that relates to his fans. Today, he is proving that point yet again. His brand new song, “Love You Anyway” is officially out now.

The heartfelt new song already has the presence to be a hit for Combs. The singer-songwriter teased the track last month, leading fans to beg for its release. “Love You Anyway” is a declaration to loving without boundaries and walls. The song expresses the type of love we all truly desire, only Combs has been able too put it into words.

“There’s just some things that leave a man no choice // Like a compass needle needing its true north // Even if I knew the day we met you’d be the reason this heart breaks // Oh, I’d love you anyway”

“Love You Anyway” is another taste of the superstar’s upcoming album. Check out all we know about the album so far here.

Luke-combs-heartfelt-song

Luke Combs shares new song, “Love You Anyway,” out now.

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

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

“Love You Anyway” 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.

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Who Is Mackenzie Carpenter? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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

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Quick Facts:

Full Name – Mackenzie Carpenter
Birthday – 06/04/1999
Hometown – Hull, Georgia
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley
Label – Big Machine Label Group – Valory Music Co.
Latest Release – “Jesus I’m Jealous” (*as of date of article: 02/09/2023)

The Beginning:

This week our spotlight shines on 2023 Country Swag Artist to Watch: Mackenzie Carpenter. The talented singer-songwriter always knew that music was her calling. While she would call her journey so far a “blessed one,” it is not without hard work and dedication.

Growing up in Georgia, Carpenter was always surrounded by music and of course, her supportive family. “I grew up singing in church,” she began. “[My brothers and I] all started taking an instrument at different times, and my brothers started teaching me how to play and I started singing.” She recalls listening to a variety of different genres, but that 2k country music was always her favorite mixed with some 90s country. Artists like Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, and Trace Atkins were mainstays on her FM radio.

While listening to music was a hobby, her Dad encouraged her to start writing. “My dad knew enough to tell me that I had to start writing songs if I wanted to pursue music for real,” she shared. Thanks to the support of her family, the songstress began songwriting in high school. “I started writing music and that’s kind of when I started finding my own voice,” adding later, “Once I started writing my own songs, I was like this is fun, I can tell my own stories.”

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating high school, the singer-songwriter made the move to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Belmont University. “My parents and my family really are my biggest cheerleaders,” she shared again. “My Dad actually found Belmont, and I got here and I just started writing songs, and I didn’t release my first song until last year.”

While at Belmont, Carpenter honed her songwriting skills and began networking around town. “I went through all of college, but I didn’t start introducing myself as an artist right away.” She recalled focusing on the songwriting side of things for the first little bit.

“I started writing, writing, writing, every single day. I didn’t have a producer, I didn’t have a team. I didn’t know how to be an artist, but I could show up and write a song. I had ideas, I had melodies, so just networking, writing,” recalls Carpenter.

One day things began to change after she wrote a special track with a friend. “I wrote a song with my friend Lily Rose that she released called “Villain” and it was one of the first big, viral, TikTok moments.” This piqued her own interest in the TikTok platform and Carpenter began sharing her own songs and growing her fanbase one follower and ‘like’ at a time. “People were really, really connecting to my songwriting.”

Her notoriety on TikTok led her to get noticed by Nashville’s Sirius XM The Highway. “I got linked with ‘The Highway’ and they were like we want to be involved, and so then, I got connected to Scott Borchetta, and he literally texted me and was like “hey, I heard this clip of your song and I want to know if you wanted to meet with me” and I literally thought I was being pranked.”

Eventually, she signed her record deal with Big Machine Label Group thanks to her artistry. “I really am thankful that songwriting is what started my journey. […] It all starts with a song, and I feel really thankful that that was my foundation.”

Today:

Now, as a major label artist, Carpenter is super excited for what is in store for her future. While this past year has been monumental both personally and professionally she exclaimed that, “this year is about continuing to build a connection with people that connect with my music.”

Most recently her single, “Jesus, I’m Jealous” enticed fans across the genre. “I grew up a pastor’s daughter, so I always had faith, it’s been really important to me my whole life, and I literally just heard someone say that phrase in talking, and as a songwriter, you’re always writing things down, so I had written it down,” she shared about how the song was created.

“We wanted to make sure it was said in the right way, and we wanted it to literally be a prayer,” added Carpenter. “Whether people love it or hate it, they’ll want to know what we’re talking about.”

Continuing to talk about the message conveyed in “Jesus, I’m Jealous,” the songstress shared, “There was a time in my life, where I feel like you can look around and be like I should be where that person is by now or why hasn’t this happened to me […] I was so inspired by that time, and it’s okay to let yourself feel all those feelings like ‘I really want that right now, but also wrapping it up with, I know  it’s going to be okay.’” The song is one of the most relatable songs in the genre currently.

Moving ahead, Carpenter promises more new music and a project coming in April. Keep your eyes and ears open!

Connect:

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

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

Mackenzie Carpenter’s 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.

The Best Country Music Songs for Valentine’s Day (2023)

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With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here are the best country music songs to blast all holiday long. Listen here…

Valentine’s Day may be the most romantic day of the year, and Nashville’s biggest stars have you covered. Whether you want to get your significant other in the mood, or just want to show your appreciation for them, these 20 songs are a great way for you to express those feelings. Here are the best country music songs to add to your Valentine’s Day playlist.

“Die a Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett
“Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand // Baby, I could die a happy man”

Starting off with a classic and one of the biggest country songs of our generation, Rhett says he would sacrifice all his dreams and possessions just to have his wife stay by his side for the rest of his life.

 

“H.O.L.Y.” – Florida Georgia Line
“You’re an angel, tell me you’re never leaving // Cause you’re the first thing I know I can believe in”

Now a pretty common theme in country music, the boys of Florida Georgia Line compare their wives to heavenly beings.

 

“I Don’t Dance” – Lee Brice
“I don’t dance, but here I am, spinning you ‘round and ‘round in circles // It ain’t my style, but I don’t care // I’ll do anything with you anywhere”

The perfect first dance song for your wedding, Lee Brice sings about how this woman changed his whole perspective on love.

 

“Head Over Boots” – Jon Pardi
“You’re the rock in my roll, you’re good for my soul, it’s true // I’m head over boots for you”

Jon Pardi’s breakout single, “Head Over Boots” is a clever country twist on the phrase for being madly in love.

 

“Love Me Like You Mean It” – Kelsea Ballerini
“If you’re gonna say and make me believe it // If you’re gonna love me boy // love me like you mean it”

In one of Ballerini’s first singles, she is warning this boy that she’s not interested in a quick fling. If he wants to love her, he better be ready to stay for the long haul.

 

“You Make It Easy” – Jason Aldean
“Stealing kisses under covers, babe // See forever when I see your face // And I swear God made you for me”

Love is the best when it’s easy, and Aldean shows his gratitude for his woman in this track.

 

“Better Together” –  Luke Combs
“It’s a match made up in heaven, like good ol’ boys and beer // And me, as long as you’re right here”

Combs made a career on singing about having a good time at the honkytonk, but he’s also no stranger to sweet, love ballads. In this tune, he lists all the things that go better together, including her first and his last name.

 

“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
“I’d spend ten thousand hours and ten thousand more // Oh, if that’s what it takes to learn that sweetheart of yours”

Love songs are Dan + Shay’s specialty; we could have chosen a number of tracks from the Grammy-winning duo’s catalog, but “10,000 Hours” is the ultimate Valentine’s Day tune. The singers are unapologetically proclaiming their love and dedication to their women.

 

 “Happy Anywhere” – Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani
“I’m running wide open // I was born with my feet in motion // But since I met you, I swear // I could be happy anywhere”

This is not the first song Hollywood’s power couple performed together, but a true showcase of how love trumps any location or personal possessions. 

 

“Yours” – Russell Dickerson
“I came to life when I first kissed you // The best me has his arms around you // You make me better than I was before”

Perhaps the most catchy love song of today’s country music, “Yours” launched Dickerson’s career as a singer-songwriter. At a time when he felt lost and alone, he thanks God for leading him to his now-wife.

 

“The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett
“A love me like he should one, like he wrote the book one // The kind you find when you don’t even look one”

In this song, Barrett praises her husband in the brightest lights. The song truly showcases what it is like to be loved and love back.

 

“Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris
“You come over when your wine’s all gone // Always catch me when I’m not that strong // Then you wind up staying all night long // Ain’t nothing new”

If Blake and Gwen are Hollywood’s power couple, then Ryan and Maren are Nashville’s. This song is about an unhealthy relationship in which the woman only calls the man when she’s had a lot to drink, because the man loves “chasing after her,” he always lets her in.

 

“Thank God” – Kane and Katelyn Brown
“Thank God, I get to wake up by your side // Thank God, your hand fits perfectly in mine // Thank God, you loved me when you didn’t have to

Another country music power couple, Katelyn makes her radio debut with this love song alongside her husband. The two sing about how lucky they are to have each other in their life.

 

“What My World Spins Around” – Jordan Davis
“Watching you watch the sun going down // That’s what my world spins around”

In Davis’ most recent number one single, he lists all the things he loves to do and watch, but there’s nothing he loves more than spending time with his woman.

 

“I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven” – Nate Smith and Tenille Townes
“I don’t wanna go to Heaven // When Heaven’s right here, lying next to me”

Nate Smith and Tenille Townes sing about how there’s no better place to be than lying next to the person you love.

 

5 Foot 9” – Tyler Hubbard
“Ain’t no way that me and this truck made her fall in love // Jack makes good whiskey but God makes the good stuff”

Hubbard wastes no time praising his wife with his new, solo platform.  His debut album is plastered with romance songs, but none showcases his love more than its lead single.  

 

“Second Guessing” – Griffen Palmer
“’Cause I turned into nights and spent all of my life asking questions // Now I don’t spend one second guessing”

Now highlighting some of the new faces of country music, Palmer originally wrote this track for Florida Georgia Line on NBC’s Songland, but after it didn’t get the recognition it deserved, he released it himself and the track is spinning all over Sirius XM’s The Highway. This song is about a man with a lot of questions about life, but if there’s one thing he’s sure of it, it’s his woman. 

 

“Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney
“He’s got me doin’ things I’ve never done // In Georgia, they call it a sin // I’m wearing Tennessee orange for him”

Country newcomer, Megan Moroney is finding success with her single, “Tennessee Orange,” a ballad about how a boy she’s so in love with could make her root for the wrong side of a college football rivalry. 

 

“Watermelon Moonshine” – Lainey Wilson
“There’s never nothin’ like the first time // And mine’s always gonna taste like // Watermelon moonshine”

Wilson sings of young love, reflecting on her first kiss. She says she’ll never forget the taste of watermelon moonshine because that is what they were drinking in the field together when they shared that special moment.

 

“Never Leave” – Bailey Zimmerman
“I’ll fight for you, I’ll fight for us // I’ll fight to never leave”

Breakout star, Bailey Zimmerman pleads that no matter what happens in this relationship, he’ll fight to keep them together. 

Want to hear more about country music news and release? Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here.

who-is-ernest

Who Is Ernest? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

who-is-ernest

Photo Credit: Delaney Royer

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Ernest Keith Smith
Hometown – Nashville, Tennessee
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Label – Big Loud Records
Current Single – “This Fire”  (*as of date of article: 2/10/2023)

The Beginning:

Our spotlight artist this week truly needs no introduction. Ernest Keith Smith or ERNEST as you probably know him is a singer-songwriter who is on the brink of stardom. A consistent collaborator with Morgan Wallen and HARDY, Ernest is as talented as they come. We chatted with the Nashville native all about his rise in the country music industry and what’s next for the budding star.

“Music of all kinds has been the soundtrack to all of my summers,” began Ernest. ” I listened to all kinds of traditional country music in my dad’s car growing up, if it wasn’t country it was sports talk radio. And my mom was listening to Oldies 96.3 […].” With music (and baseball) being his main focus, Ernest found himself flocking to so many different genres from an early age.

He added later, “I was even getting hand-me-down burnt CDs from my friend’s older brothers. I would be in first or second grade listening to burnt CDs with my little walkman from a kid whose brother was a sophomore in high school, so I was listening to Eminem and a bunch of stuff I shouldn’t have been consuming, but I fell in love with it all.”

At just eight years old, Ernest knew that entertainment was in his future.“The Space Jam soundtrack was a third grade Christmas present, as well as a banjo, and the rest was history. Music is just always something I gravitated to,” he explained.

While he did not quite know just what he was going to do for a living, he had an idea that music would be in the cards. “I never dreamed of having a normal job, job,” shared the singer. “The older I got, the more I got the bug for music. I did one year of college and spent most of my time making up songs, so I decided I’m going to try to do this for real. I always wanted to entertain or something, I just never saw myself having to do a 9-5, but jokes on me, because it’s an 8AM-8AM job and on top of that being dad, so we’re always working,” laughed Ernest.

The Turning Point:

Eventually, Ernest began to pursue music and making a name for himself in Music City, his hometown. “Choosing country music feels the most organic for me to choose, but I would say a lot of my 20’s were struggling with that because of me being influenced by so many different things, and wanting to experiment with those sounds from John Mayer to Drake or Kendrick or Yellowcard, everything in between,” shared the singer, as he reflected on his journey. “Doing what I’m doing now, nodding my hat towards the traditional sound, I’m super happy.”

For Ernest, the goal was always to be his own artist; however, songwriting has been a great gateway into country music. “Songwriting was a good, and still is a good, lily pad into my artistry. Developing a reputation in town as a songwriter definitely doesn’t hurt,” he shared. “All of that hard work and sleepless nights, and getting let down, all that and throwing in a little bit of luck then here we are.”

The hitmaker is surely making a name for himself in the industry and it is only a matter of time until everyone knows his music and artistry.

Today:

Last year, Ernest released his debut record, Flower Shops: The Album, and in just a few days, the deluxe version, Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses will be released on Friday, February 10th. While both projects can be listened to independently, the story is connective and impressive.

“The whole album and the deluxe is basically the continuation of the story, part two, are all songs that I enjoy listening to. If someone else put out those batches of songs, I would probably be listening to it a lot. It’s nostalgic and it’s fun, sad, there’s a little bit of everything in there. When I’m writing for myself, especially for these projects,” shared Ernest.

While he loves all the songs on the upcoming record, Ernest shared about a few that really tug at him in the best way. “I think overall, the album is really fun to listen down top to bottom. […] You’re still going to get a story and as for my favorite song? It’s tough to choose. There are a few different moods on there. “This Fire” is one of my favorites. “Nothin’ To Lose” is one of my favorites too.”

Fans also have the upcoming tour dates with Morgan Wallen and HARDY to look forward to. “We get to make country music with our best friends and we are good friends in real life and cheerleaders for each other […] tour and getting to be on the road together will be special.” He also mentions that he’s sure another project will “put itself together” sooner rather than later. Keep your eyes and ears open for Ernest this year!

Connect:

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

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

Ernest’s 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.