Who is Kameron Marlowe? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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This week we shine our spotlight on a promising new artist in the industry that we believe has what it takes to make it big. Kameron Marlowe is a newcomer on the scene but has so much talent to share with the world. We chatted with him about his upbringing, the release of his debut EP, and everything in between.

Kameron Marlowe

Kameron Marlowe

Growing up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, Marlowe’s focus has been on music since high school, when he played in a band and listened to music all the time. “I really didn’t listen to anything that was current. I guess I just have always been that way,” he explained, “I am one of the biggest Ray Charles fans there can be. But, Brooks and Dunn is probably my favorite country band of all time.” Marlowe also shared a love for artists like George Strait, Merle Haggard, and Chris Stapleton.

Although he clearly loves country music, it was not until he graduated and found himself working a job at General Motors that he realized that music was what he wanted to do for a living. As the singer started playing shows at local venues and bars, he received a life-changing call from someone from NBC’s hit television show The Voice. “I think that’s when music started to really, really make a change in my life,” he began, “Once the show ended, I couldn’t think about life without music again, so I started writing songs and started coming to town, meeting as many people as I could. I just wanted to immerse myself as deep as I could [in music].”

Marlowe made the move to Nashville, armed with a mission to make his dream come true. He continued to network in town, which eventually led him to earn both a publishing deal and a record deal. Despite the success, the singer continues to work on his craft every single day. “I am just trying to find my place and find my spot here in Nashville. I can’t say that I’m doing it better than anyone else, but I want to learn and I’m learning every day,” Marlowe exclaimed, “Music is what I want to do for the rest of my life, I can’t imagine doing anything else but music now.”

The singer-songwriter made his dreams a reality, finally releasing his debut self-titled EP last Friday (11/13). Chock full of songs for the everyday country fan and relatable lyrics, Marlowe reminds us all why we love this genre so much. In our conversation, he shared the difficult process of choosing of the six songs to represent his craft. “With this EP, my goal was really to establish myself,” he expressed, adding that even the songs he didn’t write like “Sober As a Drunk” and “Going There Today” were important to share. “If I feel like people need to hear something or that people would like to hear [a song] and it relates to me, I always want to make sure that this song gets heard because there’s so many great songs and songwriters in Nashville.”

On the other hand, the EP also includes incredible songs that Marlowe did have a hand in writing. His most popular song to date, “Giving You Up,” was a solo-write inspired by his feelings about breaking up with the girl he thought he was going to marry, while, “Burn ‘Em All” came to fruition at a co-write, where all the writers were feeling burnt out. The song ended up being inspired by the blue-collar worker.

As a whole, the record is a good representation of Marlowe’s story so far. “All these songs are just things that kinda have happened in my life since moving to Nashville and things that have affected my life before Nashville,” the singer-songwriter shared, “And I’m really just wanting to convey who I am as an artist in this EP and looking forward to maybe making a full record next.”

Besides making sure to listen to the EP, again and again, fans can look forward to more songs by Marlowe as we head into 2021. The singer hinted at possibly recording songs like “Tequila Talkin’” and “Steady Heart,” as well as, hoping to get a new batch of music out to fans. We are sure whatever is coming down the pipeline next will only elevate Marlowe and his blossoming career!

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

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

Kameron Marlowe EP 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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Who Is Drew Parker? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Country music is full of talented artists that are on the brink of breaking through to the mainstream scene. Singer-songwriter and our Swag Spotlight this week, Drew Parker is one of  the talented writers behind hits for superstar Luke Combs and Jake Owen, but 2020 has been all about establishing himself as his own artist.

Drew Parker

Drew Parker

Growing up in Covington, Georgia, Parker found music in church at the age of six. That early love of music created a desire in him to sing even more. “Around the age of 12, I wanted to do more with it,” he shared, talking about emulating the gospel choirs in his church, “I kind of asked my parents how do I do what they do and travel around and sing at different churches.” With his parents support, the singer sang at different churches throughout his adolescence.

Parker’s love of music  continued to evolve as he got older. He decided that he really wanted to start singing country music, a genre he grew up on. “I had always been a fan of country music, I mean that’s all I listened to growing up was country music, but around the age of eighteen was when I stared wanting to sing country music myself.” Raised on 90s country music like Keith Whitley, Brooks & Dunn, Travis Tritt, and Alan Jackson, Parker always found himself drawn to great singers and strong voices.

With a desire to sing in his heart, the entertainer started out a local pizza place. After singing at an open mic night, the owner asked him to come back and put together a full show for the audience. “I hired a guitar player and we learned three hours of country cover songs’ and that’s kind of where it all started for me,” he reminisced.

After taking a slight detour, heading off to college to follow a more “typical” track , Parker realized his heart was still in country music. “When I turned about 21, I realized ‘hey man, if you don’t pack up your stuff and move you’re not going to,’” he explained, “And I didn’t want to wake up in 30 years and ask myself what if I had done this.” This propelled the newcomer to find a job at a hospital at night and make the big move to Nashville.

Upon moving to music city, Parker’s goal was to be a singer, but he soon realized that song-writing was also a part of the fabric of his soul. “Songwriting wasn’t a gift I realized that I had until I had already moved to Nashville,” he shared, “I kind of found it once I got here. And to this day, I’m still learning and building on that craft and learning more about it each and every day.”

Parker now has been a Nashville resident for five years, and it is safe to say that his talent for singing and songwriting has not gone unnoticed. “It’s been awesome,” he exclaimed when asked about his journey so far, “When I write songs, I never go in with the intention of trying to write for myself or a specific artist, I just go in writing the best song I can write, whatever that may be.”

Clearly many of those songs have resonated with other artists, but Parker’s recently released debut EP While You’re Gone features the songs that have resonated the most with him. “It’s just a group of songs that I have been sitting on a while,” he began, “They were songs that never got old to me. They were songs that I always wanted to listen to. They stood the test of time from when I wrote them to when we went in to record them.” He later added that if he felt this way about his own music that hopefully fans would too.

Parker’s lead single from the EP, the title track, “When You’re Gone,” is just one of the several songs that speaks volumes to his talent as a vocalist and as a songwriter. Written with fellow singer-songwriter Jameson Rodgers, the single pays homage to the 90s country music that the two grew up on, reminding us all of the great story-telling in the genre. “I think that day, we both talked about, let’s write something to kind of tip our hats to our folks back in the 90s and those songs. Let’s write a story song,” Parker declared.

Fans can expect more music coming down the pipeline from Parker soon. He continues to hone his craft and wants to deliver content as quick as he can to his growing audience. Of course, when shows come back, the singer-songwriter will also get back on the road with Luke Combs. The future is looking bright for the rising artist!

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

To keep up with Drew Parker follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

While You’re Gone EP 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Who Is MacKenzie Porter? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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This week’s Swag Spotlight artist is one that we think is primed for success in the near future. Canadian country artist and Nashville transplant, MacKenzie Porter has had music in her blood since she was a young kid. Recently signed by Big Loud Records, the songstress is proving that she is the real deal.

Mackenzie Porter

Mackenzie Porter Photo Credit Bree Marie Fish

Growing up on a ranch outside of Alberta, Canada, Porter found herself gravitating to music when she was only four years old. “We lived on a ranch. There was nothing else to do other than play music,” she shared, “I was constantly surrounded by it, and I think living out in the country, you also listen to country radio all the time, and that’s kind of how I became obsessed with it, and fell in love with the genre.”

Following her father and grandmother’s lead, who both played in bands, Porter learned to play classical piano, violin, and started singing at four years old. Despite playing in many concerto competitions and orchestra shows, she still knew she wanted to play country music.  “I just wanted to do what you hear on the radio, not classical music,” she tells us, recounting exactly what she told her mom growing up.

With artists like Shania Twain, Martina McBride, The Chicks, and Deana Carter on her radio airwaves, Porter aspired to move to Nashville and fulfill her dreams. She started writing songs at around eighteen years old and began making trips back and forth to Music City, the songstress finally made the big move in 2014.

Armed with a desire to make music and a hustle that does not quit, she set her sights on making more meaningful connections in Nashville. “I just kind of started meeting people and just going out as much as I can. That’s the cool thing about Nashville, it’s such a relationship-based town, if you’re out and meeting people and making friends, it really does get you places, I think.”

Currently, Porter has become one of those women on the radio that she aspired to be like. Already a star in Canada, the songstress is steadily increasing her fanbase here in the states but remains as humble as can be, admitting that being a part of the ever-growing badass women of country music is a great honor. “The more that are on the radio, the more me, as a fan, feels excited, and the more me as an artist feels excited because women are knocking doors down right now.”

So far, Porter’s song “Seeing Other People” and her newest release, “Drinkin’ Songs” have made waves in the states. The former, although not written by the songstress, was an immediate “must record” for the singer. “As an artist, I always want to write my own songs,” she tells us, “But if there’s a song that someone else writes […] if they write something that I connect to, I just feel like a million other people are going to connect to it too.”

The latter, “Drinkin’ Songs” was inspired by what happens to that song you have with your boyfriend or girlfriend that changes meaning after a break-up. “It kinda haunts you and like the meaning of the song is totally different,” she explains, “Now instead of it being a song that makes you feel secure, it kinda makes you feel the opposite.”

Music lovers can anticipate a full-length album coming out next year by Porter with all new original music. She hopes to tour next year and continue to deliver more and more impressive music to the fans and country music fans in general. For now, though, fans can enjoy her current singles and a special new track slated to come out this month!

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

To keep up with MacKenzie Porter follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Drinkin’ Songs” 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

 

Who is CB30? The Story Behind Their Journey to Country Music

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CB30

Nashville is filled with talented artists and songwriters, but it is always exciting when a promising new act can call Nashville their hometown. Brothers, Christian and Brody Clementi make up a duo called CB30, who just so happens to fit the bill! We interviewed the talented brothers about growing up in the Nashville music scene, taking social media by storm, and of course their new music and growing fanbase.

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Christian and Brody grew up in a musical household. Their father, Jay Clementi, is a musician and hit songwriter, so it is safe to say music is in their blood. “Music was our priority, our biggest thing growing up. We didn’t really think it would be anything else,” shared the brothers, when asked about their upbringing.

Despite that fact, the singers found themselves interested in sports and other activities, it was not until they performed at a charity function and saw the reactions of their fans that they decided to take their talent seriously. “They loved the harmonies, and we realized how special it was- just singing as brothers.” The duo began to make more connections in the industry, including their now friend and one of their musical influences, Luke Bryan, with who they performed a cover of “Cover Me Up” on Instagram, during the quarantine.

CB30 also identified country stars like Thomas Rhett and Sam Hunt as some of their inspirations. Interestingly enough, the duo also gravitates towards the Pop world, emulating artists like Justin Bieber, Ed Sheehan, and Bruno Mars.

Fittingly, CB30 is entering a music world, where genre-bending and collaborations are a part of the fabric of country music. “I think the borders are expanding,” the brothers explained, “We love all kinds of stuff. I love when Pop people do acoustic stuff because it’s almost country, but it’s still considered Pop. It’s an acoustic guitar and a well-written song, that’s what country music is.”

Their latest single “We Are Right Now” is a great example of that philosophy. The song was originally released as an upbeat jam, featuring layers of vocals and creative harmonies by the two men, but could easily be stripped-down acoustically. Christian and Brody use their voices to convey moments in time that feel as close to perfect as possible. Singing lyrics like “I can spend forever just feeling it together like we are right now,” they definitely give a new meaning to appreciating the moment.

CB30 even transformed that same song, remixing it with Black Caviar, and creating an even newer vibe and sound. “It is just a different spin on it,” they began, “The remix is like a party song. It turned it into a whole different vibe, which is really cool.” The song continues to be a fan-favorite across social media, and especially on TikTok, a place where CB30 has grown in popularity.

Fans can expect even more content on social media, as the duo is dedicated to getting content out to fans any way they can. As far as new music goes, CB30 is headed back into the studio soon! “We actually just recently picked the songs that we are going to record, and it should be here pretty soon, so that’s exciting,” they shared. As soon as recording gets underway, they hope to continue to put at music at a fast pace and keep the momentum going.  CB30 is also hopeful for touring to start again in 2021 and anticipate opening for some headlining artists in the future. Regardless, it is safe to say that CB30 has a bright future ahead of them!

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future CB30 releases.

To keep up with CB30 follow them on  Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“We Are 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.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Who Is Tiera? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Releasing a brand new track today, newcomer Tiera spoke with NYCountry Swag about her backstory and her journey to Nashville. Learn more about her in the interview below.

Tiera

We have been early believers and proud supporters of Nicolle Galyon’s record label, Songs & Daughters since the very start. Championing women in country music and beyond is something that is close to our hearts, as a female-run business ourselves, that’s why teaming up with Galyon and Songs & Daughters for our 3rd Annual Babes, Booze & Brunch event earlier this year was so special to us.

Now, Songs & Daughters are introducing us to another rising female powerhouse, Tiera, and we are thrilled to get to know her in this week’s Swag Spotlight feature. Tiera is the flagship songwriter for Songs & Daughters, and also has new music coming out on her own including a brand new track released today, “Found It In You”. We loved every minute of our conversation with the blossoming singer-songwriter…

Growing up in Gardendale, Alabama, outside of Birmingham, Tiera recalls her family always being supportive of her dreams. She grew up in a household that encouraged exploration of interests, including modeling, dancing, and singing, but Tiera always returned back to music. “My parents really encouraged us to try everything until we figured out what we wanted to do, and I always just went back to music.”

After writing her first song in high school and teaching herself how to play guitar, Tiera had her heart set on attending Nashville’s Belmont University. However, as plans changed, she ended up attending the University of Northern Alabama for one year on a full-ride scholarship instead, before changing trajectories. “I’m really grateful for my time there,” she explained, “I spent a lot of time in the studio writing and recording. It was kind of where I learned how to write songs and figure out who I was at an artist.”

With that being said, it was there where Tiera really learned her craft as a songwriter. Channeling inspiration from fellow country singers like Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, and Carrie Underwood, she knew then, that her heart was in country music and Nashville was where she belonged. “I fell in love with country music and I realized that Nashville was the place to be if I wanted to do country music, so I would take trips up there with my parents, and I just loved it.”

After making numerous trips down to Music City to play shows at some local venues, Tiera finally convinced her supportive family to make the big move with her. “I had been traveling back and forth before I moved here, and I was really lucky that I knew a couple of people in town, from writers rounds and everything. I felt so at home here. […] Literally, the day I moved, I had a show, and I haven’t stopped since.”

In the last four years, the songstress has managed to be accepted by Nashville’s incredible all-female collective, Song Suffragettes, sign a published dealing with Songs & Daughters, and of course voice her own daily radio show on Apple Country Music called ‘The Tiera Show.’ “It’s crazy, it’s so crazy, I don’t think it caught up to me yet,” Tiera explained when talking about her success over the last few years.

Currently aside from being Songs & Daughters’ flagship songwriter, Tiera is focusing on releasing her own music. After several writes with her producer Cameron Bedell, she finally selected “Found It In You” as her newest single. “We wrote it at the beginning of last year,” she began, adding, “it was really fun writing that song because I didn’t know it was the start of a new chapter for me when we wrote it. I had been searching for my sound for the longest time. I remember he sent me the demo after that writing session, I was like whatever this is, that is exactly the direction I want to go with my music.” Tiera later referred to the song as her “song baby” and how proud she is to be releasing such an impactful and personal tune.

Fans can look forward to more new music from Tiera coming out later this year. She even hinted at an acoustic version of “Found It In You” coming up the pipeline sometime soon.  Moreover, fans can be sure to have music that speaks to who the singer is now as a person, which makes it extra special, “I feel like for the first time, I am able to release some music that is congruent to who I am as a person now.”

Whatever the case is, we are sure that Tiera is primed for much success in the industry, so make sure to keep her on your radar and on your playlists!

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

“Found It In You” is now 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 the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Who Is Jordan Rowe? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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After releasing his debut track to the world, “Good For Nothin'”, newcomer Jordan Rowe spoke with NYCountry Swag about his backstory and his journey to Nashville. Read more about him below.

Jordan Rowe

 

As always, our Swag Spotlight this week features a rising artist that our team thinks our readers will love. Jordan Rowe, south Georgia native grew up singing in church much like many country stars however when we discuss in a recent chat about the artists that have influenced his life and his career, we don’t hear the usual ‘Johnny Cash’, ‘Merle Haggard’ or ‘George Strait’. Rowe laughs when saying that he recalls being most influenced by early Luke Bryan music, something that is refreshing to hear. He attended the University of Georgia and started performing as an opening act for artists around Athens, spending his summers in Nashville writing and interning at River House records before making the permanent move in June of 2019.

Since his move, its been a whirlwind of accomplishments including being signed to River House in partnership with Ashley Gorley’s publishing company Tape Room Music. “To have the opportunities that I’ve had so quickly, its such a blessing and that is all credit to God and his plan. I pray for opportunities to come and try to make the most of them when I get them, working really hard, writing so many songs lately and just working as hard as I can at it, being thankful for everything that this happened and soak it in and enjoy it.”

Rowe has also was able to be a part of Luke Combs’ Beer Never Broke My Heart tour last year playing the tailgate shows before opening acts Jameson Rodgers and Morgan Wallen, letting us know that that experience just him and his guitar getting to play for their fans was one of his favorite parts of this journey so far.

In a press release announcing his joint publishing deal, Rowe stated “One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 16:9 which says, ‘The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.’” and during our chat, we discussed why he wanted to share that verse with the industry. “I was playing a show at the Georgia Theatre a while back, I was opening and a guy who was there owned an apparel company and gave me a box and in that box, he wrote a note to me and wrote that verse on it and I had never read that verse before,” he explains. “I thought it was so cool because I have planted my heart, I want to be a successful singer and songwriter but the Lord is establishing my steps to get there, from that moment on, every setlist I write that verse at the bottom of it because sometimes, I am singing to empty rooms or to people who act like they don’t care at all, but then I can look down at that setlist and say to myself, this might not be the best thing but this is one of those steps to where I want to be and where I am supposed to be.”

His faith in the process and his confidence in his craft, Rowe continues to shape the kind of artist and songwriter that he wants to be. Combining and melding a traditional sound with a freshness found in modern-day country, his debut single “Good For Nothin'” is the perfect way to showcase his versatility and who he is. “Traditional country twang is just where I naturally go, but I also feel like that is what people are longing for right now, that more traditional sound,” he states.

For fans of Luke Bryan, Morgan Wallen, and Jon Pardi will find a brand new favorite artist in Jordan Rowe. Thanking his eclectic taste in music, he understands that listeners today are loving a broad spectrum of genres and he hopes to write and record a cohesive first project over the course of the next year that will showcase all of his musical tastes and introduce his signature sound to country music fans.

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

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

“Good For Nothin’” 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Who Is Manny Blu? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Manny Blu’s new music “Old Money” and “Sink” are now available as prior releases to New Ink, his EP that comes out November 13. Read more about his music here.

Manny Blu, a performer from Montreal who previously entertained viewers in the ring as an MMA fighter, has traded in his speed bag for a guitar and a concert venue. And after a 2019 debut with Leave It Like It Is that featured former singles such as “X on My Heart” and “Like It Like That”, Blu and his team are set to release a new project titled New Ink on November 13. Three singles are available now, “Born To Ride”, “Old Money” and “Sink”, to introduce listeners to this new era of music that is said to be “louder” and “bigger” than the first collection.

Manny Blu Music

Manny Blue – Photo Credit Yve Assad

“I’m really starting to find the right mix between country and blues — rock, blues and rock ’n roll,” said Blu, our Swag Spotlight artist this week. “There are some influences in all of that, and finding a way to bring it all together in one EP is a fun challenge. And, I think I’ve done that with this one.”

Pulling from influences such as B.B King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and John Mayer, the music is both intentional and accidental. Blu mentions that he became a country artist “by default” once he started playing guitar and his friends requested songs relating to the genre. Though he quickly learned and mentioned in a press release, that “there’s a culture and a vibe to country music that’s like nothing else”.

And “Sink”, his latest single release, speaks to that truth. A song that practically demands to be played over speakers in a honky tonk bar with a crowded dance floor made up entirely of cowboy boots and fringe jackets. “Eric Church is a big influence for me, too, and he’s just doing whatever he wants,” Blu revealed. “And when a song like “Sink” comes along, it’s hard to turn it down since it’s such a good song and whether it fits exactly what I wanted or not, I didn’t want to pass it up.”

The performer who has learned to roll with the punches after a series of obstacles including a sports injury to the quad and struggling to succeed in school with dyslexia, Blu has proved himself time and time again. Now, with new music ready to hit all media platforms, he is ready to get back on stage and perform. Though, like all musicians, he has hit a wall. “…moving forward I would like to play at least a couple of shows before the end of 2020,” the Jimmie Hendrix enthusiast stated. “But, if we don’t get that opportunity, then the plan is to put on our work boots for 2021 and play as many shows as we can.”

As we continue to find that happy medium in between safety and live entertainment, check out Blu’s first single “Born To Ride” to New Ink here, a project that was artistically produced to follow the same energy of a live performance.

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

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

“Sink” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police, and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

 

Who Is Cory Marks? – The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Cory Marks

Interestingly enough a lot of great country artists on the scene right now hail from Canada! Our Swag Spotlight artist this week, Cory Marks grew up in North Bay, Canada, outside Ontario. Although his musical influences and interests have evolved over the years, Marks has created an image and a fanbase that is unique to him and his genuine talent.

Marks grew up in a big hockey town and admits that hockey was one of his first loves; however, music was always a staple in his life. “Being from Canada obviously, I grew up on a great variety of music,” he shares with us, “My dad loved bands like Rush, Deep Purple, and Ozzy, and then he also had a deep passion for my hero, Merle Haggard.” The singer’s musical taste ran the gamut of genres from hard-rock to traditional country music. It makes sense why the singer gravitated to the drums at just ten years old, and later, dabbled with the guitar.

Throughout high-school, Marks sang back-up behind his drum kit in various bands with his friends, but it was not until his twenties that he actually considered being a frontman, after a push by his hockey teammates. “We would go out to his bar every Tuesday,” he began, “And really that’s how it all got started for me. I was starting to write more and do cover stuff on Youtube and Facebook [too].”

Honing his talent, playing at various bars in town, Marks realized that he had a passion for playing country-rock music and had a lot of support from his teammates, family, and friends. “I was playing every bar in town and even elsewhere, and that’s when I was picked up by my manager,” he recalls, “In 2017, I signed my [current] record deal as the flagship country artist. The first and only country artist on a hard-rock label.”

Flash forward to today, the singer-songwriter has released his debut record WHO I AM and even had his first hit song on rock radio with his break-out single “Outlaws and Outsiders,” which features legendary musicians, Travis Tritt, Ivan Moody, and Mick Mars. The debut project exemplifies exactly who Marks is. “The record is based on the story of my life from 2015 to the end of 2017 […] I like to say it’s the good, the bad, and the ugly,” adding, “A lot of the stories are about breakups or hardships or just having a hell of a good time. It’s as relatable and as honest as it gets.”

Although known as the country-rock guy, who revels in his outlaw exterior, Marks admits to loving Christmas and Christmas music. He let us in on a little secret that his next single to come out will be his rendition of a Christmas classic that was originally recorded by a 90s country band called The Tractors. The singer is keeping it a secret for now of which song he changed to fit his vibe, but we are sure that if his previous work is an inclination, that we are in for a real treat. Until then, fans can look forward to more music videos slated to come out soon and a lot of new music heading our way in 2021.

To keep up with Cory Marks follow Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

WHO I AM 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 Whitney Duncan? – The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Whitney Duncan

As a former contestant on the fifth season of Nashville Star and, later, a competitor on the 23rd season of Survivor, Whitney Duncan has been acquainted with just about any obstacle or challenge whether it be in the limelight or not. During our most recent Swag Spotlight interview, Duncan discussed everything from falling in love with music at such a young age, her reality TV detour as well as both current and previous music releases.

At four years old, right around the time her granddad had introduced her to Elvis and became so intrigued by his art, Duncan claimed she had found her calling, and she could not have been more accurate. “…I was walking out of church, and I guess the sermon had been about everybody having a purpose… and I told my mom, I was like ‘well I know my purpose, I’m gonna sing’”, Duncan explains, thinking back on that moment of innocent confidence. Though, this was not some fantastical dream. Not for Duncan. Flash forward to today, and this singer-songwriter chased after that momentous dream with no hesitation.

In fact, nine years later, at the age of 13, Duncan had been offered a record deal and though it didn’t turn out to be entirely authentic or reliable, it had brought her to Nashville. And after being advised by a vocal coach and an entertainment attorney, Duncan walked away from the opportunity and began writing songs because “that’s what this city is all about…it’s a song city, for sure”.

Now, an artist who has collaborated and toured with Kenny Rogers, Duncan is ready to release new music after almost 11 years since her debut full-length album Right Road Now. “You live, you learn. You change so much from your early 20s to early 30s, so I’m just bringing a whole different perspective,” the singer reveals.

The latest single release titled “Lightweight” is a tell-tale sign that Duncan’s music has taken on a new layer of maturity both sonically and vocally. After a writing retreat on the beach with her bandmates and her now-producer Michael Carter in April 2016, “Lightweight” has been reinvented years later and inspired a new project that is under construction with new music on the horizon.

To keep up with Whitney Duncan, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Lightweight” 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Who Is Priscilla Block? – The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Priscilla Block

Primed for a career as a singer-songwriter, our Swag Spotlight artist this week, Priscilla Block is someone you’re going to want to remember. During our conversation, we spoke about her upbringing, her move to Nashville, and how fitting the “mold” in country music is just not for her.

Growing up in North Carolina, Block found herself always drawn to music. She sang worship music at church with her mother, and eventually took an interest in guitar. “I was the girl learning all the Taylor Swift songs on the guitar,” she laughs, telling us, “I wrote my first song when I was 15, and I just fell in love with writing and performing for people. Anyone that would listen to me, I would play for.”

Although an avid Swift fan, (still) Block credits her openness to all sorts of music for her creative process today. “My first concert was Celine Dion,” she shared, adding “I loved 90s country, like Shania Twain and Martina McBride, but I also listen to a lot of pop and rap.” She later shared that she has always loved Chris Brown and Usher. Nowadays, the songstress finds herself adding incredible female artists like Lizzo, Cardi B, Miranda Lambert, and Kacey Musgraves to her music library.

Straight out of high-school, Block headed to Nashville, where she currently resides. At first, she tried to make it in the music industry, all while going to school and working full-time, but it came apparent to her shortly after her move that it was an all or nothing type of thing. “One day, I decided that I just needed to give it a go. I quit my job, I quit school and just started networking like crazy in Nashville,” adding later, “I would go to shows, ask people to write that I loved their songs, and just really put myself in uncomfortable situations for the first little bit until I really established my core group of people in Nashville.”

Since meeting her crew, Block has also found her loyal fanbase and following on social media. Her song “Thick Thighs’ went viral on TikTok and is a crowd favorite during live shows. The female-empowerment anthem is just as important to Block as it is to her fans. “That song is 100% me in a nutshell,” she begins, “It started out as a joke, we started playing it live, and the response was really, really cool.” The response led her to record the track, much to fan’s happiness. “I needed to write “Thick Thighs” to be really able to embrace, who I am, and hopefully let other people love themselves too.”

With a newfound sense of confidence, Block was able to tap into her vulnerability too, letting fans into her more emotive side. Her newest song “Just About Over You,” was written a week after she ran into her ex out a bar. “It’s about a relationship that I was in. Just trying to get over somebody and sometimes it feels like forever to finally be down with someone.” Whether it’s a power anthem or a heartbreaking emotional song, Block can truly express the gamut of emotions with her vocal ability and talent.

Although the rest of 2020 looks bleak for live music, Block has a one of a kind, positive-spirit. She believes in the power of manifesting the good in life. She promises fans that more music is on the horizon and shares that she will be on the biggest and baddest stages performing for all her loyal fans next year!

To keep up with Priscilla Block follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Just About Over You” 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.