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5 Things to Expect from Joe Nichols’ Album ‘Good Day For Living’

We chatted with country singer, Joe Nichols about his new album, Good Day For Living, out this Friday, February 11th. Here are five things to expect from the upcoming project.

  1. Joe Nichols creates music, like this record, because he believes it is an incredible way to connect with people and fans.

“We all just want to belong. We all want to feel like we’re in the right place. We all want to feel like people know what I’m going through, and I think music does that, and lets people in the same room, and lets us know we’re all in this together.”

  1. Nichols’ recorded, “That’s How I Grew Up” because it is a true depiction of his childhood.

“That’s how I grew up, that kinda nails it as far as my kinda childhood. Kinda gritty, raw side of childhood. A lot of things unfair, but a lot of things I made unfair myself. I connected with that song and the emotions.”

  1. The singer cut “She Was” to pay homage to the experiences of his friend and record label executive, Benny Brown.

“I couldn’t not cut that song for him after it meant so much to him [and his story].”

  1. The single, “Good Day for Living” is meant to be an uplifting and jamming, feel-good tune.

“It’s a positive song. Don’t we need some positivity in the world?! I like this song because it puts me in a good mood, and that’s rare for me [with songs]!”

  1. Nichols’ collaboration with buddy Blake Shelton, “I Got Friends That Do” was decades in the making.

“Well we had this song “Friends That Do” that came through and man it felt good from the demo. […] It dawned on me to call Blake […] He said man, we’ve been trying to do this for years.” Nichols added later, “We went from having a hit to having a smash. We’ve known each other for decades, and we haven’t had the chance to get on a record together.”

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Joe Nichols’ new album is slated for release, this Friday, February 11th.

Check back this Friday for our full album review of Joe Nichols’ record Good Day For Living.

To keep up with Joe Nichols, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

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

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Who Is Nate Smith? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

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Nate Smith // Photo by Robby Klein

The Beginning:

Today we share with you the humbling story about Nate Smith’s success in the industry. The newly signed SONY music artist is both an incredible vocalist and talented songwriter. Although it has not always been easy for Smith, he shared his story with us in a way that shows faith, humility, and empathy. It is hard not to love him!

Growing up in a small California town called Paradise, Smith always gravitated towards music. “I would play guitar and stuff, and always bother my brother with my singing,” he shared, recalling sharing a bunk bed with his sibling. Music was always on his mind “I just loved singing. It felt as natural as breathing. […] Eventually, when I started playing guitar and stuff, I was like I’m going to play on stage,” shared Smith.

The singer recalls watching Garth Brooks perform on television, and credits both Brooks and Elvis for his early love of singing. “There’s so many artists, a lot of rock, and pop, and some country as well that I love.” Smith also credits his father for his love of Classic Rock and reflects on his own love of bands like Blink 182 and Creed.

The melting pot of musical influences helped Smith curate his own unique sound and voice. At just 23 years old, the singer made the move to Nashville, and got himself a publishing deal. After a tragedy struck, Smith made the difficult decision to go back home to California, leaving music behind for what he thought would be for good.

The Turning Point:

If it was not for another tragic event in 2018 and the love and belief from his friends and family, Smith may have not found his way back to music. “In 2018, in Paradise, my hometown where I grew up, we had a wildfire happen,” shared the singer. “I lost everything that I ever had and a friend of mine sent me a guitar, and I began writing songs just about that experience” he added.

The hardship really inspired Smith to start writing music again. He credits his friends for convincing him to move back to Nashville to pursue his dream. After playing at a few festivals thanks to Melissa Carbone, Smith was able to secure himself a management deal. Through pure heart, and hustle, the singer made connections that led him to his SONY Music Nashville record deal. “They offered me a deal and I could not believe it […] When I signed with SONY, I had $14 left in my account.”

For Smith, this whole experience was truly something out of a storybook. “I definitely look at it as a second chance at life.”

Today:

Now, as a signed artist, Smith is connecting with fans across genres. His newest single, “I Don’t Want To Go To Heaven” is a true masterpiece. Its haunting, innovative, and incredible in every way. Written by Smith with Dan Fernandez, the song was inspired by the way the singer tries to live his life each day.

This whole concept just started happening organically, it was one of the easiest writes ever for both of us,” begins Smith. “It’s just about not taking anything for granted and the people and the things you have right now.”

The song resonated so much with Smith and his fans that the singer just released another version of the mesmerizing track. The new version features a choir. Smith got the idea after listening to a song called “I Found” by Amber Run. “The choir just gave us chills, they brought something so special to that song, that would never have happened without them.” Smith goes on to add, “I honestly probably love it more than the original because it has the extra thing about it.”

Smith also shared with us that there is going to be a third version of “I Don’t Want To Go To Heaven” released soon. The new rendition will feature another artist on the tune. Until then, fans can anticipate more new music coming down the pipeline by the artist, as he shares that he is writing every day and cutting new tracks as we speak. This is sure to be a big year for Smith!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, TwitterTikTok, and Facebook.

Nate Smith’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.

Country Swag Presents: The Pregame Hosted by Kelly Ford

Country Swag Presents: The Pregame
hosted by KELLY FORD

Join us on Wednesday, February 9th or Thursday, February 10th at 4:30PM downstairs at The Wilson NYC for the ultimate pregame party before heading to see Morgan Wallen with HARDY and Larry Fleet, just a 5-minute walk away at MSG.

Music by DJ Big Country. Photobooth. Drinking Games. Merch. & More!

Tickets: $10
includes admission // 4:30PM-6:30PM
full cash bar + food menu available

*all ages welcome

*The show begins promptly at 7PM, so we’ll want to get to The Garden to catch the opening acts!
We’re starting the party at 4:30, we know that might be early for some people so feel free to come at any time after, just keep in mind we will plan to leave by ~6:30/6:45. Everyone *MUST* have tickets to access our pregame party at any time. *The bar will remain open for those who would like to stay for a few more cold ones!
Still need tickets to the concert? Click here to purchase.
Want a chance to WIN PIT Tickets to the concert? Enter our raffle here.

For all other questions, media requests or inquiries,
please email: [email protected]

 

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Chris Stapleton Earns Number 1 Song with “You Should Probably Leave”

Chris Stapleton lands the number one song on the country music charts this week with “You Should Probably Leave.” Learn more below about the accomplishment below.

It is about time that superstar, Chris Stapleton starts getting the mainstream radio recognition that he deserves! It is hard to believe that with four number one albums, the singer-songwriter is still not a frequent name on the top of the radio charts. Today, Stapleton scores his third number-one single with “You Should Probably Leave.”

Stapleton’s previous singles “Broken Halos” and “Starting Over” also found their way to the top spot. As a promotional song, a crowd-favorite, “Tennessee Whiskey,” also went number one back in 2015. The newly crowned number one, “You Should Probably Leave,” is everything we have come to love from Stapleton and his genius artistry!

“There’s still time for you to finish your wine // Then you should probably leave // And it’s hard to resist, alright, just one kiss // Then you should probably leave // ‘Cause I know you and you know me // And we both know where this is gonna lead // You want me to say that I want you to stay // So you should probably leave // Yeah, you should probably leave”

Congrats to Stapleton and his team on a monumental feat! We are excited to see what song heads to country radio next.

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Chris Stapleton announcements and releases.

To keep up with Chris Stapleton, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook

“You Should Probably Leave” 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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Jimmie Allen & Gabby Barrett Join Dolly Parton as Co-Hosts of 2022 ACM Awards

Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett join Dolly Parton as co-hosts for the 2022 57th Annual ACM Awards, scheduled for March 7th in Las Vegas.

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To kick off the 2022 ACM Awards, reigning New Artists of the Year, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett will join previously announced icon, Dolly Parton as co-hosts of the annual event. Pairing two of the most exciting new artists in the genre with a living legend is as exhilarating as it sounds!

This year, the show returns back to Las Vegas at a new venue, the new Allegiant Stadium. The show will broadcast commercial-free at 8 p.m. ET on Amazon’s streaming Prime Video, which is another departure from its norm. This marks the first exclusively livestream award show.

Allen and Barrett will also help unveil this year’s nominees, co-hosting a video reveal of select categories on the @ACMawards Twitter account this Thursday (February 10) at 10:30 a.m. ET/9:30 a.m. CT/7:30 a.m. PT.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

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Cole Swindell Releases New Love Song “I’m Gonna Let Her”

Cole Swindell’s new love song, “I’m Gonna Let Her” is out now, February 4th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Cole Swindell is gearing up for Valentine’s Day with his new song, “I’m Gonna Let Her.” The romantic tune is about finding that special someone and allowing them to show you their definition of love. When you are in a relationship, you have to be willing to try new things and be open to vulnerability. Those two things will help you get to that next step in your relationship and that’s what this song captures. Filled with beautiful acoustics and powerful vocals, this is one of Swindell’s most personal songs to date.

“And I’m gonna let her // Keep on making this life of mine a little better // showing me all about love right down to the letter // So if she wants to think I’m thinking about forever // I’m gonna let her.”

Swindell teased the song by featuring the first verse as a sound on TikTok accompanied by a collage of photos featuring him and his girlfriend, Courtney Little. Little accompanied Swindell in his music video for “Some Habits”.

It’s been a big week for the Georgia native as he also announced his fourth studio album Stereotype will be released on April 9th. The thirteen-track record will feature a collaboration with HARDY and includes previously released tracks “Single Saturday Night”, “Some Habits”, and his duet with Lainey Wilson “Never Say Never”. 

We are loving what we’ve heard so far and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album!

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Cole Swindell releases a brand new love song “I’m Gonna Let Her,” ahead of upcoming studio album, ‘Stereotype.’

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

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

“I’m Gonna Let Her” 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.

Karley Scott Collins Makes Her Debut with New Song “Heavenly”

Sony Music Nashville signee, Karley Scott Collins makes her major-label debut with her new song “Heavenly,” out now, February 4th. Listen below.

Just last month, Sony Music Nashville announced their newest recording artist, Karley Scott Collins. The songstress is a true visionary. She writes music that is from the heart and has a voice that rivals any in the industry today. Today, Collins makes her debut with her new song “Heavenly.”

Written by Collins with Nathan Chapman, the tender new single is both beautiful and poetic. Inspired by a series of relationships with a bad ending, the new song is relatable to anyone who has ever experienced love and heartbreak. According to Collins “heavenly” is what she hopes will happen, when she meets her person.

“You make all my demons want a halo // Make the devil in me wish he was an angel // Yeah, you bring out the best in me // Yeah, you make me feel heavenly // Thank God He gave me you ’cause // You turn my sad songs into hallelujahs // Yeah, you bring out the best in me // Yeah, you make me feel heavenly”

Collins is an artist to watch out for this year. With just one song under her belt, the singer-songwriter is already proving to have the guts and the vocals to make herself a name-stay in country music.

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Karley Scott Collins’ new song “Heavenly” is available now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Karley Scott Collins, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Heavenly” 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.

Restless Road Performs “Growing Old With You” on The Bachelor

Restless Road performed their brand new song, “Growing Old With You” on ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’ on Monday night, during one of the special date nights.

On the heels of releasing their brand new, romantic song “Growing Old With You,” Restless Road was invited to perform on ABC’s hit show ‘The Bachelor.” The trio previously teased the song on social media. Fans showed their approval for the song almost instantly. Their performance on The Bachelor was just as great! Watch the video here.

This season’s lead, Clayton Echard, and his date headed to an undisclosed location. They were surprised with the trio’s incredible love song. When asked to perform on the show, Restless Road were both shocked and humbled by the invitation. The trio clearly appreciate every opportunity.

“What you say we put us down some roots // Find a house up on a hill // Travel ’round the world // Put some pictures on the shelf // Hold you close and keep the faith // Raise some kids with our last name // Well, come on baby what you say we do? // I feel like growing old with you // I’m growing old with you”

Restless Road joins a long list of country artists, who performed on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette franchise respectively. Both Chase Rice and Laine Hardy were recent guests on the shows. We wonder who will be next to join the list!

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

To keep up with Restless Road follow them on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Growing Old With You” 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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Dolly Parton Set to Host 2022 57th Annual ACM Awards

Country superstar, Dolly Parton is set to host the 2022 57th Annual ACM Awards, scheduled for March 7th in Las Vegas.

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Just one day after being nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly Parton was announced as the next host of the 2022 ACM Awards show. Previously, Parton hosted the award show with fellow icons, Reba and Carrie Underwood in 2019. However for the last two years, Keith Urban hosted the annual event in Nashville, Tennessee.

Parton will be joined by fellow co-hosts Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett. Both Allen and Barrett earned their respective new artist of the year awards in 2021. Pairing two of the most exciting new artists in the genre with a living legend is as exciting and monumental as it sounds!

This year, the show returns back to Las Vegas at a new venue, the new Allegiant Stadium. The show will broadcast commercial-free at 8 p.m. ET on Amazon’s streaming Prime Video, which is another departure from its norm.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and follow us on Instagram for all of the updates.

Tenille Townes’ Talks Writing Music, Tour & More [Exclusive Interview]

In our exclusive interview, we chatted with Tenille Townes all about writing and recording music, her tour, and much more. Read all about it below.

Tenille Townes is kicking off 2022 with a bang. In addition to headlining her first American Tour, Townes has also released a handful of brand new songs that are bound to stop you in your tracks. We had the chance to catch up with the singer-songwriter on touring, her love of Patty Griffin, and her courageous songwriting.

Tenille Townes has become one of country music’s greatest songwriters since releasing her debut single to radio in 2018. Her material has always been the perfect combination of fun, intense, and meaningful, but lately, her newest songs have been more vulnerable and intimate than ever.

“I always just trust the music and where it feels like the song is carrying me,” she tells us. “On both “Villain In Me” and “When’s It Gonna Happen,” in the middle of that process, even vocally to my co-writers, I was like ‘oof this is really scary and honest. Am I really saying this?’ And I just felt the song saying yes… as I was writing them, I think the most therapeutic thought that [helped me] step past that initial fear of talking about these things, is ‘oh, I can’t be the only person that’s feeling this way’. So if that’s the case, then I’d love for all of us to be able to be honest in it together. That’s definitely given me so much courage.”

Townes is gearing up for the second leg of her headlining tour in the states, and she shared how excited she is to share new material and fan favorites. “I loved getting to do my first-ever headlining tour in Canada to close out the year, and the shows were so much fun. My heart’s been so ready to get back to that this month. I can’t wait to be able to play the songs from The Lemonade Stand and sing them together with everybody, and also sing these new songs! I’m excited to bring everybody on hopefully an emotional ride and be all vulnerable and intimate with our emotions and also kind of throw caution to the wind and have a good time. I want it to be a joyful escape for everyone.”

In modern country music, there are very few major label artists who have the guts and perhaps bravery to write about what Townes does. Her music has the kind of vulnerability that really only has been heard on a song like “Mad Mission” by Patty Griffin, or “You Won’t Even Know I’m Gone” by Lori McKenna. These two artist-writers also happen to be some of her biggest inspirations.

“Patty Griffin is my hero, her and Lori McKenna to me are songwriting legends. They just set the bar for what it means to be honest, truthful, and raw. What I love so much about Patty Griffin’s music is that it feels like she’s just holding open the door, and you feel your soul or your story gets whatever it needs out of listening to her music, and that’s such a huge inspiration to me, as I’m writing. Like, I think about how this music can shape somebody’s experience and open that door for listeners.”

If you have ever had a thought that you’ve been a little bit scared to admit out loud, it’s possible that Tenille Townes has already written that song. Her electrifying, vibrant, and, vulnerable music is one that has the potential to change the landscape of modern country music. If you have the opportunity to get out and see her live show this year, you should take advantage of that. You might just find some answers to those thoughts.

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

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

Tenille Townes’ 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.