Josh Ross drops new song, “First Taste of Gone,” out now, February 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Sometimes you hear a song and stop dead in your tracks. That is exactly what happened when we heard singer-songwriter, Josh Ross’ new single. Today, the artist released his most personal song to date, “First Taste of Gone.”
The new song is a heartbreaker. It depicts the feelings we all go through when we finally get to the point, where a relationship is truly over. Vocally driven, Ross’ voice is the perfect combination of gravelly and strong. Lyrically, the song is poignant and deeply emotive. Written by Ross with Mason Thornley, this is the singer’s first true ballad.
“We’d say some things we regret, but then we’d work it out // You go and walk out the door but then you’d turn around // It never felt like the end but this is different now, this is different now // Cause baby tonight this shade of red neons feelin’ wrong when you’re 700 miles away moving on // And I’m sitting here missing you sipping this 80 proof // Getting my first taste of gone”
We love this side of the usually energetic, Ross. “First Taste of Gone” has everything a song needs to stand the test of time. Fans are going to fall in love with this new heartachingly beautiful tune.
Josh Ross releases his new song “First Taste of Gone,” out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Josh Ross releases.
“First Taste of Gone” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/josh-ross-new-music-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-02-11 01:15:172022-02-15 11:48:12Josh Ross Releases Personal New Song “First Taste of Gone”
Joe Nichols’ new album, Good Day For Living, featuring “Home Run” and “I Got Friends Who Do” with Blake Shelton, is out today, February 11. Read our review below.
Long considered one of country music’s best modern traditionalists, Joe Nichols stays true to that reputation on his new album, Good Day For Living, out today, February 11. The album is his first full-length project in four years, reuniting him with Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, the producers behind his hits “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah.”
“For the first time in a long time, I don’t feel any pressure,” Nichols says in a statement. “I’m around great people. I’m the type of person who’s always striving for more, but I’ve reached a place where I’m grateful for everything I’ve accomplished so far. It’s been such a good run. I feel at peace, and that has freed me up to make new music that’s very honest.”
For the Quartz Hill Record recording artist, who is releasing his first album with the new label, but his tenth in total, the album is a statement to what he does best. It’s Nichols at his finest and that’s just what fans have come to know. Nowhere is this more evident than the album’s title track, which is sure to lighten your step, starting with a feelgood whistle remnant of Nichols’ hit “Sunny and 75.”
In a press round, Nichols said, “I like this song because it puts me in a good mood,” and it does the same for his kids. He admitted that the song is a favorite among his 7 and 9-year-old, for the simple line, “AC’s broke so we gotta sleep naked.” Yet the ode to embracing the good parts of your day is much more than that. “Living it up // Living it right // Living each day // One day at a time // Ain’t making no worry no bigger than it is when it isn’t,” He sings, and you can almost feel him smiling. “Gonna take a sweet sip of whatever life’s fixing // It’s a good day for living.”
On the album’s opener, the tongue-in-cheek “Brokenhearted,” Nichols muses over fiddle and steel that country music these days is just a bit too full of parties and happiness. He’s turning on the radio in search of something to cry to and instead, he’s finding hooking up, South beach, tans, and parties. “Ain’t no cryingin your beer // Ain’t no she walked out the door,” He muses. “Ain’t nobody brokenhearted // In country music anymore.”
Another of the album’s highlights is the duet with Blake Shelton, “I Got Friends Who Do,” a single-worthy ode to having friends in high places. On the fun up-tempo, the pair trade verses like old buddies, singing about all the favors they can call in from friends, tongues firmly planted in cheeks. “It’s all about who you know,” Shelton sings. “I’ve got friends everywhere I go.”
“That’s How I Grew Up” tells the story of his younger days, admitting “most things I learned the hard way, but that’s how I grew up.” The story is a familiar country tale of dirt roads and church pews, Nichols singing, “I grew up in a back seat // On a back road // With the one that got away // Grew up in a back pew of an old church // Where I learned Amazing Grace // Make no mistake that I wouldn’t change // Who I am or who I was // Most things I learned the hard way // But that’s how I grew up.”
“Home Run,” written by Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, and Ross Copperman, is just that. It’s Nichols doing what he does best, painting a picture with his voice. This time it’s a picture of longing for home, the lyrics put a unique spin on the term “home run.” Here, he’s ready to call it quits and hit the road to home. “It’s time I hit a home run // Point it toward that south sun // I’ll be touching bases with them faces // All them places I ain’t been too in way too long // ‘Cause I’ve been way too gone // Swinging for the fences I’ve been missing where I come from // It’s time I hit a home run”
Interestingly, Good Day For Living includes a handful of tracks that were previously released by other artists including “Brokenhearted” (William Michael Morgan), “Why Can’t She” (Adam Craig), “Reckon” (Adam Craig), “She Was” (Mark Chestnutt),and “Hawaii on Me” (Chris Janson). In an interview, Nichols says that he rarely knows who wrote a song before recording it, and that he checks for songs to pass an “acoustic test” before deciding to record it. Basically, if the song can stand up lyrically with only an acoustic guitar in a room full of people, then it’s one he wants.
Two of the album’s most clever tracks lyrically are “Reckon” and “Why Can’t She,” both penned and previously released by the incredibly talented Adam Craig.On the former, he puts a clever spin on words, as he reckons with what an ex is doing after he wrecked her heart. Then on “Why Can’t She,” he’s wondering why a woman can’t forgive him when God can, as the song builds in dramatic fashion. “God, tonight I’m calling out // But just a prayer ain’t saving me // I can’t undo the wrong I’ve done // But I know that // You can see // My heart’s full of regret// That’s why I’m down here on my knees // So if You can forgive me // Why can’t she?”
Nichols embraces mortality in a unique way on both “Hawaii on Me” and “She Was.” On the former, co-written by Chris Janson, he tells those who love him not to mourn when he passes, but to celebrate his life. He doesn’t want them to waste his money being sad, but instead wants them to go to Hawaii with that cash. “Put your feet in the sand // Buy you a coke // Raise it on up // Crack a good joke // Tiptoes in the water // And ashes to sea // Yeah, when I die // Go to Hawaii on me.” Meanwhile, on the album’s closing track, “She Was,” he sings of a mother, living selflessly before leaving the world. “If there ever was a picture of love,” He sings. “She was.”
On Good Day For Living, Joe Nichols has nothing to prove. Yet, he still proves why he’s one of country music’s most enduring voices, putting his own modern traditional spin on a wide array of songs and stories. There’s something for everyone here, from the sarcastic “Brokenhearted” through the bittersweet “She Was,” with everything from a Blake Shelton duet to a “Home Run” in-between. And it’s a home run, indeed.
Good Day For Living Tracklist:
“Brokenhearted” (Rhett Akins, Marv Green, John Thomas Harding)
“I Got Friends That Do” (feat. Blake Shelton) (Danick Dupelle, Tebey Ottoh, Jimmy Thow)
“Home Run”* (Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Ross Copperman)
“Dance With the Girl” (Jason Gantt, John Pierce, Emily Shackelton)
“I Wanna Be Your Tonight” (Philip O’Donnell, Wade Kirby, Marv Green)
“Good Day For Living” (Dave Cohen, Bobby Hambrick, Neil Mason)
“Screened In” (Neil Thrasher, Anthony Jerome Martin)
“That’s How I Grew Up” (Steven McMorran, Josh London, Adam Craig)
“Reckon” (Derek George, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
“Why Can’t She” (Adam Craig, Jon Nite, Matt Rogers)
“One Two Step Closer”* (Justin Lantz, Clint Daniels, Lance Miller)
“Hawaii on Me”^ (Chris Janson, Will Nance, Kelly Roland)
“She Was” (Neal Lee Coty, Jimmy Edward Melton)
Joe Nichols’ ‘Good Day For Living’ album is out now
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Joe Nichols announcements and releases.
Good Day For Living 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/joe-nichols-new-album.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2022-02-11 01:13:202022-02-15 15:41:35Joe Nichols: ‘Good Day For Living’ – Album Review
Priscilla Block’s debut album, Welcome To The Block Party is officially out now, February 11th, on all streaming platforms. Check out the new record and listen below.
We love a good success story. Country Swag Spotlight alum and 2021 Artist to Watch, Priscilla Block went from TikTok sensation to a major-label artist, and now, the singer-songwriter is celebrating the release of her debut album, out today. Welcome To The Block Party is officially here.
Featuring twelve tracks, the new album is everything we hoped that Block would deliver. According to the songstress, “It has all the trash, all the sass, and all the sad.” She added later in a press release, “I wrote all of these songs from a real and raw place, and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to show various aspects of where I’ve been and who I am.”
After an enticing intro track, the record kicks off with Block’s most recently released song, “My Bar.” An instantaneous hit, “My Bar” is the perfect combination of sassy and raw, a combo that the singer has perfected across the record. Block’s honesty and vulnerability continues on the next two tracks, “Heels In Hand” and “Like A Boy.” On the former, Block normalizes the idea that we can go from happy to sad all in one night, especially when dealing with a toxic relationship. Her relatability is at an all-time high on this track.
Next up, “I Know A Girl,” is one of our favorites on the album. Featuring fellow singer-songwriter, Hillary Lindsey, the song is both about hardship and liberation. In the first verse, Block sings about childhood with lyrics like “I know a girl // who grew up way too fast // in a house made of glass // where things got broken.” Still, in that same verse and in the verse to follow, the singer makes it clear that her hardships made her and definitely did not break her.
“You speed on up to slow back down // That’s just the way the world goes ‘round // It’ll break your heart // It’ll make you think you’ve lost everything // in the kitchen sink // When I’m down and out and when it hurts like hell // I tell myself that I know a girl”
Block continues with the anthemic songs on both “Ever Since You Left” and fan-favorite “Thick Thighs.” Her sassiness is also on full display on “I Bet You Wanna Know,” a song we loved from her debut EP.
On “I’ve Gotten Good,” Block slows it down again, leaning into the more vulnerable and quiet side of her music and songwriting. The song expresses what it’s like to fake feeling better after a rough break-up. “I’ve Gotten Good” is relatable and endearing, while not being too sad.
“Damn, I’ve gotten good // I’m the life of the party // You wouldn’t believe it if you saw me // I’m lookin’ damn good // You could call it the makeup, the glow of the breakup // Whatever I fake up // Yeah, it sure looks like it don’t hurt like it should // Damn, I’ve gotten good”
The next two songs are arguably two of the songs that started it all for Block. Backed by a pop-rock production, Block sings about comparing her ex to the whiskey she’s drinking on “Wish You Were The Whiskey.” Her twangy vocals, mixed with the storytelling aspect of the lyrics, bring the country element to this heart-aching jam.
On Block’s current radio single, “Just About Over You,” the songstress’ vocals are on full display. One of the best on the project, the song shows the singer-songwriter’s vulnerable side. She laments about how it feels to run into an ex before being completely over them.
“Why’d you have to come back in // right then, right when // I was just getting good and gone? // Guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time // You must’ve heard I was moving on // Then right out of the blue // a quarter past two // I’m all about you // When I was just about, just about over you // I was just about, just about over you”
The album ends with a song that perfectly ties the entire record together: “Peaked In High School.” The song is a true “victory lap” for Block and anyone who has ever felt like the outcast or like they did not fit in. It is a true embodiment of the singer’s sassiness, intellect, and talent all wrapped in one!
Welcome To The Block Party is everything we hoped it would be and more. Make room for Block in country music because she is not going anywhere! Get to know the singer more in our interview below.
Welcome To The Block Party Tracklist:
Welcome To The Block Party (Priscilla Block, Mark Mulch)
My Bar (Priscilla Block, Stone Aielli, Lexie Hayden)
Heels In Hand (Priscilla Block, Robbie Artress, Josh Beale, Sarah Jones, Kate Hasting)
Like A Boy (Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Emily Kroll)
I Know A Girl (Featuring Hillary Lindsey) (Priscilla Block, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
Ever Since You Left (Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Josh Kerr)
Thick Thighs (Block Party Version) (Priscilla Block, Emily Kroll, Sarah Jones)
I Bet You Wanna Know (Priscilla Block, Stone Aielli, Sarah Jones)
I’ve Gotten Good (Priscilla Block, Liz Rose, Phil Barton)
Wish You Were The Whiskey (Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Josh Beale, Kate Hasting)
Just About Over You (Radio Edit) (Priscilla Block, Emily Kroll, Sarah Jones)
Peaked In High School (Priscilla Block, Josh Beale, Sarah Jones, Kate Hasting)
Priscilla Block’s debut album, ‘Welcome To The Block Party’ is officially out now!
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Priscilla Block releases.
Welcome To The Block Party 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/priscilla-block-new-music.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-02-11 01:11:272022-02-15 15:42:54Priscilla Block: ‘Welcome To The Block Party’ – Album Review
Kasey Tyndall’s highly anticipated new song, “Jesus and Joan Jett” is out now, February 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Country-rock sensation, Kasey Tyndall is always unapologetically herself. We fell in love with the truth behind her song “Middle Man” back in May. Now, Tyndall is sharing more of her roots on her new song “Jesus and Joan Jett.”
The rocking song is a homage to one of the singer-songwriter’s idols, Joan Jett. Jett even heard the song and gave it her stamp of approval! The song is all about the dichotomy of being a “good” church goer and a lover of rock music. Tyndall finds a way to ride this duality in a refreshing and inspiring way.
“You can find me on the back pew after the front row // Got a bad reputation but I keep it on the down low // Got some black in my halo // A little misunderstood ’cause they don’t know // Washed in the blood and cleansed in the whiskey // Might even like me once you get me // Head bangin’, cross hangin’ down from my neck // I roll with Jesus and rock with Joan Jett”
Tyndall’s vocals shine on the track, but it is her songwriting that is top-notch. Fans have been waiting for this song for a while now, and it definitely did not disappoint.
Kasey Tyndall’s new song “Jesus and Joan Jett” is out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Kasey Tyndall releases.
“Jesus and Joan Jett” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/kasey-tyndall-jajj-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-02-11 01:09:182022-02-15 15:11:35Kasey Tyndall Releases New Song “Jesus and Joan Jett”
Roman Alexander’s new song, “Over Me” is out now, February 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Country newcomer, Roman Alexander is one to look out for! We shared his story back in April, when his current single was a duet with Alana Springsteen called “Trying Not To.” Today, Alexander releases his brand new song, “Over Me.”
The new song was inspired by a break-up. According to Alexander, “This is my farewell letter to her about the things I wish I could’ve given her but couldn’t,” adding later, “In the end, I knew that there was somebody out there better for her.” The song also pays homage to the midwest, the place where both Alexander and his ex are from.
“Send a text to an ex // If it’s me don’t hit send // Yea I’m up // But girl that just ain’t what you need // You’re gonna find somebody better // Change your mind like the Midwest weather // Forget about the man you left down in Tennessee”
Overall, the track is a unique approach to a break-up. We love how Alexander wishes his ex well, sharing that he is not right for her. The advice that is laced throughout this song embodies a healthy way to go through the emotions at the end of a relationship. “Over Me” is a great song for Alexander to add to his collection, and we think fans will agree.
Roman Alexander’s brand new song “Over Me” is out now on all streaming platforms.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Roman Alexander releases.
“Over Me” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/roman-alexander-new-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-02-11 01:06:472022-02-15 11:44:36Roman Alexander’s Brand New Song “Over Me” is Out Now
Dustin Lynch’s fifth studio album, Blue In The Sky is out now, released on February 11th. Here are five things to expect from the project.
Dustin Lych included the new version of his 6-week #1 song “Thinking ‘Bout You” with Mackenzie Porter on Blue In The Sky.
“I remember in October being like ‘we’re done for the year’, and it was like another gear was set. All of a sudden November was TV, and an award show performance [with Mackenzie], and it was a lot of fun… to have a 6-week #1 is something you can’t predict or expect… it’s definitely a song to be proud of.”
The new album was written mostly summer into fall, and many of the songs are a result of a writer retreat Lynch went on.
“The writing retreat gave us a song called “Tennessee Trouble” – we wrote that one in Park City, and we literally wrote the song on the last day of the retreat. Throughout covid, the creative process was completely different from what I’m used to. Usually, I’m writing when I’m out on the road.”
Some of the songs come as a result from Lynch breaking up with his girlfriend over covid.
“I was in a relationship, my girlfriend moved in with me because we didn’t know if the world was going to end, we learn how to live together, we break up, I get through those weeds and embrace going out with the boys again, and so I come out on the other side of that relationship knowing a lot more about what I want out of life.”
His proudest writing moment on the album is “Pasadena”.
“One of the coolest moments for me as a creative, just as a songwriter in Nashville is Pasadena, because I wrote that song in 2013, and it just shows you that as we write songs… timing is just a huge thing and so is this wonderful journey we’re on of creating. I wrote that song after playing a Rodeo show in Pasadena.”
While the album has a lot of fun, light moments, Lynch definitely shows a bit of a darker side of himself on this record too.
“One of my driving forces these last few years while making music was let’s make it fun… I don’t wanna bring the crowd down too much in a live show. Even if we’re writing about a breakup, I try to steer it from the darker tones… [but] ‘Break It on a Beach’ is definitely the most autobiographical song we have on here. It’s literally how [my breakup] went down. I didn’t want to carry on [a relationship] that wasn’t right for me or her [and that’s what the song is about].”
Dustin Lynch’s new album ‘Blue In The Sky,’ out this Friday.
Click her for a full album review of Dustin Lynch’s record Blue In The Sky.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dustin Lynch releases.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dustin-lynch-album.jpg6301200Lucie Bernheimhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngLucie Bernheim2022-02-11 01:00:312022-02-15 15:01:535 Things to Expect from Dustin Lynch’s New Album ‘Blue In The Sky’
The nominees for the 2022 57th Annual ACM Awards, scheduled for March 7th in Las Vegas are here! Check them out below.
Earlier today, the nomination announcements for the 57th Annual ACM Awards were revealed! The show’s biggest categories such as the coveted ‘Entertainer of the Year,’ and respective Female and Male Artist of the Year were announced.
Leading the pack is Chris Young with seven nods, including three nominees for his single with Kane Brown, “Famous Friends.” Respectively, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert were both nominated for Entertainer of the Year, marking the first time in eight years, two women have been up for that category.
Other notable nominees include Jimmie Allen’s nod for Male Artist of the Year and Morgan Wallen’s four nominations, after not being allowed to compete last year.
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 PM ET on Amazon’s streaming Prime Video, marking the first exclusively streaming award show!
Check out the full list of nominations below…
2022 ACM AWARDS NOMINATIONS:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Eric Church
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Jimmie Allen
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
LoCash
Maddie & Tae
GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Tenille Arts
Priscilla Block
Lily Rose
Caitlyn Smith
Lainey Wilson
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
HARDY
Walker Hayes
Ryan Hurd
Parker McCollum
Elvie Shane
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
“Buy Dirt,” Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
“Famous Friends,” Chris Young and Kane Brown
“Fancy Like,” Walker Hayes
“If I Didn’t Love You,” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
“You Should Probably Leave,” Chris Stapleton
SONG OF THE YEAR *Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s):
“7 Summers,” Morgan Wallen (Morgan Wallen, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally)
“Buy Dirt,” Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
“Fancy Like,” Walker Hayes (Cameron Bartolini, Josh Jenkins, Shane Stevens, Walker Hayes)
“Knowing You,” Kenny Chesney (Adam James, Brett James, Kat Higgins)
“Things a Man Oughta Know,” Lainey Wilson (Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR *Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s):
29: Written in Stone, Carly Pearce Country Again: Side A, Thomas Rhett Dangerous: The Double Album, Morgan Wallen Famous Friends, Chris Young The Marfa Tapes, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall
VIDEO OF THE YEAR “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Elle King and Miranda Lambert
“Famous Friends,” Chris Young and Kane Brown
“I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version),” Taylor Swift featuring Chris Stapleton
“If I Didn’t Love You,” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
“Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Jesse Frasure
Nicolle Galyon
Ashley Gorley
Michael Hardy
Josh Osborne
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR “Buy Dirt,” Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
“Famous Friends,” Chris Young and Kane Brown
“Half of My Hometown,” Kelsea Ballerini featuring Kenny Chesney
“If I Didn’t Love You,” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
“Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/acm-nominations.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-02-10 15:15:502022-03-10 15:37:442022 ACM Award Nominees Announced ft. Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown & More
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.
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.”
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.”
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].”
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]!”
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.”
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.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Joe Nichols releases.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/joe-nichols-new-album.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-02-09 14:07:122022-02-09 14:07:125 Things to Expect from Joe Nichols’ Album ‘Good Day For Living’
Who is Nate Smith? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…
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.
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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/who-is-nate-smith-by-robby-klein-scaled.jpg17082560Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-02-09 13:17:172022-02-09 13:17:17Who Is Nate Smith? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music
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!
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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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/morgan-wallen-pregame.jpg18691500Team Country Swaghttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngTeam Country Swag2022-02-09 02:10:572022-02-11 19:18:50Country Swag Presents: The Pregame Hosted by Kelly Ford
