Little Big Town has announced The Nightfall Returns Tour kicking off this Fall 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.
Joining Little Big Town on tour will be show openers, Ashley Ray and Caitlyn Smith.
Pre-sale tickets are on sale now with code: NIGHTFALL, for tickets & all tour dates visit: littlebigtown.com.
Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Little Big Town shows and releases.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/little-big-town-nightfall-tour.jpg6301200Team Country Swaghttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngTeam Country Swag2021-05-10 14:22:552021-05-10 14:22:55BREAKING: Little Big Town Announce ‘The Nightfall Tour Returns’
Who is Elvie Shane? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…
Elvie Shane
This week our spotlight shines on Broken Bow Records recording artist, Elvie Shane. The singer-songwriter released his debut EP County Roads last month and his debut single “My Boy” just broke into the top 25 on the country charts. We chatted with the singer about his whirlwind few months and all the work he has put in to get to this point.
A Kentucky native, Shane never lived a day without music in his life, yet never dreamed that it would be his career. “My mom likes to say I was born on a Sunday and the following Sunday she had me in church,” adding, “The first week out of the hospital I was exposed to music on a weekly basis, or even a daily basis, listening to 90s country in the car with my mom.” As the singer reminisces about his childhood he labels those Sundays as probably “the most monumental days as far as music goes in [his] life.”
Shane quickly found a love for 90s country, but he credits his family for his diverse musical taste. His dad introduced him to classic rock, the grittier side of country music, southern rock, and even The Temptations. “I was just exposed to a lot of different stuff from R&B to Rock and Roll, to Country, to Gospel music, and that was pretty much in one Sunday, every Sunday of my life.” Specifically, the singer shared a love for John Fogerty, Steve Earl, and even appreciates the harmonies in groups like Boyz II Men, a group his mother took a liking to.
Eventually, his love of music and his faith led him to play in a band with other churchgoers until he left home to attend college. While in college, the singer played gigs at bars and remembers writing music, but after meeting his now wife, he admits he hung his guitar up for a few years. Thankfully, the singer got back out on the music scene a few years later, after he met some of his wife’s friends, who had a band. Shane ended up opening up for them early in his career.
Despite his clear talent and the encouragement of his friends and family to head to Nashville to write and try to ‘make it,’ the singer was hesitant. “I wasn’t really connecting with what was going on in country music at a time,” he begins, before sharing the event that actually changed his mind, “But one night Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake ended up on stage together at CMAs and I’d been a Stapleton fan forever ’cause he’s another Kentucky boy. […] It’s probably one of the most incredible performances that we will ever hear.”
Shane went on to share his internal dialogue after watching the iconic performance, which solidified his desire to head to Nashville. “If these two different worlds can blend in such a way then there has to be a place for me in country music somewhere,” he thought. Moments later, his buddy, who has been trying to convince him to come to Nashville to write called him, and he finally agreed to take the leap.
Shortly after coming to Nashville, Shane scored a publishing deal; however, after he wrote his now debut single “My Boy,” record deals started calling. The singer eventually signed with Broken Bow Records, and just recently put out his debut EP County Roads. The record was inspired by the coming of age years in life. “What better way to relate to people is to try to focus on those years, the first loves, love lost, love found, where I grew up, how I grew up.”
Although all the songs on the record are spectacular in their own rights, “My Boy” is the current fan favorite. Written during what Shane calls “a God moment,” the single went viral on Facebook and then viral on TikTok three years after it was initially written. Ironically the singer was worried about making “My Boy” his single, but eventually, he came to his senses realizing, “What better time in history in music to put a song about love and family than a time when we’re stuck in the house together, so we put it out, and here we fit.” We agree!
At the end of our conversation, Shane made sure to let us know that he will be hitting the road as much as possible this year. He even hinted at touring with both male and female artists in “the same realm as [he] is in country music.” It is only a matter of time until Shane is on a stage near you and releasing even more new music!
Elvie Shane’s debut EP, ‘County Roads’ is available everywhere now
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Elvie Shane releases.
Elvie Shane’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/elvie-shane-bio.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2021-05-10 12:56:452021-05-10 12:56:45Who Is Elvie Shane? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music
Thomas Rhett revealed that he and his wife, Lauren Akins, are expecting their fourth child during his live show over the weekend.
Just as Rhett was about to perform one of his new songs, “To The Guys That Date My Girls” off his latest album, Country Again: Side A, Rhett surprised the Forth Worth, TX crowd revealing that he and Lauren were expecting.
Later confirming the news via Instagram, Rhett wrote “Well… we are pregnant again! Tonight when I was on stage in Fort Worth about to play “to the guys that date my girls” my wife talked to me in my (ear monitors) and said “you can tell them if you want” so anyways, now you know. We are pumped to be having our 4th girl🙌🙌🙌 feel free to buy all the merch you want, knowing that all the proceeds are going straight to all these weddings I’ll be paying for one day! Love you so much @laur_akins we always wanted a big thanksgiving table😭”
Congratulations TR, Lauren, & the whole Akins Family!
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Thomas Rhett releases.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/thomas-rhett-baby-news.jpg6301200Team Country Swaghttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngTeam Country Swag2021-05-10 11:46:582021-05-10 11:46:58Thomas Rhett Surprises Fans During Live Show with Baby News
Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dan + Shay shows and releases.
Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…
Dan + Shay The (Arena) Tour 2021: *newly announced date **not an AEG Presents date
Date
City
Venue
September 9, 2021
Greenville, SC
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
September 10, 2021
Charlottesville, VA
John Paul Jones Arena
September 11, 2021**
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Arena
September 14, 2021
Philadelphia, PA
Wells Fargo Center
September 16, 2021
New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
September 17, 2021
Pittsburgh, PA
PPG Paints Arena
September 18, 2021
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro Coliseum
September 23, 2021
Louisville, KY
KFC Yum! Center
September 24, 2021
Milwaukee, WI
Fiserv Forum
September 25, 2021
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center
October 1, 2021
Indianapolis, IN
Bankers Life Fieldhouse
October 2, 2021
Chicago, IL
United Center
October 3, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Arena
October 15, 2021*
Los Angeles, CA
STAPLES Center
October 16, 2021*
San Diego, CA
Pechanga Arena
October 17, 2021
Glendale, AZ
Gila River Arena
October 20, 2021
San Francisco, CA
Chase Center
October 21, 2021
Sacramento, CA
Golden 1 Center
October 23, 2021
Salt Lake City, UT
Vivint Arena
October 24, 2021
Denver, CO
Ball Arena
October 28, 2021
Portland, OR
Moda Center
October 29, 2021
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Dome
November 4, 2021
Orlando, FL
Amway Center
November 5, 2021
Atlanta, GA
State Farm Arena
November 12, 2021
Omaha, NE
CHI Health Center
November 13, 2021
Tulsa, OK
BOK Center
November 14, 2021
Kansas City, MO
T-Mobile Center
November 20, 2021
New Orleans, LA
Smoothie King Center
November 21, 2021
Dallas, TX
American Airlines Center
December 3, 2021
Detroit, MI
Little Caesars Arena
December 4, 2021
Hershey, PA
Giant Center
December 5, 2021
Newark, NJ
Prudential Center
December 7, 2021
Boston, MA
TD Garden
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/dan-shay-arena-tour.jpg6301200Team Country Swaghttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngTeam Country Swag2021-05-10 11:02:572021-05-10 13:52:01BREAKING: Dan + Shay Reveal 2021 ‘the (arena) tour’
Zac Brown Band has announced The Comeback Tour 2021 with dates officially kicking off this summer! Check out the full list of dates below.
Joining Zac Brown Band on tour will be Teddy Swims, Adam Doleac, Gabby Barrett, Devin Dawson, and Ashland Craft, with acts varying on each date.
The show hits the New York area on August 5th at PNC Bank Arts Center and September 2nd & 3rd at Jones Beach.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, 5/14 and ZBB fan club members of the ‘Zamily’ get pre-sale access tomorrow, Tuesday, 5/11! Join now at zamily.com to get first access to tickets.
Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Zac Brown Band shows and releases.
Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…
2021 THE COMEBACK TOUR DATES:
Aug 05 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center*
Aug 06 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts*
Aug 08 – Boston @ Fenway Park*
Aug 19 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion^*
Aug 20 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center*
Aug 21 – Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium*
Aug 27 – Indianapolis @ Ruoff Music Center*
Aug 28 – Tinley Park, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
Aug 29 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center*
Sep 02 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater+
Sep 03 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater+
Sep 05 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center+
Sep 10 – Milwaukee @ Summerfest^++ (On-sale 10am local time)
Sep 17 – Denver @Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre^+
Sep 18 – Denver @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre^+
Sep 30 – Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre+
Oct 03 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center+
Oct 08 – Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place**
Oct 09 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre**
Oct 10 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre**
Oct 15 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek**
Oct 16 – Charlotte @ PNC Music Pavilion**
Oct 17 – Nashville @ Bridgestone Arena**
^ not a Live Nation date
* Special Guests Teddy Swims and Ashland Craft
** Special Guests Devin Dawson and Ashland Craft
+ Special Guests Adam Doleac and Ashland Craft
++ Special Guest Gabby Barrett
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/zac-brown-band-tour.jpg6301200Team Country Swaghttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngTeam Country Swag2021-05-10 10:33:462021-05-10 10:33:46BREAKING: Zac Brown Band Announce 2021 ‘The Comeback Tour’
Kenny Chesney’s Here And Now Deluxe Album is available now, May 7th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Read our full album review and check out the new music below.
Kenny Chesney’s ‘Here And Now Deluxe Album’, is out now May 7th
Last May, eight-time Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney released his 18th studio album Here and Now, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and produced singles “Tip of My Tongue,” the title track, “Happy Does,” and its current single, “Knowing You.” On March 25th, Chesney announced some disappointing, but understandable news to his No Shoes Nation when he postponed the much anticipated Chillaxification Tour for the second straight year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, three days later he boosted our spirits with the announcement of a deluxe version of the album. On Friday, May 7th, fans got to listen to those four brand new songs, which include “Wind On,” “Fields of Glory,” “My Anthem,” and “Streets.”
“With ‘Knowing You’ finding its way up the charts, and so much music on Here And Now for people to still explore, there was all this music we’ve made,” he said in a recent press release. “I decided I didn’t want to wait for the next album. I wanted these four songs to be part of what Here And Now is – making Here And Now Deluxe maybe shows a little bit of a now we never saw coming.”
Even when Chesney explores more sensitive topics on this album, like on “Everyone She Knows” and “Someone to Fix,” they still promote an easy-listening vibe; these new tracks are no different. “Wind On” is an upbeat song about taking a ride and leaving all your worries behind. He reminds the listeners of the importance of living care-free on occasion. Penned by Rodney Clawson and Chesney’s good friend, David Lee Murphy, its simple lyrics and long, rocking instrumental at the end make this a fun, party song.
In the more mellow track, “Fields of Glory,” Chesney pays homage to literal fields–football and corn. He recollects on the sport, specifically going to the state championship, as well as summer nights with his friends–staying up late, sitting in truck beds, looking at the stars, and talking about the rest of their lives. Chesney has sung about his football career before, most notably on “Boys of Fall.”
“My Anthem,” written by Jason Gantt, Josh Osborne, and Shane McAnally, is a percussion-driven, pop-country love story about two teenagers trying to outrun their youth. The girl’s parents in the story were always fighting and the boys were making life decisions for him—they used each other as an escape from all of that. Sonically and lyrically, it’s reminiscent of “Setting the World on Fire,” his collaboration with P!nk from the Cosmic Hallelujah album.
In the final track, “Streets,” which Chesney wrote alongside Tom Douglas, he sings about life in the post-pandemic world. Throughout this powerful, uplifting, piano ballad, he highlights an average night in three cities, New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. In New York, two people find love in Time Square, the Yankees are at bat, Billy Joel is headlining the Garden, and all is well. In L.A., tourists are back taking pictures at the Hollywood sign, locals are surfing, people are in line at Disneyland, and all is well. In Nashville, lower Broadway bars are open, young artists are beginning their musical journey, and all is well.
“Faith believes when it can’t see // In who we are and who we’re gonna be // Our lady in the harbor shinin’ like a citadel // And on the streets of America // All is well”
Like so many artists over the past fourteen months, Chesney has used this time off to reflect on the people he loves and the things in life that bring him joy, which translated into new music that came straight from the heart of this Eastern Tennessee native.
“It’s funny what you learn when you’re forced to stop,” Chesney began. “I have always loved songs and songwriters, being in the studio with the most creative people. But over the last year, as much as I’ve loved making music – I always have, I’ve realized how much I truly live and breathe songs.”
Kenny Chesney – Here and NowDeluxe tracklist:
1. “We Do”
2. “Here and Now”
3. “Everyone She Knows”
4. “Wasted”
5. “Knowing You”
6. “Heartbreakers”
7. “Someone to Fix”
8. “Happy Does”
9. “Tip of My Tongue”
10. “You Don’t Get To”
11. “Beautiful World”
12. “Guys Named Captain”
13. “Wind On”
14. “Fields of Glory”
15. “My Anthem”
16. “Streets”
Although there will be no tour this summer, we can almost guarantee he will be back on the road next year. Fans are encouraged to hold onto their tickets for the Chillaxification Tour, as they will be valid for the 2022 date.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Kenny Chesney releases.
Here And Now Deluxe 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/2021/05/kennny-chesney-deluxe-cover.jpg6301200Dylan Bestlerhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDylan Bestler2021-05-07 19:35:292021-05-10 09:50:01Kenny Chesney: ‘Here And Now Deluxe’ – Album Review
Dierks Bentley has announced The Beers On Me Tour kicking off this Summer 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.
Joining Dierks Bentley on tour will be show openers, Riley Green and Parker McCollum.
The show hits the New York area on Friday, September 24th at Jones Beach Theater and we’re getting you early access tickets to the show! Click here to purchase tickets using our presale code: SWAG beginning on Thursday, 5/13 at 10AM-10PM!
For all other tour dates, tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, 5/14 at 10AM ET at dierks.com.
Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dierks Bentley shows and releases.
Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…
2021 THE BEERS ON ME TOUR DATES
8/13/21 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
8/14/21 Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
8/15/21 Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater
8/20/21 Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre
8/21/21 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/22/21 Stateline, NV – Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s***
8/26/21 San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/27/21 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
8/28/21 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
9/16/21 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
9/17/21 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
9/18/21 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
9/23/21 Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
9/24/21 Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
9/25/21 Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
10/07/21 Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
10/08/21 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
10/09/21 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live*
10/15/21 Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center**
10/16/21 Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake**
10/21/21 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
10/22/21 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP*
*Riley Green and TBD
**Mitchel Tennpenny and TBD
***Riley Green Only
Photo by Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SxXyKj2w.jpeg5401080Stephanie Wagnerhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngStephanie Wagner2021-05-07 09:00:012021-05-12 22:06:34BREAKING: Dierks Bentley Announces 2021 ‘Beers On Me’ Tour
KAMERON MARLOWE – Kameron Marlowe relies on his smoldering vocals to paint the picture of a romantic encounter between two new lovers with his brand new song “Tequila Talkin’”, listen here. – More >>
MICHAEL RAY – Michael Ray just released a new heartfelt song inspired by his experiences, called “Picture”. – More >>
MIRANDA LAMBERT, JACK INGRAM, & JON RANDALL – County music superstar Miranda Lambert has joined forces with fellow musicians, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall on a very special new project, The Marfa Tapes, out now. Read our full album review here. – More >>
WALKER HAYES & JAKE OWEN – Walker Hayes is joined by Jake Owen on a collaborative new track, “Country Stuff”. – More >>
DREW GREEN – Drew Green just released a brand new tune, “The Rest of Our Lives”. The epic love song will have you swooning after just one listen. – More >>
BROOKE EDEN – Brooke Eden’s new song, “Got No Choice”, marks the final track in her reintroduction trilogy, following the previously released “No Shade” and “Sunroof.” Check it out here. – More >>
TRAVIS TRITT – On Set In Stone, Travis Tritt stays true to his soulful grit and country sound, while also managing to sound much like a modern-day outlaw. Check out the new album and read our full review here. – More >>
JOSH KERR – Josh Kerr finishes his brand new record 12/12 with his latest track “Still Getting Drunk”. – More >>
Take a listen to all of these tracks and more 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/2021/03/NEW-MUSIC-FRIDAY-IG-POST.jpg12001200Stephanie Wagnerhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngStephanie Wagner2021-05-07 00:38:162021-05-07 11:25:40NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: The Latest in Country Music – 5/7/21
Josh Kerr’s new song “Still Getting Drunk” is available everywhere you buy or stream music now, May 7th. Marking the 12th and final release of his 12/12 project, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.
Over the last several months, singer-songwriter Josh Kerr has released music to make up a full-length project. Today marks the completion of his record 12/12 with the final song “Still Getting Drunk.”
Kerr is a master of words and “Still Getting Drunk” fits the bill. The new track is a heartbreaking song about reeling after a breakup. The singer quietly sings about a protagonist’s heartbreak and using alcohol and drugs as a vice to deal. Sadly relatable, the song is as honest as they get, something we have grown to appreciate with Kerr’s talent.
“I’m still getting drunk, still getting high // Still getting over you saying goodbye // Long as the whiskey I’m sipping tonight tastes like you // I’m popping a top, pouring a glass // Til’ I forget that you ain’t coming back // I should probably start sobering up // I should probably start giving you up // But I’m still getting drunk, mmm, mmm”
Kerr is one of those artists that knows exactly who he is and the kind of music he wants to release. A GRAMMY-winning producer, the singer continues to make a name for himself in country music as an artist. We believe he is a talent that is here to stay!
Josh Kerr’s “Still Getting Drunk”, the final track of his 12/12 album is available now, May 7th
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Josh Kerr releases.
“Still Getting Drunk” 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/2021/05/josh-kerr-cover.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2021-05-07 00:33:302021-05-07 00:33:30Josh Kerr Releases Last Song of 12/12 Album, “Still Getting Drunk”
Travis Tritt’s new album, Set in Stone, is available now, May 7th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Read our full album review and check out the new music below.
Travis Tritt’s new album, ‘Set In Stone’, is out now May 7th
For country legend Travis Tritt, Set in Stone marks his first studio album in thirteen years. Produced by acclaimed producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, The Highwomen), the album is Tritt through and through, featuring eleven new songs, eight of which were co-written by the Opry member.
The album opens with “Stand Your Ground,” a rocking uptempo inspired by a conversation between Tritt and Waylon Jennings. “There ain’t no substitution for the truth,”Tritt wails, clearly inspired by the likes of Jennings and Hank Williams Jr, “Don’t ever let them turn your head around // Just stand your ground.” Tritt recalls Jennings giving him the following advice that led to the song, “Don’t pay any attention to what those people say. They’re not the ones that buy your tickets to your shows. They don’t know your audience the way that you do, so you just stick with your program.”
This is a theme that follows through much of the album, as Tritt remains true to the sound and style that has endeared him to fans for decades. On the album’s title track “Set in Stone,” Tritt sounds remarkably similar to Chris Stapleton, which is never a bad thing. On the twangy mid-tempo track, Tritt celebrates his legacy, “I don’t worry about when I’m gone // My legacy is set in stone.”
On “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That No More” and “Smoke in a Bar,” Tritt is longing for the olden days. While the former is a twangy up-tempo about cars and women, the latter is a sentimental ode to simpler times. “They say we’ve come a long way,” Tritt argues. “But I’d say it’s a little too far // From when the world turned slower // And you could smoke in a bar.”
“Smoke in a Bar” is one of the album’s finest moments, hearkening back to the storytelling days of 90s country music, which Tritt says was the intention. “For so many years country music told the greatest stories of any kind of music genre out there and we’ve gotten away from that. People are nostalgic not only for that kind of music but also for that way of life…It’s all nostalgia,” He says. “This is a song that is talking about longing for a time gone by when you could sit on your front porch and talk, go to bed without locking the front door, and just simple things like that. Those days seem to be gone forever. Songs like this are songs that people can relate to that yearn for those simpler times and good ole days.”
“Leave This World,” which Tritt co-wrote with Ashley Monroe, is another slow-burn waltz of a track, his vocals shimmying carefully over the sounds of a steel guitar. It’s the ultimate love song as Tritt begs to leave this world hand-in-hand with the love of his life. “I’d do anything I have to do // But I don’t want to leave this world without you.”
The album’s driving first single, “Ghost Town Nation” invites the listener to make the best of a bad situation, inspired in many ways by the pandemic. “It ain’t no big deal,” He muses. “It’s just armageddon.” On the uptempo track, he escapes to the wilderness to escape real life, “making the best of a bad situation, getting by fine in a ghost town nation.”
The album ends with the bonus track, “Way Down in Georgia,” a stomping bluesy ode to his home state that reminds us of Marc Broussard’s “Home.” It’s the perfect conclusion to an album that shows Tritt evolving musically while still staying true to his roots.
On Set in Stone, Tritt stays true to his soulful grit and country sound, while also managing to sound much like a modern-day outlaw. With driving guitar licks, twangy piano, soulful background vocals, and Tritt’s tried and true country voice on full display, Set in Stone is a must-listen for all country fans.
TRACKLIST:
“Stand Your Ground” (Travis Tritt, Wayne B. Durrett III, Channing Wilson)
“Set In Stone” (Travis Tritt, Brent Cobb, Adam Hood)
“Ghost Town Nation”(Aaron Raitiere, JB Strauss)
“Smoke In A Bar” (Jeremy Bussey, Derek George, Tim Montana)
“Leave This World” (Travis Tritt, Ashley Monroe)
“They Don’t Make Em’ Like That No More (Travis Tritt, Matthew Dillon Carmichael)
“Better Off Dead” (Travis Tritt, Adam Hood)
“Southern Man” (Travis Tritt, Channing Wilson)
“Open Line” (Travis Tritt, Brent Cobb)
“Ain’t Who I Was” (Brent Cobb, Adam Hood)
“Way Down In Georgia” (Travis Tritt, Dennis Anthony Robbins, Troy Seals)
NYCS Picks:
Smoke in a Bar
Stand Your Ground
Way Down In Georgia
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Travis Tritt releases.
Set In Stone 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/2021/05/travis-tritt-cover.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2021-05-07 00:16:112021-05-07 00:16:11Travis Tritt: ‘Set in Stone’ – Album Review
