Carly Pearce and Lee Brice Take Home Early Win Ahead of ACM Awards

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Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s “I Hope You’re Happy Now” took home an early win for Musical Event of the Year ahead of the 2021 ACM Awards airing this Sunday Night, April 18th.

During an interview with People magazine’s Topher Gauk-Roger, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice were surprised with the news of their early ACM win with “I Hope You’re Happy Now” for Musical Event of the Year.

Check out the interview and surprise reveal here that stopped the two in their tracks. Listen to the award-winning song below and tune in Sunday night to catch the duo performing “I Hop You’re Happy Now”, which is also up for Sinlge of the Year.

The ACM Awards will take place live from Nashville on Sunday, April 18th at 8PM ET on CBS. For the full list of nominations, click here and for the full list of performers, click here.

Visit us on Instagram and let us know your vote for this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

Carly Pearce and Lee Brice take home ACM Award for Musical Event of the Year

Credit: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images for ACM

 

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on April 18th on CBS.
+ Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG.

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

Tim-Mcgraw-number-one-7500-obo

Tim McGraw Releases Ultimate Edition of #1 Album ‘Here on Earth’

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Tim McGraw just released two digital deluxe versions of his #1 album Here on Earth (Ultimate Edition) and Here on Earth (Video Edition), both available today, Friday, April 16th. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Tim McGraw's Here On Earth (Ultimate Edition) is out now, April 16th

Tim McGraw’s Here On Earth (Ultimate Edition) is out now, April 16th

McGraw surprised fans with the announcement of these two deluxe albums and the release of his new single, “God Moves the Pen”, only days before the albums dropped, hardly making country music lovers wait until they had new music and videos from the three-time GRAMMY winner.  

The extended album, out today, includes 30 tracks total, 16 of which are the original tracklist off the #1 album, which includes songs like “I Called Mama” and the title track. The next 8 songs are a mix of previously released songs from McGraw including, “Undivided” with Tyler Hubbard, “Neon Church”, “Thought About You”, and his latest single “God Moves the Pen”. As well as new songs like fan favorite, “Cuttin’ Onions”, “Truth Is”, and two bonus movie tracks: “Keep Your Eyes on Me” with Faith Hill from the 2017 film The Shack and “Gravity” from the 2018 documentary Free Solo. The final six tracks are video versions of “Here on Earth”, “I Called Mama”, “Gravy”, “Undivided”, “Thought About You”, and “Neon Church”. McGraw had already released a lyric video for each of the 16 songs on the original version of the album. 

This massive collection of songs marks its own era of music from McGraw which is what made him want them all to be included together in its own project. He shared that “Neon Church” started a new chapter, and he wanted to make sure it was included in the full story of Here on Earth. 

Earlier this week, McGraw spoke on his connection to one of the new songs off the record “Cuttin’ Onions”, a song written by brothers Brad Warren and Brett Warren with Monty Criswell. McGraw shared: “Cuttin’ Onions…hit me pretty close to home, growing up. It reminded me a lot of my childhood and the way I grew up in some certain circumstances. So it just put me right into the position of those memories and that life that I had growing up that wasn’t the best sometimes. So that’s what it did to me… I can visually picture it. I mean I could picture the house. I could picture the windows open and the curtains blowing out of the windows. I could picture all of it happening. It was just to me, it was just so vivid. For one thing, there was some inner emotional connection that I had to it with my life but also, it was just so visceral and visual to me that I couldn’t, I just couldn’t get it out of my head.” See the behind the scenes clip and interview here.  

“Sunday mornin’, my best shirt // Crockpot’s on for dinner after church // Dad was baptized by Lynchburg // Mama’d always beg him to come with us // Crying cuttin’ onions in the kitchen

Another brand new song off the album, “Truth Is” is about not wanting to face the truth about a relationship that’s come to an end so you just avoid seeing the people that are going to make you talk about it. Similar to other heartbreak songs off the album like “7500 OBO”, “Not From California”, and “If I Was a Cowboy”, “Truth Is” is about doing what you can to forget what was or what could have been and struggling to face what you’re going through. 

“I don’t wanna go, where everybody knows your name // So I just stay at home, many more these days // ‘Cause every time I leave the house I hear somebody asking about you and I just can’t bring myself to tell the truth about it so I tell a lie // Say you’re doing pretty good and things are going like they should and when I get back home tonight I’m gonna tell you that they sad to tell you ‘hi’”

“Keep Your Eyes on Me” and “Gravity” are both songs that McGraw co-wrote. “Keep Your Eyes on Me” is the first song he and Faith Hill wrote together with Lori McKenna, which McGraw and Hill performed together in the 2017 film The Shack, which McGraw also starred in. The superstar shared that “Gravity” was the third song he’d ever written for a film, also with Lori McKenna, and that he knew he wanted it to be included on a project down the line. If you’ve ever seen Free Solo or know the incredible story of Alex Holland, then you know the immense weight this song holds in being the one that closes out the film.

“Keep your eyes on me // When you’re lost in the dark // Keep your eyes on me // When the light in your heart is too burnt out to see // Keep your eyes on me // Swear you’re all alone sometimes // Keep your eyes on me // And you can’t find your way home sometimes // Keep your eyes on me”

On June 12th, there will be a special edition 12” vinyl available for Record Store Day that will have “Undivided”, on one side, and an acoustic version of “I Called Mama” on the other. These two songs are incredible representatives of not only McGraw’s current career but of how he is releasing important music at an essential time.

“Undivided” was released at a crucial moment for our country, and just in time for the Presidential Inauguration in January where McGraw and Hubbard performed the song live for the first time together. They have also released a director’s cut version of the song’s music video since then. “I Called Mama”, now out for almost a year, continues to act as a reminder of the importance of home and human connection even in the toughest of times.

HERE ON EARTH Ultimate Edition Track List
*indicates video featured on HERE ON EARTH Ultimate Video Edition 

  1. LA
  2. Chevy
  3. Here on Earth*
  4. Damn Sure Do
  5. Hallelujahville
  6. Good Taste In Women
  7. Hard to Stay Mad At
  8. Sheryl Crow
  9. Not From California
  10. Hold You Tonight
  11. 7500 OBO
  12. If I Was A Cowboy
  13. I Called Mama*
  14. Gravy*
  15. War of Art
  16. Doggone
  17. Undivided / Tim McGraw & Tyler Hubbard*
  18. Thought About You*
  19. Neon Church*
  20. Cuttin’ Onions
  21. Truth Is 
  22. God Moves the Pen   

Bonus Movie Tracks

  1. Keep Your Eyes on Me / Tim McGraw & Faith Hill from feature film The Shack
  2. 24. Gravity from Academy Award ® winning documentary “Free Solo”

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

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

“Tin Man” 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.

Brothers Osborne Show Positive Self-reflection in New Song “Younger Me”

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Brothers Osborne just released a touching new song, “Younger Me”, written by TJ in response to the overwhelming support he received after sharing his personal story. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

It’s a big week for Brothers Osborne and country music fans! The platinum-selling duo first made news yesterday with the announcement of their 2021 headlining tour, ‘We’re Not For Everyone Tour’. Support acts, Tenille Townes and Travis Denning will join the show, which kicks off on July 29th in Philadelphia, and makes their way to the New York Area on August 21st and October 28th. Additionally, today Brothers Osborne released a powerful new song, “Younger Me”.

Inspired by the overwhelming support that TJ Osborne received after sharing his personal story with his sexuality earlier this year, “Younger Me” is a special song created by the real-life brothers. A solo write by TJ, the song is an anthem for anyone who is struggling with their identity in any capacity. Although for TJ the song is about his coming out as a gay man, it is a track for anyone who has struggled with self-acceptance.

“Younger me // Made it harder than it had to be // Trying hard to dodge my destiny // Get the best of me // Younger me”

A truly poignant song, the lyric that states “always dreamed of kicking down the door // what were you waiting for,” is especially telling. Furthermore, the singers go on to thank their younger selves for getting them where they are today.

Brothers Osborne will be performing a special version of “Younger Me” on Sunday as part of Xfinity’s special performances for The ACM Awards.

This song is one for the history books and we are so proud to get to further share it!

Brothers Osborne's "Younger Me" is available now, April 16th

Brothers Osborne’s “Younger Me” is available now, April 16th

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

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

“Younger 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.

BREAKING: Thomas Rhett Just Announced The Center Point Road Tour

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Thomas Rhett just announced The Center Point Road Tour kicking off this Summer 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.

Joining Thomas Rhett on tour will be show openers, Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett, although some shows will vary.

In addition to rescheduled shows, some new dates have also been added to the list.

Fans can purchase tickets for NEW shows beginning next Friday, April 23 at 10AM local time at thomasrhett.com/tour. Tickets for all remaining/rescheduled shows still apply! For any further previous ticket inquiries, fans are advised to reach out to point of purchase.

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Thomas Rhett releases.

Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…

2021 THE CENTER POINT ROAD TOUR DATES

8/13/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/14/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/20/2021- Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
8/21/2021- Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
8/22/2021 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
8/26/2021- Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/27/2021- Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
8/28/2021- Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/29/2021- Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*
9/3/2021-  West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
9/4/2021-  Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/16/2021- Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*+
9/17/2021- Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center* +
9/18/2021- Boston, MA – Xfinity Center+
9/23/2021 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
9/24/2021- Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center*
9/25/2021- Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
10/1/2021- Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre*
10/2/2021- St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
10/3/2021- Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
10/7/2021 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
10/8/2021- Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*
10/9/2021- Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*

* Indicates rescheduled tour date    
^ Indicates Openers Rhett Akins and Gabby Barrett
+ Indicates Openers Cole Swindell and Conner Smith

Eric Church: ‘Heart’ – Album Review

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Eric Church’s new album, Heart, is available now, April 16th, on all streaming platforms. The record marks the first of 3 new albums to be released by Church this month, including ‘&’ and ‘Soul‘, which will come next week. Read our first impression review of ‘Heart‘ below as we dig a little deeper into the new music. 

Eric Church's first of three new albums, 'Heart' available everywhere now, April 16th

Eric Church’s first of three new albums, ‘Heart’ available everywhere now, April 16th

There are few artists as unique and innovative as Eric Church. Determined to bend the conventions of the music industry, Church continues down that path with the first release of his three-part collection, Heart & Soul. Heart is out today (April 16), followed by ‘&’ on April 20 (released exclusively on vinyl to members of his fan club, The Church Choir), and Soul on April 23. Each part of the collection was born during Church’s month-long retreat to the mountains of North Carolina, where he collaborated with famed producer Jay Joyce on 24 new explosive and introspective tracks, each with a unique sound and story.

The album opens with “Heart On Fire,” and it’s immediately apparent that Church is back and better than ever, ready to do something different on this record. One of the highlights of many of Church’s recent releases has been the use of a female background vocalist, and this is on full display here, as is a mean guitar solo that begins around the 2:25 mark.

“Heart of the Night” tells the tale of escaping a suffocating life, and the staccato delivery of “Let’s point this thing west //into the chest // of the still-beating heart of the night” is one of our favorite things we’ve heard in a long time. The bridge takes on a life of its own as it completely changes melodically, venturing into almost Broadway-esque territory, and it’s clear we’re witnessing something special on this album.

“Russian Roulette” is a clever take on that moment when a song can literally cripple you. Church assures us that he’s doing okay, but he needs to avoid those songs that will strike him like a bullet, “messing up my head, playing Russian Roulette with the radio.” This is such a relatable topic that those who know and love music can most certainly relate to, as everyone has a song, or songs, that can bring you to your knees. “I need a melody without a memory,” He pleads. “Take me where I’ve never been // I hear ‘em gunnin’ for me // I feel ‘em huntin’ for me // But I ain’t tunin’ them in.”

Church also continues to celebrate humanity in different ways on “People Break” and “Never Break Heart.” The first is a slow homage to heartbreak. “People break, people try // Things happen people cry // Someone leaves, love dies,” Church sings over the melancholy music. “Someone changes their mind // Baby I get it I really do // But now I gotta go and do the hardest part // Break the news to a broken heart.”

As usual, Church isn’t one to stay quiet when it comes to the realness of life, tackling some of life’s toughest topics on “Stick That In Your Country Song”, which is interestingly the only song on this collection that he didn’t co-write. Profiled on the cover of Billboard for encouraging fans to receive the COVID vaccine, Church is open to singing and talking about everything.

The album goes out with a bang, just as it began. “Bunch of Nothing” shows a different side of Church, a more twangy up-tempo than we’re used to from the Chief, lending itself midway through to a hand-clapping musical interlude that is sure to have you bopping along. 

The final song on Heart is “Love Shine Down,” a track that builds from a sparse slow tempo to a full-out Gospel-inspired jam. Here, Church gives a nod to one of his earliest hits, “Sinners Like Me,” as he sings, “It’s cold and it’s dark in this sinner’s heart // Lady let your love shine down.”

Eric Church’s Heart is a unique and genre-bending release, showing different sides of Church, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, we can’t wait for the next two releases from Heart & Soul.

NYCS Picks:

  1. Heart of the Night
  2. People Break
  3. Russian Roulette
Eric Church set to release three albums, 'Heart', '&', 'Soul' this April 2021

Eric Church’s three-album project, ‘Heart’, ‘&’, ‘Soul’, April 2021

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

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

Heart 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.

BREAKING: Brothers Osborne Just Announced ‘We’re Not For Everyone’ Tour

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Brothers Osborne just announced The We’re Not For Everyone Tour kicking off this Summer 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.

Joining Brothers Osborne on tour will be show openers, Tenille Townes and Travis Denning.

Fans can purchase tickets beginning next Friday, April 23 at brothersosborne.com. Special fan club presale tickets will be available to “The Family” starting 10am local time on April 20.

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

Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…

WE’RE NOT FOR EVERYONE TOUR Dates:

Jul. 29                   Philadelphia, PA                               Skyline Stage at the Mann

Jul. 30                   Boston, MA                                       Leader Bank Pavilion

Jul. 31                   Westbrook, ME                                Maine Savings Pavilion at Rock Row

Aug. 1                   Providence, RI                                  Bold Point Park

Aug. 4                   Toledo, OH                                        Toledo Zoom Amphitheater

Aug. 5                   Maryland Heights, MO                    Saint Louis Music Park

Aug. 14                 Council Bluffs, IA                              Stir Concert Cove – Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel***

Aug. 15                 Dubuque, IA                                      Q Casino Back Waters Stage***

Aug. 19                 Asbury Park, NJ                                Stone Pony Summer Stage

Aug. 20                 Bridgeport, CT                                  Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

Aug. 21                 Farmingville, NY                               Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater

Aug. 26                 Charlotte, NC                                   Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

Aug. 27                 Raleigh, NC                                       Red Hat Amphitheater

Sep. 2                   Cleveland, OH                                   Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

Sep. 3                   Indianapolis, IN                                TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

Sep. 4                   Sterling Heights, MI                         Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

Sep. 9                   Cincinnati, OH                                  The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center

Sep. 10                 Memphis, TN                                    The Orpheum Theatre

Sep. 16                 Nashville, TN                                    Ascend Amphitheater

Sep. 17                 Rogers, AR                                        Walmart AMP

Sep. 18                 Oklahoma City, OK                          The Criterion

Sep. 22                 Irving, TX                                           The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Sep. 23                 Houston, TX                                      White Oak Music Hall – Lawn

Sep. 24                 Austin, TX                                          Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater**

Sep. 25                 Helotes, TX                                        Floore’s Country Store**

Sep. 30                 Asheville, NC                                     Rabbit Rabbit

Oct. 1                   Atlanta, GA                                        Fox Theatre

Oct. 2                   Jacksonville, FL                                 Daily’s Place

Oct. 8                   Denver, CO                                        Mission Ballroom

Oct. 10                 Phoenix, AZ                                       Arizona Federal Theatre

Oct. 12                 Los Angeles, CA                                Greek Theatre

Oct. 13                 Santa Barbara, CA                            Santa Barbara Bowl

Oct. 15                 San Diego, CA                                   Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU

Oct. 16                 Sacramento, CA                               Memorial Auditorium

Oct. 17                 San Francisco, CA                            The Masonic

Oct. 20                 Portland, OR                                     Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Oct. 22                 Seattle, WA                                       WaMu Theater

Oct. 28                 New York, NY                                   Beacon Theatre

Oct. 29                 Hampton Beach, NH                       Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom*

Oct. 30                 Albany, NY                                         Palace Theatre*

Nov. 11                Kansas City, MO                               Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland

Nov. 13                Chicago, IL                                        Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

Nov. 18                Richmond, VA                                   Altria Theater

Nov. 19                Washington, D.C.                             The Anthem

Nov. 20                Moon Twp, PA                                  UPMC Events Center

ACM Awards Reveal Performance Setlist for Upcoming Show

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The 2021 ACM Awards have revealed their performance setlist for the 56th Annual show. Taking the stage includes Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Luke Combs and many more. The special event will take place live from Nashville this Sunday, April 18th at 8PM ET on CBS. Take a look below for the setlist as it stands and be sure to tune in for some exciting surprises.

 

A recent press release from the ACM Awards notes the following:

“The 56th ACM Awards will feature an unprecedented number of world television premiere performances including Elle King and Miranda Lambert opening the show with “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Dierks Bentley performing U2’s poignant classic “Pride (In The Name of Love)” with husband and wife duo The War and Treaty, Brothers Osborne (“I’m Not For Everyone”), Kenny Chesney (“Knowing You”), Eric Church (“Bunch Of Nothing”), Luke Combs (“Forever After All”), Dan + Shay (“Glad You Exist”), Mickey Guyton (“Hold On”), Alan Jackson with “You’ll Always Be My Baby” and a special mashup for “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” Miranda Lambert with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall (“In His Arms”), Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd (“Chasing After You”), Thomas Rhett premiering “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again,” Blake Shelton celebrating the 20th Anniversary of his first hit single “Austin” as well as “Minimum Wage,” Chris Stapleton (“Maggie’s Song”), and Chris Young and Kane Brown (“Famous Friends”).

Additional powerful collaborations include Carly Pearce and Lee Brice duetting on “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” Carrie Underwood performing a medley from her new album of gospel hymns, My Savior, which will also feature a duet with CeCe Winans, and Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney performing together for “half of my hometown.”

It was also announced today that Lady A will join the lineup in addition to recently revealed New Male Artist of the Year, Jimmie Allen, and New Female Artist of the Year, Gabby Barrett, who will all perform on this year’s show. Previously announced performers include, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, and Keith Urban. Additional details on these performances, this year’s presenters and more will be announced in the coming days.”

Additionally, it was revealed that Luke Bryan will not be performing on the show due to his recent testing positive for COVID-19.

Keith Urban will return for his second time hosting and will be joined by New Artist of the Year nominee, Mickey Guyton to co-host. Both entertainers will also take the stage to perform.

Normally airing from Las Vegas, this year the annual event will return to Nashville for a live broadcast for the second consecutive year following significant changes to the show due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The show will once again feature performances happening across three different iconic music venues in Music City: Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and The Bluebird Cafe.

Airing on Sunday, April 18th, 2021 from 8PM ET – 11PM ET on CBS, the 56th ACM Awards will also be available to stream live and on-demand.

Check out the full list of nominations below + visit us on Instagram and let us know your vote for this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

HERE ARE THE 2021 ACM MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

 

GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three
The Highwomen

 

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

 

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce

 

DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

 

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville

I Hope – Gabby Barrett
– Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– Producers: busbee
– Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records

More Hearts Than Mine – Ingrid Andress
– Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

The Bones – Maren Morris
– Producer: Greg Kurstin
– Record Label: Columbia Nashville

 

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ingrid Andress
Tenille Arts
Gabby Barrett ** WINNER
Mickey Guyton
Caylee Hammack

 

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jimmie Allen ** WINNER
Travis Denning
HARDY
Cody Johnson
Parker McCollum

 

SONG OF THE YEAR
*Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s):
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Songwriter(s): Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
– Publishers: Emileon Songs; Little Louder Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs of Universal, INC; Sony ATV Tree Publishing; Wrucke for You Publishing

One Night Standards – Ashley McBryde
– Songwriter(s): Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Canned Biscuit Songs; Smackworks Music; Smack Blue, LLC; Smackstreet Music; Tempo Investments; Warner Geo Met Ric Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

Some People Do – Old Dominion
– Songwriter(s): Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Carrot Seed Songs; EMI Blackwood Music INC; Smackville Music; Songs of ROC Nation; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp; Smack Hits; Tempo Investments; Warner Gro Met Ric Music

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Songwriter(s): Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
– Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Straight Six Music; WC Music Corp

The Bones – Maren Morris
– Songwriter(s): Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
– Publishers: Big Machine Music, LLC; Extraordinary Alien Publishing; International Dog Music; Oh Denise Publishing; Round Hill Songs; Warner-Tamerlane
Publishing Corp.

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
*Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s):
Born Here Live Here Die Here – Luke Bryan
– Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
– Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Mixtape Vol. 1 – Kane Brown
– Producers: Andrew Goldstein, Charlie Handsome, Dann Huff, Lindsay Rimes
– Record Label: RCA Nashville

Never Will – Ashley McBryde
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on April 18th on CBS.
+ Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG.

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

Thomas Rhett Releases Title Track Off Forthcoming Double Album

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Thomas Rhett released the title track to his forthcoming double album project, Country Again Side A & Side B. Side A is set to be released on April 30, and Side B later this year. Fans can pre-order Side A now, here. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song, “Country Again”.

Thomas Rhett has been such a gift to all of us country music lovers all quarantine long. He continues to keep fans on their toes, as he gears up to release his fifth studio album COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A on April 30th. The record marks the first LP of the double project. Today, Rhett released the title track record off Side A, and fans are already in love with it.

Written by Rhett with prolific songwriters, Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley, “Country Again” is a return to home for the singer. The song relinquishes all the glitz and the glamour and production of the singer’s last couple of records. Instead, Rhett returns to his roots, relying on story-telling, simple production, and heartfelt lyrics to be center stage.

“I’ve been counting down the days to get this one out to y’all. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve written yet and honestly just feels full circle in so many ways,” shared Rhett in a recent press release. He later adds that the song is “about the crazy journey I’ve been on over the last decade and ultimately finding my way back home.”

“Country Again” feels similar to old school Rhett vibes, as well as, similar to heartfelt songs like “Dream You Never Had.” We personally love everything the singer creates, but we especially love when he talks openly with fans about his life and his experiences through song.

“I spent way less time in Nashville, more time in L.A. // My back home buddies, they quit callin’; thought I had too much on my plate // But last night, we cracked some cold beers and cranked Eric Church to ten // I thought man, it feels good to be country again”

If “Country Again” is any indication of what Rhett has in store for his next record, then we are all in for a real treat!

Thomas Rhett Announced Plans to Release A Double Album, 'Side A' and 'Side B'

Thomas Rhett Announced Plans to Release A Double Album, ‘Side A’ and ‘Side B’

“Country Again” joins the previously released tracks, “Want It Again” and “Growing Up”, as well as Rhett’s latest #1 hit, “What’s Your Country Song?”, on Rhett’s Side A project as it currently stands. Check out the full Side A tracklist below and get your pre-order here.

COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A TRACKLIST:
1. “Want It Again” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson
2. “Growing Up” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson
3. “What’s Your Country Song” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Parker Welling
4. “Where We Grew Up”* | Thomas Rhett, Luke Laird, Josh Miller
5. “Heaven Right Now” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz
6. “To The Guys That Date My Girls” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Josh Thompson
7. “More Time Fishin’” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Josh Thompson
8. “Country Again” | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley
9. “Put It On Ice (featuring Hardy)”+ | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson
10. “Blame It On A Backroad” | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley 
11. “Ya Heard” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill

Produced by Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure
+Produced by Dann Huff and Matt Dragstrem
*Produced by Dann Huff

Although no official tracklist for Side B has been released yet, we can assume that fans will see even more songs that the artist has previously shared on social media throughout the past few months. Unreleased songs like “Your Momma’s Front Porch”, “Things Dads Do”, “Bass Pro Hat” and “That’ll Be Us Someday”, kept fans on their toes as Rhett consistently took to Instagram to tease new music. Now, only time will tell which songs will make the official cut on the second album.

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

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

“Country Again” 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.

BREAKING: Kane Brown Takes Home Early Win Ahead of ACM Awards

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Kane Brown’s “Worldwide Beautiful” took home an early win for Video of the Year ahead of the 2021 ACM Awards airing this Sunday Night, April 18th.

Brown joined CBS This Morning, April 14th for what he thought was going to be an interview and ended up being surprised with an early ACM Award for Video of the Year. Brown went on to talk about the song, sharing the story of its importance and why he released it. The early win marks the singer’s first ACM Award and the first time in ACM Awards history that a black solo artist has won the honor.

Check out the interview and surprise reveal here and the award-winning video below.

The ACM Awards will take place live from Nashville on Sunday, April 18th at 8PM ET on CBS. For the full list of nominations, click here and for the full list of performers, click here.

Visit us on Instagram and let us know your vote for this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

 

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on April 18th on CBS.
+ Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG.

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

New Miranda Lambert Campaign Helps Dogs Most in Need of Adoption

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Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation launched a new ‘Love Harder’ campaign, geared towards helping to find homes for rescue dogs that are most in need of adoption.

Miranda Lambert is one of those artists that always gives back. In 2009, she founded MuttNation Foundation with her mom, Bev Lambert to help find as many dogs as possible a safe and happy place to call home. Her new initiative ‘Love Harder’ is geared towards helping to find homes for rescue dogs that have a harder time getting adopted. The slogan “easy to love, harder to get adopted” is appropriately utilized.

To launch the campaign, Lambert sat with her SHEro, Emmylou Harris, to announce the project. In the announcement video, the two dog lovers discuss the importance of caring for older dogs and those with special needs.

Dogs that are pitbull mixes, big black dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with disabilities are amongst the many cuddly pups that need homes and are considered to be under this initiative. Fans that have rescued these types of dogs are encouraged to share their story at muttnation.com/loveharder. Those who do so will be entered for a chance to win a Miranda Lambert autographed Epiphone guitar.

To learn more about the new initiative and MuttNation’s mission in general, head to muttnation.com.

Miranda Lambert MuttNation Love Harder Campaign

Photo: Instagram/@MirandaLambert

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

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