Gabby Barrett Celebrates Debut Album With ‘Live From The Goldmine’ EP

/in , , /by

Gabby Barrett celebrates her debut album with a live version of seven tracks from the original record in a project called Live from the Goldmine EP, officially available today, March 16th on all streaming platforms.

In the wake of all country music fans and entertainers desperately missing live music, rising singer-songwriter Gabby Barrett delivers! After much success with her debut record Goldmine, including a number one hit single with “I Hope” and a top ten and rising song with “The Good Ones,” the country music songstress decided to give us the second best thing to a live show, a live version of some fan-favorites off her original project in a new EP entitled Live from the Goldmine.

Barrett’s project begins with live renditions of her songs “Footprints On The Moon” and “Rose Needs A Jack.” The former personifies her journey as a country artist, sharing her grit and charm as an artist in the celebratory tune. On the other hand, “Rose Needs A Jack,” an obvious play on Titanic is a fun-loving song with stellar lyrics. On both tracks, Barrett’s incredible songwriting is on full display.

The new Mom also includes “Jesus & My Mama” and one of our favorites, “Thank God.” The song shares the venerable journey of trials and tribulations both in Nashville as an artist and in a relationship. Ultimately, she thanks God for leading her to a life that she can truly say she has fallen in love with.

“Thank God for the hangups and the breakups // And the wake-up, make-up tears on my pillowcase // The all wrongs and the almosts // And the all-time lows all took me to the way”

Of course, no project would be quite complete without Barrett’s current single, “The Good Ones” and her record-breaking hit, “I Hope.” Both songs showcase different sides of the singer’s multi-dimensional personality. “The Good Ones” is a victory song for love and good men, while “I Hope” is the exact opposite. It is a sassy, no-bull, powerhouse tune, proving that no one should mess with the strong and incredible Barrett.

The record culminates with the live recording of “Goldmine,” a song that truly wraps up the project in such a way that makes it feel finished. “Goldmine,” the title track of her debut album and the only song that Barrett did not have a hand in writing is one of those tracks that feels reminiscent of 90s country and early Carrie Underwood at the same time. The song fits Barrett’s range perfectly.

Prior to the release of Goldmine, NYCountry Swag caught up with Barrett for a virtual interview to chat about the record, her songwriting, and her incredible career so far. Check it out in the video below.

If this record does not convince you to see Barrett live the second you can, then we do not know what will. She continues to prove her staying power again and again, and it is only a matter of time until “The Good Ones” lands the top spot on the country charts!

Gabby Barrett's 'Live From The Goldmine' is available now, March 16th

Gabby Barrett’s ‘Live From The Goldmine’ is available now, March 16th

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

To keep up with Gabby Barrett, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Live From The Goldmine EP is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Miranda Lambert Re-Releases Raw Version of Award-Winning “Tin Man”

/in , , /by

Miranda Lambert just released a new, raw version of her award-winning hit song “Tin Man” as part of The Marfa Tapes with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

County music superstar Miranda Lambert has joined forces with fellow musicians, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall on a brand new record entitled THE MARFA TAPES, slated to come out on May 7th. The record is a culmination of intimate songs that the threesome wrote and recorded together in the tiny town of Marfa, Texas.

Last week, the singer-songwriters released the first track off the record, a song called “In His Arms”. Now, the trio is sharing the new version of the fan-favorite and award-winning Lambert song, “Tin Man”, which the trio penned together.

Staying true with the style of the record, the new version of “Tin Man” is broken down, raw, acoustic, and mesmerizing. Lambert sings about heartbreak in a brand new way, allowing her vulnerability to come across with every lyric. Back in 2016, when the original song was released, we thought the songstress’ pain came shining through, but this version is the real deal. The acoustic performance of “Tin Man” puts Lambert’s vocal talent on a pedestal, and takes the listener back in time with her.

“Hey there, Mr. Tin Man // You don’t know how lucky you are // I’ve been on the road that you’re on // It didn’t get me very far // You ain’t missing nothing // ‘Cause love is so damn hard // Take it from me, darling // You don’t want a heart”

At the end of the song, fans also get to hear the threesome in the studio, chatting about how they felt that cut went. It’s clear that Lambert, Ingram, and Randall are in the zone when they come together to create music. If “Tin Man” and “In His Arms” is any hint at what THE MARFA TAPES as a whole will sound like, then us country fans are in for a real treat.

Miranda Lambert's new version of "Tin Man" as part of 'The Marfa Tapes' with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall is available now, March 12th

Miranda Lambert’s new version of “Tin Man” as part of ‘The Marfa Tapes’ with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall is available now, March 12th

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.

“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.

Darius Rucker Releases Brand New Song “My Masterpiece”

/in , , /by

Darius Rucker’s new song, “My Masterpiece” is available now, March 12th on all streaming platforms. Written by Rucker with J.T. Harding, Josh Osborne, and Ross Copperman, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Just a few weeks after Darius Rucker’s single “Beers And Sunshine” earned him his 10th #1 song, the singer-songwriter is back with a new release. “My Masterpiece” is an enticing follow-up to the feel-good chart-topper.

The new song depicts love as the be-all, end-all, and we are honestly smitten by the story. The fact that the same foursome made up of songwriters Darius Rucker, J.T. Harding, Josh Osborne, and Ross Copperman, can pen a fun-loving song like “Beers And Sunshine” and a more intimate, heartfelt song like “My Masterpiece,” just shows the power of songwriters in Nashville.

“I never had a silver spoon // I didn’t grow up in a castle // I never walked on the moon // I’ll never paint a Sistine Chapel // I can’t play piano like Ray Charles // But baby when my life is through // I hope they say my masterpiece is loving you”

With a rhythm made for slow dancing all night long, “My Masterpiece” paints images of how it feels to be with your person. Interestingly enough, the song was inspired by a quarantine interview.

Darius Rucker’s new song "My Masterpiece" is available everywhere now, March 12th

Darius Rucker’s new song “My Masterpiece” is available everywhere now, March 12th

“One of the most common questions I got asked last year was if I had picked up a new hobby during quarantine,” shares the three-time GRAMMY winner in a recent press release. “I always answered that I was trying to learn piano, and someone asked if I was any good yet. J.T. Harding heard my response in that interview’ –I can’t play piano like Ray Charles’ – and knew we had to write a song around that line,” shared Rucker in a recent press release.

Rucker continues to impress us with his talent, poise, and his signature voice. We anticipate that his upcoming new record is going to be one that fans all across the world fall in love with.

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

To keep up with Darius Rucker, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“My Masterpiece” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Parmalee Scores #1 Song with “Just The Way” featuring Blanco Brown

/in , , /by

Parmalee’s “Just The Way” featuring Blanco Brown earns them number one song as the tune hits the top spot on the country charts this week.

It has been seven years, since country band, Parmalee found themselves at the top of the charts with “Carolina.” Now, their smash hit with fellow artist and friend, Blanco Brown, “Just The Way” revitalized their career and exponentially grew their prospective fanbase. Today the upbeat song found its way to the top of the country charts, marking Brown’s first number one on country radio.

Written by Matt Thomas, Kevin Bard, and Nolan Sipe, “Just The Way” is a song that encourages acceptance and loving people for who they are. Boasting equality, it is refreshing to see a song like this take the number one spot on the charts. The song shares the impossible task of being perceived as perfect on social media and to society, adding that flaws are really what makes us human.

“I love you just the way God made you // Girl, he don’t make mistakes // What you call your imperfections // I call beautiful, babe // So let my eyes be your mirror // And you’re bound to see it too // ‘Cause I was made for loving // Just the way God made you”

Parmalee and Brown take turns singing their prospective verses. During the chorus and bridge, the band and singer show how effortless their voices mesh together, as well as, how incredibly talented they all are.

Congrats to Parmalee and Brown on their hit!

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Parmalee and Blanco Brown announcements and releases.

To keep up with Blanco Brown, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
To keep up with Parmalee, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Just The Way” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Country Music Shines at 2021 GRAMMYs + Full List of Winners

/in , /by

The biggest stars in music gathered in Los Angeles last night for the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Hosted by Trevor Noah, the show had a much different look than previous years. Awards were given revealed outdoors, across the street from the Staples Center. Artists stayed socially-distant, sitting at tables with a maximum of two people and performances took place in a separate room nearby. Country music was well-represented at the award show with performances by Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris with John Mayer, and more.

The first award of the night went to Megan Thee Stallion for Best New Artist – a category that featured country newcomer, Ingrid Andress — and Miranda Lambert took home the second, for Best Country Album with Wildcard. Jay Joyce, the producer of the album, contributed to two other albums in this category as well; Ashley McBryde’s Never Will and Brandy Clark’s Your Life is a Record. This award was introduced by JT Gray, owner of the small music venue in Nashville, Station Inn, as The award show made efforts to highlight small music venues throughout the country. Station Inn is home to early acts like Vince Gill, Chris Stapleton, and Dierks Bentley, who used to perform there before they made it big. For Lambert, this was her third GRAMMY-win and second in this category — Platinum won Best Country Album in 2015.

“We’re such a family here in country music, so I feel like holding this right here is like holding it for all of us; especially us girls,” Lambert confessed.

The GRAMMYs paid tribute to musicians of all genres who lost their lives this past year. Lionel Richie sang “Lady” in honor of the late Kenny Rodgers, and Brandi Carlile performed John Prine’s beautiful ballad “I Remember Everything,” which won Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song earlier in the show. Charlie Daniels, Joe Diffie, and Mac Davis were also acknowledged, among many others.

Women dominated the country nominations this year, and their efforts in the industry were recognized last night with three consecutive performances by GRAMMY-nominated artists Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, and Maren Morris. Guyton performed her inspiring narrative, “Black Like Me;” Lambert sang her number-one hit, “Bluebird,” and, alongside John Mayer, Morris performed her romantic cross-genre smash, “The Bones.”

The rest of the country awards were announced prior to the show, including Best Country Duo/Group Performance, which was given to Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber for “10,000 Hours;” Best Country Song, which went to The Highwomen for inclusion record “Crowded Table;” and Best Country Solo Performance, which Vince Gill won for his song “When My Amy Prays.” Dolly Parton picked up a GRAMMY award in the Christian category; her duet with Zach Williams, “There was Jesus,” won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.

Check out the full list of winners from the special night below.

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

Looking for new country music to dive into? Follow our ‘New Country Music’ playlist on Spotify.

 

2021 GRAMMYS FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

Record of the Year
“Black Parade,” Beyoncé
“Colors,” Black Pumas
“Rockstar,” DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch
“Say So,” Doja Cat
“Everything I Wanted,” Billie Eilish — WINNER
“Don’t Start Now,”Dua Lipa
“Circles,” Post Malone
“Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé

Album of the Year
Chilombo, Jhené Aiko
Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition), Black Pumas
Everyday Life, Coldplay
Djesse Vol. 3, Jacob Collier
Women In Music Pt. III, Haim
Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa
Hollywood’s Bleeding, Post Malone
Folklore, Taylor Swift — WINNER

Song of the Year
“Black Parade,” Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim “Kaydence” Krysiuk & Rickie “Caso” Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé)
“The Box,” Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
“Cardigan,” Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
“Circles,” Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Kaan Gunesberk, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters (Post Malone)
“Don’t Start Now,” Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, Dua Lipa & Emily Warren, songwriters (Dua Lipa)
“Everything I Wanted,” Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“I Can’t Breathe,” Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.) — WINNER
“If The World Was Ending,” Julia Michaels & JP Saxe, songwriters (JP Saxe Featuring Julia Michaels)

Best New Artist
Ingrid Andress
Phoebe Bridgers
Chika
Noah Cyrus
D Smoke
Doja Cat
Kaytranada
Megan Thee Stallion — WINNER

Best Pop Solo Performance
“Yummy,” Justin Bieber
“Say So,” Doja Cat
“Everything I Wanted,” Billie Eilish
“Don’t Start Now,” Dua Lipa
“Watermelon Sugar,” Harry Styles — WINNER
“Cardigan,” Taylor Swift

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Un Dia (One Day),” J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy
“Intentions,” Justin Bieber Featuring Quavo
“Dynamite,” BTS
“Rain On Me,” Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande — WINNER
“Exile,” Taylor Swift Featuring Bon Iver

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Blue Umbrella, (Burt Bacharach &) Daniel Tashian
True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter, Harry Connick Jr.
American Standard, James Taylor — WINNER
Unfollow the Rules, Rufus Wainwright
Judy, Rene Zellweger

Best Pop Vocal Album
Changes, Justin Bieber
Chromatica, Lady Gaga
Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa — WINNER
Fine Line, Harry Styles
Folklore, Taylor Swift

Best Dance Recording
“On My Mind,” Diplo & Sidepiece
“My High,” Disclosure Featuring Amine & Slowthai
“The Difference,” Flume Featuring Toro y Moi
“Both of Us,” Jayda G
“10%,” Kaytranada Featuring Kali Uchis — WINNER

Best Dance/Electronic Album
Kick I, Arca
Planet’s Mad, Baauer
Energy, Disclosure
Bubba, Kaytranada — WINNER
Good Faith, Madeon

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
Axiom, Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah
Chronology of a Dream: Live at the Village Vanguard, Jon Batiste
Take the Stairs, Black Violin
Americana, Gregoire Maret, Romain Collin & Bill Frisell
Live at the Royal Albert Hall, Snarky Puppy — WINNER

Best Rock Performance
“Shameika,” Fiona Apple — WINNER
“Not,” Big Thief
“Kyoto,” Phoebe Bridgers
“The Steps,” Haim
“Stay High,” Brittany Howard
“Daylight,” Grace Potter

Best Metal Performance
“Bum-Rush,” Body Count — WINNER
“Underneath,” Code Orange
“The In-Between,” In This Moment
“Bloodmoney,” Poppy
“Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe) — Live,” Power Trip

Best Rock Song
“Kyoto,” Phoebe Bridgers, Morgan Nagler & Marshall Vore, songwriters (Phoebe Bridgers)
“Lost in Yesterday,” Kevin Parker, songwriter (Tame Impala)
“Not,” Adrianne Lenker, songwriter (Big Thief)
“Shameika,” Fiona Apple, songwriter (Fiona Apple)
“Stay High,” Brittany Howard, songwriter (Brittany Howard) — WINNER

Best Rock Album
A Hero’s Death, Fontaines D.C.
Kiwanuka, Michael Kiwanuka
Daylight, Grace Potter
Sound & Fury, Sturgill Simpson
The New Abnormal, The Strokes — WINNER

Best Alternative Music Album
Fetch the Bolt Cutters, Fiona Apple — WINNER
Hyperspace, Beck
Punisher, Phoebe Bridgers
Jaime, Brittany Howard
The Slow Rush, Tame Impala

Best R&B Performance
“Lightning & Thunder,” Jhene Aiko Featuring John Legend
“Black Parade,” Beyoncé — WINNER
“All I Need,” Jacob Collier Featuring Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign
“Goat Head,” Brittany Howard
“See Me,” Emily King

Best Traditional R&B Performance
“Sit on Down,” The Baylor Project Featuring Jean Baylor & Marcus Baylor
“Wonder What She Thinks of Me,” Chloe X Halle
“Let Me Go,” Mykal Kilgore
“Anything For You,” Ledisi — WINNER
“Distance,” Yebba

Best R&B Song
“Better Than I Imagine,” Robert Glasper, Meshell Ndegeocello & Gabriella Wilson, songwriters (Robert Glasper Featuring H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello) — WINNER
“Black Parade,” Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim “Kaydence” Krysiuk & Rickie “Caso” Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé)
“Collide,” Sam Barsh, Stacey Barthe, Sonyae Elise, Olu Fann, Akil King, Josh Lopez, Kaveh Rastegar & Benedetto Rotondi, songwriters (Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG)
“Do It,” Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Anton Kuhl, Victoria Monet, Scott Storche & Vincent Van Den Ende, songwriters (Chloe X Halle)
“Slow Down,” Nasri Atweh, Badriia Bourelly, Skip Marley, Ryan Williamson & Gabriella Wilson, songwriters (Skip Marley & H.E.R.)

Best Progressive R&B Album:
Chilombo, Jhené Aiko
Ungodly Hour, Chloe X Halle
Free Nationals, Free Nationals
F*** Yo Feelings, Robert Glasper
It Is What It Is, Thundercat — WINNER

Best R&B Album
Happy 2 Be Here, Ant Clemons
Take Time, Giveon
To Feel Love/d, Luke James
Bigger Love, John Legend — WINNER
All Rise, Gregory Porter

Best Rap Performance:
“Deep Reverence,” Big Sean Featuring Nipsey Hussle
“Bop,” DaBaby
“What’s Poppin,” Jack Harlow
“The Bigger Picture,” Lil Baby
“Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé — WINNER
“Dior,” Pop Smoke

Best Melodic Rap Performance
“Rockstar,” DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch
“Laugh Now, Cry Later,” Drake Featuring Lil Durk
“Lockdown,” Anderson .Paak — WINNER
“The Box,” Roddy Ricch
“Highest in the Room,” Travis Scott

Best Rap Song
“The Bigger Picture,” Dominique Jones, Noah Pettigrew & Rai’shaun Williams, songwriters (Lil Baby)
“The Box,” Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
“Laugh Now, Cry Later,” Durk Banks, Roget Chahayed, Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Ron LaTour & Ryan Martinez, songwriters (Drake Featuring Lil Durk)
“Rockstar,” Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, Ross Joseph Portaro IV & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch)
“Savage,” Beyoncé, Shawn Carter, Brittany Hazzard, Derrick Milano, Terius Nash, Megan Pete, Bobby Session Jr., Jordan Kyle Lanier Thorpe & Anthony White, songwriters (Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé) — WINNER

Best Rap Album
Black Habits, D Smoke
Alfredo, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
A Written Testimony, Jay Electronica
King’s Disease, Nas — WINNER
The Allegory, Royce Da 5’9″

Best Country Solo Performance
“Stick That in Your Country Song,” Eric Church
“Who You Thought I Was,” Brandy Clark
“When My Amy Prays,” Vince Gill — WINNER
“Black Like Me,” Mickey Guyton
“Bluebird,” Miranda Lambert

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“All Night,” Brothers Osborne
“10,000 Hours,” Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber — WINNER
“Ocean,” Lady A
“Sugar Coat,” Little Big Town
“Some People Do,” Old Dominion

Best Country Song
“Bluebird,” Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
“The Bones,” Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins & Laura Veltz, songwriters (Maren Morris)
“Crowded Table,” Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby & Lori McKenna, songwriters (The Highwomen) — WINNER
“More Hearts Than Mine,” Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis & Derrick Southerland, songwriters (Ingrid Andress)
“Some People Do,” Jesse Frasure, Shane McAnally, Matthew Ramsey & Thomas Rhett, songwriters (Old Dominion)

Best Country Album
Lady Like, Ingrid Andress
Your Life Is a Record, Brandy Clark
Wildcard, Miranda Lambert — WINNER
Nightfall, Little Big Town
Never Will, Ashley McBryde

Best New Age Album
Songs From the Bardo, Laurie Anderson, Tenzin Choegyal & Jesse Paris Smith
Periphery, Priya Darshini
Form/Less, Superposition
More Guitar Stories, Jim “Kimo” West — WINNER
Meditations, Cory Wong & Jon Batiste

Best Improvised Jazz Solo
“Guinevere,” Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah, soloist
“Pachamama,” Regina Carter, soloist
“Celia,” Gerald Clayton, soloist
“All Blues,” Chick Corea, soloist — WINNER
“Moe Honk,” Joshua Redman, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album:
Ona, Thana Alexa
Secrets Are The Best Stories, Kurt Elling Featuring Danilo Pérez — WINNER
Modern Ancestors, Carmen Lundy
Holy Room: Live at Alte Oper, Somi With Frankfurt Radio Big Band
What’s The Hurry, Kenny Washington

Best Jazz Instrumental Album
On the Tender Spot of Every Calloused Moment, Ambrose Akinmusire
Waiting Game, Terri Lyne Carrington and Social Science
Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard, Gerald Clayton
Trilogy 2, Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade — WINNER
Roundagain, Redman Mehldau McBride Blade

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
Dialogues on Race, Gregg August
Monk’estra Plays John Beasley, John Beasley
The Intangible Between, Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band
Songs You Like a Lot, John Hollenbeck with Theo Bleckmann, Kate McGarry, Gary Versace and the Frankfurt Radio Big Band
Data Lords, Maria Schneider Orchestra — WINNER

Best Latin Jazz Album
Tradiciones, Afro-Peruvian Jazz Orchestra
Four Questions, Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra — WINNER
City of Dreams, Chico Pinheiro
Viento y Tiempo — Live at Blue Note Tokyo, Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Aymee Nuviola
Trane’s Delight, Poncho Sanchez

Best Gospel Performance/Song
“Wonderful Is Your Name,” Melvin Crispell III
“Release (Live),” Ricky Dillard Featuring Tiff Joy; David Frazier, songwriter
“Come Together,” Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins Presents: The Good News; Lashawn Daniels, Rodney Jerkins, Lecrae Moore & Jazz Nixon, songwriters
“Won’t Let Go,” Travis Greene; Travis Greene, songwriter
“Movin’ On,” Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music; Darryl L. Howell, Jonathan Caleb McReynolds, Kortney Jamaal Pollard & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters — WINNER

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“The Blessing (Live),” Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship; Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe Carnes & Steven Furtick, songwriters
“Sunday Morning,” Lecrae Featuring Kirk Franklin; Denisia Andrews, Jones Terrence Antonio, Saint Bodhi, Brittany Coney, Kirk Franklin, Lasanna Harris, Shama Joseph, Stuart Lowery, Lecrae Moore & Nathanael Saint-Fleur, songwriters
“Holy Water,” We The Kingdom; Andrew Bergthold, Ed Cash, Franni Cash, Martin Cash & Scott Cash, songwriters
“Famous For (I Believe),” Tauren Wells Featuring Jenn Johnson; Chuck Butler, Krissy Nordhoff, Jordan Sapp, Alexis Slifer & Tauren Wells, songwriters
“There Was Jesus,” Zach Williams & Dolly Parton; Case Beathard, Jonathan Smith & Zach Williams, songwriters — WINNER

Best Gospel Album
2econd Wind: Ready, Anthony Brown & group therAPy
My Tribute, Myron Butler
Choirmaster, Ricky Dillard
Gospel According to PJ, PJ Morton — WINNER
Kierra, Kierra Sheard

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
Run to the Father, Cody Carnes
All of My Best Friends, Hillsong Young & Free
Holy Water, We the Kingdom
Citizen of Heaven, Tauren Wells
Jesus Is King, Kanye West — WINNER

Best Roots Gospel Album
Beautiful Day, Mark Bishop
20/20, The Crabb Family
What Christmas Really Means, The Erwins
Celebrating Fisk! (The 150th Anniversary Album), Fisk Jubilee Singers — WINNER
Something Beautiful, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Best Latin Pop or Urban Album
YHLQMDLG, Bad Bunny — WINNER
Por Primera Vez, Camilo
Mesa Para Dos, Kany García
Pausa, Ricky Martin
3:33,  Debi Nova

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album
Aura, Bajofondo
Monstruo, Cami
Sobrevolando, Cultura Profetica
La Conquista Del Espacio, Fito Paez — WINNER
Miss Colombia, Lido Pimienta

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)
Hecho En Mexico, Alejandro Fernadez
La Serenata, Lupita Infante
Un Canto Por Mexico, Vol. 1, Natalia Lafourcade — WINNER
Bailando Sones y Huapangos Con Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez
Ayayay!, Christian Nodal

Best Tropical Latin Album
Mi Tumbao, Jose Alberto “El Ruisenor”
Infinito, Edwin Bonilla
Sigo Cantando al Almor (Deluxe), Jorge celedon & Sergio Luis
40, Grupo Niche — WINNER
Memorias De Navidad, Victor Manuelle

Best American Roots Performance
“Colors,” Black Pumas
“Deep in Love,” Bonny Light Horseman
“Short and Sweet,” Brittany Howard
“I’ll Be Gone,” Norah Jones & Mavis Staples
“I Remember Everything,” John Prine — WINNER

Best American Roots Song
“Cabin,” Laura Rogers & Lydia Rogers, songwriters (The Secret Sisters)
“Ceiling to the Floor,” Sierra Hull & Kai Welch, songwriters (Sierra Hull)
“Hometown,” Sarah Jarosz, songwriter (Sarah Jarosz)
“I Remember Everything,” Pat McLaughlin & John Prine, songwriters (John Prine) — WINNER
“Man Without a Soul,” Tom Overby & Lucina Williams, songwriters (Lucinda Williams)

Best Americana Album
Old Flowers, Courtney Marie Andrews
Terms of Surrender, Hiss Golden Messenger
World on the Ground, Sarah Jarosz — WINNER
El Dorado, Marcus King
Good Souls Better Angels, Lucinda Williams

Best Bluegrass Album
Man on Fire, Danny Barnes
To Live in Two Worlds, Vol. 1, Thomm Jutz
North Carolina Songbook, Steep Canyon Rangers
Home, Billy Strings — WINNER
The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 1, Various Artists

Best Traditional Blues Album
All My Dues Are Paid, Frank Bey
You Make Me Feel, Don Bryant
That’s What I Heard, Robert Cray Band
Cypress Grove, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes
Rawer Than Raw, Bobby Rush — WINNER

Best Contemporary Blues Album
Have You Lost Your Mind Yet?,  Fantastic Negrito — WINNER
Live At The Paramount, Ruthie Foster Big Band
The Juice, G. Love
Blackbirds, Bettye LaVette
Up And Rolling, North Mississippi Allstars

Best Folk Album
Bonny Light Horseman, Bonny Light Horseman
Thanks for the Dance, Leonard Cohen
Song for Our Daughter, Laura Marling
Saturn Return, The Secret Sisters
All the Good Times, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings — WINNER

Best Regional Roots Music Album
My Relatives ‘Nikso Kowaiks,’ Black Lodge Singers
Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours, Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours
Lovely Sunrise, Na Wai ‘Eha
Atmosphere, New Orleans Nightcrawlers — WINNER
A Tribute to Al Berard, Sweet Cecilia

Best Reggae Album
Upside Down 2020, Buju Banton
Higher Place, Skip Marley
It All Comes Back to Love, Maxi Priest
Got to Be Tough, Toots & the Maytals — WINNER
One World, The Wailers

Best Global Music Album
FU Chronicles, Antibalas
Twice as Tall, Burna Boy — WINNER
Agora, Bebel Gilberto
Love Letters, Anoushka Shankar
Amadjar, Tinariwen

Best Children’s Music Album
All the Ladies, Joanie Leeds — WINNER
Be a Pain: An Album for Young (and Old) Leaders, Alastair Moock and Friends
I’m an Optimist, Dog on Fleas
Songs for Singin’, The Okee Dokee Brothers
Wild Life, Justin Roberts

Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling)
Acid For The Children: A Memoir, Flea
Alex Trebek – The Answer Is…, Ken Jennings
Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth, Rachel Maddow — WINNER
Catch and Kill, Ronan Farrow
Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White), Meryl Streep (& Full Cast)

Best Comedy Album
Black Mitzvah, Tiffany Haddish — WINNER
I Love Everything, Patton Oswalt
The Pale Tourist, Jim Gaffigan
Paper Tiger, Bill Burr
23 Hours to Kill, Jerry Seinfeld

Best Musical Theater Album
Amelie, Original London Cast
American Utopia on Broadway, Original Cast
Jagged Little Pill, Original Cast — WINNER
Little Shop of Horrors, The New Off-Broadway Cast
The Prince of Egypt, Original Cast
Soft Power, Original Cast

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Various Artists
Bill & Ted Face the Music, Various Artists
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, Various Artists
Frozen 2, Various Artists
Jojo Rabbit, Various Artists — WINNER

Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media
Ad Adstra, Max Richter, composer
Becoming, Kamasi Washington, composer
Joker, Hildur Guðnadóttir, composer — WINNER
1917, Thomas Newman, composer
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, John Williams, composer

Best Song Written for Visual Media
“Beautiful Ghosts,” (From Cats), Andrew Lloyd Webber & Taylor Swift (Taylor Swift)
“Carried Me With You,” (From Onward), Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth, songwriters (Brandi Carlile)
“Into the Unknown,” (From Frozen 2), Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel & Aurora)
“No Time to Die,” (From No Time to Die), Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas Baird O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish) — WINNER
“Stand Up,” (From Harriet), Joshuah Brian Campbell & Cynthia Erivo, songwriters (Cynthia Erivo)

Best Instrumental Composition
Baby Jack, Arturo O’Farrill, composer (Arturo O’Farrill & the Latin Jazz Orchestra)
Be Water II, Christian Sands, composer (Christian Sands)
Plumfield, Alexandre Desplat, composer (Alexandre Desplat)
Sputnik, Maria Schneider, composer (Maria Schneider) — WINNER
Strata, Remy Le Boeuf, composer (Remy Le Boeuf’s Assembly Of Shadows Featuring Anna Webber & Eric Miller)

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella
Bathroom Dance, Hildur Guðnadóttir, arranger (Hildur Guðnadóttir)
Donna Lee, John Beasley, arranger (John Beasley) — WINNER
Honeymooners, Remy Le Boeuf, arranger (Remy Le Boeuf’s Assembly Of Shadows)
Lift Every Voice and Sing, Alvin Chea & Jarrett Johnson, arrangers (Jarrett Johnson Featuring Alvin Chea)
Uranus: The Magician, Jeremy Levy, arranger (Jeremy Levy Jazz Orchestra)

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals
Asas Fechdas, John Beasley & Maria Mendes, arrangers (Maria Mendes Featuring John Beasley & Orkest Metropole)
Desert Song, Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (Säje)
From This Place, Alan Broadbent & Pat Metheny, arrangers (Pat Metheny Featuring Meshell Ndegeocello)
He Won’t Hold You, Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier Featuring Rapsody) — WINNER
Slow Burn, Talia Billig, Nic Hard & Becca Stevens, arrangers (Becca Stevens Featuring Jacob Collier, Mark Lettieri, Justin Stanton, Jordan Perlson, Nic Hard, Keita Ogawa, Marcelo Woloski & Nate Werth)

Best Recording Package
Everyday Life, Pilar Zeta, art director (Coldplay)
Funeral, Kyle Goen, art director (Lil Wayne)
Healer, Julian Gross & Hannah Hooper, art directors (Grouplove)
On Circles, Jordan Butcher, art director (Caspian)
Vols. 11 & 12, Doug Cunningham & Jason Noto, art directors (Desert Sessions) — WINNER

Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package
Flamin Pie (Collectors Edition), Linn Wie Andersen, Simon Earith, Paul McCartney & James Musgrave, art directors (Paul McCartney)
Giants Stadium 1987, 1989, 1991, Lisa Glines & Doran Tyson, art directors (Grateful Dead)
Mode, Jeff Schulz, art director (Depeche Mode)
Ode to Joy, Lawrence Azerrad & Jeff Tweedy, art directors (Wilco) — WINNER
The Story of Ghostly International, Michael Cina & Molly Smith, art directors (Various Artists)

Best Album Notes
At the Minstrel Show: Minstrel Routines From the Studio, 1894-1926, Tim Brooks, album notes writer (Various Artists)
The Bakersfield Sound: Country Music Capital of the West, 1940-1974, Scott B. Bomar, album notes writer (Various Artists)
Dead Man’s Pop, Bob Mehr, album notes writer (The Replacements) — WINNER
The Missing Link: How Gus Haenschen Got Us From Joplin to Jazz and Shaped the Music Business, Colin Hancock, album notes writer (Various Artists)
Out of a Clear Blue Sky, David Sager, album notes writer (Nat Brusiloff)

Best Historical Album
Celebrated, 1895-1896, Meagan Hennessey & Richard Martin, compilation producers; Richard Martin, mastering engineer (Unique Quartette)
Hittin’ the Ramp: The Early Years (1936 – 1943), Zev Feldman, Will Friedwald & George Klabin, compilation producers; Matthew Lutthans, mastering engineer (Nat King Cole)
It’s Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers, Lee Lodyga & Cheryl Pawelski, compilation producers; Michael Graves, mastering engineer (Mister Rogers) — WINNER
1999 Super Deluxe Edition, Michael Howe, compilation producer; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer (Prince)
Souvenir, Carolyn Agger, compilation producer; Miles Showell, mastering engineer (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark)
Throw Down Your Heart: The Complete Africa Sessions, Béla Fleck, compilation producer; Richard Dodd, mastering engineer (Béla Fleck)

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
Black Hole Rainbow, Shawn Everett & Ivan Wayman, engineers; Bob Ludwig, mastering engineer (Devon Gilfillian)
Expectations, Gary Paczosa & Mike Robinson, engineers; Paul Blakemore, mastering engineer (Katie Pruitt)
Hyperspace, Drew Brown, Andrew Coleman, Shawn Everett, Serban Ghenea, David Greenbaum, Jaycen Joshua & Mike Larson, engineers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer (Beck) — WINNER
Jaime, Shawn Everett, engineer; Shawn Everett, mastering engineer (Brittany Howard)
25 Trips, Shani Gandhi & Gary Paczosa, engineers; Adam Grover, mastering engineer (Sierra Hull)

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Jack Antonoff
Dan Auerbach
Dave Cobb
Flying Lotus
Andrew Watt — WINNER

Best Remixed Recording
“Do You Ever (Rac Mix),” Rac, remixer (Phil Good)
“Imaginary Friends (Morgan Page Remix),” Morgan Page, remixer (Deadmau5)
“Praying For You (Louie Vega Main Remix),” Louie Vega, remixer (Jasper Street Co.)
“Roses (Imanbek Remix),” Imanbek Zeikenov, remixer (SAINt JHN) — WINNER
“Young & Alive (Bazzi vs. Haywyre Remix),” Haywyre, remixer (Bazzi)

Best Engineered Album, Classical
Danielpour: The Passion of Yeshua, Bernd Gottinger, engineer (JoAnn Falletta, James K. Bass, Adam Luebke, UCLA Chamber Singers, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra & Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus)
Gerswhin: Porgy and Bess, David Frost & John Kerswell, engineers; Silas Brown, mastering engineer (David Robertson, Eric Owens, Angel Blue, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra & Chorus)
Hynes: Fields, Kyle Pyke, engineer; Jesse Lewis & Kyle Pyke, mastering engineers (Devonté Hynes & Third Coast Percussion)
Ives: Complete Symphonies, Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, engineers; Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, mastering engineers (Gustavo Dudamel & Los Angeles Philharmonic)
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 13, ‘Babi Yar,’ David Frost & Charlie Post, engineers; Silas Brown, mastering engineer (Riccardo Muti & Chicago Symphony Orchestra) — WINNER

Producer of the Year, Classical
Blanton Alspaugh
David Frost — WINNER
Jesse Lewis
Dmitriy Lipay
Elaine Martone

Best Orchestral Performance
Aspect of America – Pulitzer Edition, Carlos Kalmar, conductor (Oregon Symphony)
Concurrence, Daníel Bjarnason, conductor (Iceland Symphony Orchestra)
Copland: Symphony No. 3, Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor (San Francisco Symphony)
Ives: Complete Symphonies, Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic) — WINNER
Lutoslawski: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3, Hannu Lintu, conductor (Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra)

Best Opera Recording
Dello Joio: The Trial at Rouen, Gil Rose, conductor; Heather Buck & Stephen Powell;Gil Rose, producer (Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Odyssey Opera Chorus)
Floyd, C.: Prince of Players, Wiliam Boggs, conductor; Keith Phares & Kate Royal; Blanton Asplaugh, producer (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; Florentine Opera Chorus)
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, David Robertson, conductor; Angle Blue & Eric Owens; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestral The Metropolitan Opera Chorus) –WINNER
Handel: Agrippina, Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor; Joyce DiDonato; Daniel Zalay, producer (Il Pomo D’Oro)
Zemlinksy: Der Zwerg, Donald Runnicles, conductor; David Butt Philip & Elen Tsallagova; Peter Ghirardini & Erwin Sturzer, producers (Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin; Chorus of the Deutsche Oper Berlin)

Best Choral Performance
Carthage, Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)
Danielpour: The Passion of Yeshua, JoAnn Falletta, conductor; James K. Bass & Adam Luebke, chorus masters (James K. Bass, J’Nai Bridges, Timothy Fallon, Kenneth Overton, Hila Plitmann & Matthew Worth; Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus & UCLA Chamber Singers) — WINNER
Kastalsky: Requiem, Leonard Slatkin, conductor; Charles Bruffy, Steven Fox & Benedict Sheehan, chorus masters (Joseph Charles Beutel & Anna Dennis; Orchestra Of St. Luke’s; Cathedral Choral Society, The Clarion Choir, Kansas City Chorale & The Saint Tikhon Choir)
Moravec: Sanctuary Road, Kent Tritle, conductor (Joshua Blue, Raehann Bryce-Davis, Dashon Burton, Malcolm J. Merriweather & Laquita Mitchell; Oratorio Society Of New York Orchestra; Oratorio Society of New York Chorus)
Once Upon a Time, Matthew Guard, conductor (Sarah Walker; Skylark Vocal Ensemble)

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
“Contemporary Voices,” Pacifica Quartet — WINNER
“Healing Modes,” Brooklyn Rider
“Hearne, T.: Place,” Ted Hearne, Steven Bradshaw, Sophia Byrd, Josephine Lee, Isaiah Robinson, Sol Ruiz, Ayanna Woods & Place Orchestra
“Hynes: Fields,” Devonté Hynes & Third Coast Percussion
“The Schumann Quartets,” Dover Quartet

Best Classical Instrumental Solo
Adès; Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Kirill Gerstein; Thomas Adès, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)
Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas, Igor Levit
Bohemian Tales, Augustin Hadelich; Jakub Hrůša, conductor (Charles Owen; Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks)
Destination Rachmaninov – Arrival, Daniil Trifonov; Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor (The Philadelphia Orchestra)
Theofanidis: Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra, Richard O’Neill; David Alan Miller, conductor (Albany Symphony) — WINNER

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
American Composers at Play – William Bolcom, Ricky Ian Gordon, Lori Laitman, John Musto, Stephen Powell (Attacca Quartet, William Bolcom, Ricky Ian Gordon, Lori Laitman, John Musto, Charles Neidich & Jason Vieaux)
Clairières – Songs by Lili & Nadia Boulanger, Nicholas Phan; Myra Huang, accompanist
Farinelli, Cecilia Bartoli; Giovanni Antonini, conductor (Il Giardino Aromonico)
A Lad’s Love, Biran Giebler; Steven McGhee, accompanis (Katie Hyun, Michael Katz, Jessica Meyer, Reginald Mobley & Ben Russell)
Smyth: The Prison, Sarah Brailey & Dashon Burton; James Blachly, conductor (Experiential Chorus; Experiential Orchestra) — WINNER

Best Classical Compendium
Adès Conducts Adès, Mark Stone & Christianne Stotijn; Thomas Adès, conductor; Nick Squire, producer
Saariaho: Graal Théâtre; Circle Map; Neiges; Vers Toi Qui Es Si Loin, Clément Mao-Takacs, conductor; Hans Kipfer, producer
Serebrier: Symphonic Bach Variations; Laments and Hallelujahs; Flute Concerto, José Serebrier, conductor; Jens Braun, producer
Thomas, M.T.: From the Diary of Anne Frank & Meditations on Rilke, Isabel Leonard; Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor; Jack Vad, producer — WINNER
Woolf, L.P.: Fire and Flood, Matt Haimovitz; Julian Wachner, conductor; Blanton Alspaugh, producer

Best Contemporary Classical Composition
“Adès, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra,” Thomas Adès, composer (Kirill Gerstein, Thomas Sdes & Boston Symphony Orchestra)
“Danielpour: The Passion of Yeshua,” Richard Danielpour, composer (JoAnn Falletta, James K. Bass, Adam Luebke, UCLA Chamber Singers, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra & Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus)
“Floyd, C.: Prince of Players,” Carlisle Floyd, composer (William Boggs, Katie Royal, Keith Phares, Florentine Opera Chorus & Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra)
“Hearne, T.: Place,” Ted Hearne, composer (Ted Hearne, Steven Bradshaw, Sophia Byrd, Josephine Lee, Isaiah Robinson, Sol Ruiz, Ayanna Woods & Place Orchestra)
“Rouse: Symphony No. 5,” Christopher Rouse, composer (Giancarlo Guerrero & Nashville Symphony) — WINNER

Best Music Video
“Brown Skin Girl,” Beyoncé — WINNER
“Life Is Good,” Future Featuring Drake
“Lockdown,” Anderson .Paak
“Adore You,” Harry Styles,
“Goliath,” Woodkid

Best Music Film
Beastie Boys Story, Beastie Boys
Black Is King, Beyoncé
We Are Freestyle Love Supreme, Freestyle Love Supreme
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, Linda Ronstadt — WINNER
That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, ZZ Top

Tiera Releases Debut Self-Titled EP

/in , , , /by

Tiera’s self-titled debut EP is available now, March 12th, on all streaming platforms. Featuring up-tempo tracks like “Not Your Girl” and “Shut It Down,” read our review of the five-song collection.

Tiera's debut self-titled EP is available everywhere now, March 12th

Tiera’s debut self-titled EP is available everywhere now, March 12th

Today, March 12th, marks the official arrival of another powerful female voice in country music, Tiera. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter released her self-titled debut EP, and the radiant five-song collection shows why she’s been widely noted as one of country music’s next rising stars. Produced by Cameron Bedell, the EP is the perfect piece of upbeat contemporary country.

One of the EP’s stand-out tracks is “Not Your Girl,” written by Tiera with Cameron Bedell and Newsome. Although the song could easily apply to a relationship, Tiera reveals that for her, it was written about the music industry. In an interview with Apple Music, she revealed, “…we wrote this song from a relationship perspective, but really it’s about, when I first moved to Nashville, it was really important for me to figure out my sound and the brand and everything. Just figure it all out myself before I had anybody else telling me what to do, you know, because I feel like it’s so easy to be swayed in one direction in the music… When I first moved here, my sound was super country because I was like, “It has to be 100% country because I don’t want anybody to doubt whether or not I’m a country artist,” but I feel like that song was kind of just me telling the world, “I’m going to be who I am and not let anybody change that.”

Recently engaged and planning a wedding later this year, the EP definitely reflects Tiera’s happiness in love and life. The collection opens with the wistful “Found It In You,”  celebrating that moment of finding everything you’ve been looking for in another person.

“I found it in you // Every little thing that I was missing baby // You love me a whole different kind of crazy // You got to the heart of me // Boy the best part of me”

The theme of contentment and joy continues through all five tracks and provides the perfect soundtrack for spring and summer. There’s nothing depressing about this Tiera EP, and it’s a welcomed change of pace from the doom and gloom of the real world especially over the past year through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, “Laid Back” feels like a breezy summer jam, while “Shut It Down” is a poppy tune about staying out too late and breaking all the rules.

“Miles” is a unique collaboration with Breland, and it’s easily one of the highlights of the EP. The two bounce off each other perfectly, adding another layer to an already great song.

Signed to acclaimed songwriter Nicolle Galyon’s female-focused publishing company, Songs and Daughters, big things are ahead for Tiera, and this EP is a perfect introduction to the mainstream. Tiera’s EP is truly a fifteen-minute escape from real life, and it’s a mini-vacation that any music fan should take.

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

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

Tiera 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.

Joey Hendricks: Between The Clouds – EP Review

/in , , , /by

Rising artist and songwriter, Joey Hendricks’ debut EP Between the Clouds is officially available now, March 12th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Sony Music Nashville artist, Joey Hendricks finally released his major-label debut EP today, March 12th and country music fans are going to want to pay attention to this country music crooner. Full of heart, pure talent, and soul, Between the Clouds is a unique record that encompasses stories we can all relate to. The new release is a mix between soul and country, reminiscent of artists like John Mayer and Teddy Robb. Hendricks teeters the line between genres, fitting right in with the new wave of sub-genres in country music.

With just five songs, Hendricks is able to convey to his growing fanbase exactly who he is as a musician. The record opens up with “Yours or Mine,” the lead single off the project. The lyrics unfold a story about the beginning of a blossoming, new relationship, where the singer-songwriter questions who is going to do what first in the beginning stages of getting to know someone.

“Whose phone gonna buzz tomorrow with a text, says “I had a great time” // I say it’s yours // But I’m hoping it’s mine // Whose friends ain’t gonna let it go? //  say “you didn’t come home last night” // If it ain’t yours // It’s gonna be mine”

“Hollywood” is another song off the record that Hendricks pre-released. The track is catchy, smooth, and a vibe that you cannot help but fall in love with. The singer’s vocals are put on display right away, as he sings the beginning lyrics with virtually no backing track, showcasing real, authentic talent.

The center song on the project, “Top Drawer” is a mix of everything we love about the first two opening tracks. “Top Drawer” is arguably the most mainstream country-rock song in the catalog. Feeling enticingly familiar, the track is the perfect mix of tempos. Lyrically, the song pulls you into the nostalgia that we all feel, when we visit places from our past, especially our childhood homes.

“Lighters up, sun setting over Red Rocks // With old friend I don’t see much // I’m kissing Janie in the middle of “Dream On” // Swore we were never breaking up // Damn, it takes me back // When I go back home // All the good and bad // In the top drawer”

“Going Home” is another radio-friendly tune off the record. Showing the softer side of Hendricks, with acoustic rifts and honest lyrics, “Going Home” feels like it could have easily been a Jordan Davis hit. However, the lyricist finds a way to make the song his own, as he pours his heart into the emotions about leaving your hometown.

Finally, the record ends with “Drifter.” Tapping into his outlaw side, Hendricks admits to not being able to settle in one place for too long. With vibes similar to Brothers Osborne, “Drifter” is the outlier on the record that still finds a way to fit in perfectly with the other track. It is this ending song that makes us the most excited about the next chapter of music for Hendricks.

Hendricks’ debut project is one that we are super excited about. Each song tells a unique chapter, but as a whole, the record feels cohesive and like a complete story. Between the Clouds is representative of Hendricks’ artistry, versatility, and his incredible knack for storytelling. His light shines bright, and we anticipate a stellar debut album in the future.

Joey Hendricks' debut EP 'Between The Clouds' is available everywhere now, March 12th

Joey Hendricks’ debut EP ‘Between The Clouds’ is available everywhere now, March 12th

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

To keep up with Joey Hendricks, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Between The Clouds EP is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Lady A Releases Female Empowerment Anthem “Like A Lady”

/in , , /by

Lady A’s new song, “Like A Lady” is available now, March 12th on all streaming platforms. Written by the group’s Hillary Scott with Dave Barnes, Michelle Buzz, Martin Johnson, and Brandon Paddock, and produced by acclaimed producer Dan Huff, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Country music’s newest female empowerment anthem is here. ‘Like a Lady’ is an upbeat, funky song that’s sure to be the soundtrack to your next road trip with your best girls. The retro feel and empowering lyrics follow the trio’s hit “Champagne Night”, which premiered last year on NBC’s Songland and recently hit number one back in January. 

“I feel my most confident when I’m not trying too hard,” leading lady Hillary Scott explains in a press release. “I love getting glammed up and all the fancy clothes, but when I feel the most ‘me,’ it’s a lot more laid back – and I think that’s a lot of us. You are your most authentic self in blue jeans with a tequila drink, ya know? As we were writing it, I was like ‘It’s always been my dream to do a song that combines the things I love about Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ and Shania Twain’s ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’ – two of the most strong, powerful female songs ever,” Scott continued. “So it was like ‘How can we do our version of that?’”

‘Like a Lady’ may speak to the independence of being a woman, but the two male members of the band, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, were happy to jump in as allies. “We were some of the biggest champions for ‘Like A Lady’ and we’re honored to stand alongside Hillary,” says Haywood. “We’ve had a front-row seat to her strength over the years and we love linking arms with her on this song.” Scott adds, “It’s incredible that Charles and Dave, in all their masculinity, are willing to sing right alongside me on this song. I think that is another powerful statement. It’s super important for strong, great men to stand beside women and propel them forward.”

“I feel like a lady / sippin’ on tequila with my Levis on / a lady / singing to the music playing all night long / yeah I’m feeling right / I’m living my life / I do what I like / ‘cause I feel like a lady”

Lady A’s new song "Like A Lady" is available everywhere now, March 12th

Lady A’s new song “Like A Lady” is available everywhere now, March 12th

A new song isn’t the only thing Hillary Scott has to celebrate. This month, she is one of 31 female leaders from diverse industries featured in the Dress For Success backed “Your Hour, Her Power” campaign in honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. 

The track will likely be a fan favorite when the band can eventually get back on the road, but for now as the weather gets nicer this is the song to roll down the windows and jam out to.

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

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

“Like A Lady” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

2020: Looking Back On The Year Without Live Entertainment

/in , /by

As we hit the one-year mark of the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, it’s hard to believe, and saddening to realize, that things have been a new ‘new’ for a whole year now. Aside from the many changes and constant feelings of disappointment, there are certainly some positives to take away from these continuously dark times and as vaccines proceed to roll out, it seems we are finally reaching the light at the end of the tunnel!

The loss of live performances over the past 12 months has significantly affected the music industry from every aspect – whether it be through the loss of employment for the hundreds of people it takes to put on a live show, or the small businesses that support local talent that depend on live shows to attract or promote their business. That being said, country music artists and their fans have become very creative in their efforts to stay in touch and in some cases, have used these unusual times to grow even closer. 

In this article, we’re highlighting the many and different ways the country music community has adapted over the past year. While having to go the longest many artists have ever gone without performing live, it was crucial that they come up with new ways to keep their fan bases engaged and along for the crazy and unpredictable 2020 ride. Props to these extraordinary entertainers and their teams who went to great lengths and efforts to stay as connected as possible for the sake of all of us, the fans.

Take a look below at some of our favorite ways that the country music industry has pivoted and adapted in 2020…

1. A New ‘Live’ – 

The meaning of ‘live show’ has changed drastically over the last year. What used to mean live, physically in concert or in-person, has been transformed to the virtual and livestream world – quite literally ‘Facebook Live’, ‘Instagram Live’, etc. Artists have taken performances, full concerts, and even single and album release parties to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and TikTok. On one hand, you could argue that these streamed events can’t compare to the real thing. However, on the other, these livestreams have made it possible for fans all over the country and the world to share intimate performances and moments with artists that they may otherwise have never had the opportunity to, whether it be a result of geographical or financial restrictions. This new way of sharing performances and new music to fans across the globe all at the same time has created a completely new and special way of connection.

Platforms such as NoonChorus and Yoop have allowed artists to not only extend their reach to fans through these virtual performances, but they’ve also made it possible for artists to continue collecting income throughout the pandemic. Several Nashville venues, specifically those that have proved vital to the function of Music City, such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Bluebird Cafe, and The Listening Room Cafe, have made virtual shows possible for fans everywhere, some even more recently allowing for limited in-person seating.

The historic Opry has ensured that the circle is kept unbroken by welcoming several artists back home including Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and many more. The Bluebird Cafe hosted Ingrid Andress for an intimate, singer-songwriter show prior to her Lady Like (Deluxe Edition) release, as well as Alex Hall for his Six Strings EP release party. Singer-songwriters like Nick Wayne, Hannah Grey Ellis, Jake Scott, Josh Kerr, Emily Weisband, and many more put on reoccurring performances at The Listening Room for fans around the world. 

Prior to these venues and outlets providing the opportunity for so many of these artists to perform in a more professional setting, several artists were using their personal platforms as a way to reach their fans and followers. Artists like Thomas Rhett, Riley Green, and Old Dominion took to social media spontaneously to tease unreleased music, while others like Niko Moon, Luke Combs, and Drake White, have been known to host weekly home concerts and livestreams. While it’s not quite the same, to be completely honest, these were truly great ‘events’ to look forward to! 

We hope and believe that at least some of these traditions will remain once we are beyond the times that we are in now. While they may grow to be less consistent than a weekly show as more touring is involved, it is fair to say that these performances have been mutually beneficial for artists and fans, in that they have provided experiences that have been both uniquely personal, as well as a major source of happiness on all ends.

 

2. Playing for a Greater Cause –

Even better than the fact that these shows have allowed us to access performances from the comfort of our homes is that many of them have also doubled as unique ways to raise funds for charitable organizations. While providing us with much-needed live music to the best of their ability, the following artists are just some of the many who have also taken it a step further by using their platforms to make a difference in the world and help out greater causes. Here are some examples:

  • In May, Luke Combs performed a virtual livestream where he partnered with Miller Lite’s #VirtualTipJar campaign to support bartenders and restaurant workers nationwide that were out of work as a result of the pandemic.

  • Mitchell Tenpenny played a virtual concert and two live shows at The Listening Room Cafe in October that raised over $20,000 for his own 10penny Fund, an organization that supports people battling cancer. 

 

  • Maren Morris did a virtual tour in October with #VerizonUp which included facetime Meet & Greet packages. The ticket sales of these shows helped her band and crew get back on their feet after the touring business had been crushed. In an effort to make these shows as intimate as possible for those attending, she even shared her margarita recipe, which she called the ‘Marenita’, so that her fans could share a drink together during the show.

 

  • Logan Mize sold tickets to two virtual shows to celebrate the release of his album, Still That Kid. Mize performed live from The McPherson Opera House in his home state of Kansas, and donated a portion of the proceeds to local music businesses in his hometown. 
Kip Moore Playing at The Ryman // Photo Credit: Catherine Powell

Kip Moore Playing at The Ryman // Photo Credit: Catherine Powell

  • Kip Moore performed a concert at The Ryman that was both a socially-distanced show and a global livestream to celebrate the release of his Wild World (Deluxe Album), and donated a portion of the proceeds to ACM Lifting Lives. The album included the song “Don’t Go Changing”, whose music video was dedicated to local music venues across Nashville and helped raise awareness for Music Venue Alliance Nashville. 

 

  • Florida Georgia Line performed songs from their new album Life Rolls On through a virtual show live from their own FGL House in Nashville. FGL partnered with Amazon Music and CMT to raise funds for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Nashville Neighbors Fund to help those affected by the Nashville Christmas bombing. 

 

Although we know that there are many more artists who are supporting great causes at this time, we hope that by making you aware of at least some, you will share in the light that is being shined on the world as we face these dark times, through great music and kind artists. 

 

3. The Music that Illuminated a World in Dark –

There are quite a few songs that were produced as positive by-products of the 2020 year. For many people, these songs were powerful enough to awaken the realization of just how significant this year has been, and will forever be remembered as, in our history. Through the messages found within the lyrics and the powerful deliverance provided by the music itself, these songs will always be tied to the struggles that we faced together, the memories made, and the emotions we felt, as a result of these trying social, political, and economic times in our country.

Some of these songs are: “Six Feet Apart” (Luke Combs), “Be A Light” (Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, and Keith Urban), “Better Than We Found It” (Maren Morris), “Worldwide Beautiful” (Kane Brown), “Rage & Sorrow” (BRELAND), “What Are You Gonna Tell Her” & “Black Like Me” (Mickey Guyton), “Undivided” (Tyler Hubbard & Tim McGraw), U.S. Stronger (Florida Georgia Line), “The Great Divide” (Luke Combs & Billy Strings), “Say Something” (Keith Urban), “Hard Days” (Brantley Gilbert), “Wait For The Light” (Jillian Jackqueline), and “No I in Beer” (Brad Paisley). 

 

4. Face-to-Face – 

In an effort to grow close to fans in ways they never have before, several artists have created community phone numbers, offering facetime and zoom opportunities through both their social media stories and these special phone numbers. Whether it was in an attempt to escape boredom and fill a newfound abundance of free time, or to celebrate music releases, artists created opportunities to pursue relationships with their fans. More specifically, Brad Paisley and Kelsea Ballerini both hopped from zoom call to zoom call on multiple occasions, Noah Schnacky facetimed with fans to celebrate his single release, and Cole Swindell offered virtual event invitations through his community number. 

This is an approach that is likely much more common than you may have thought. We suggest you check the bios and story highlights of your favorite artists to see if they have a number to contact. If a community number has been created, it is likely that it will continue to allow for more opportunities like these. If you were unaware of this, or missed out on some of these opportunities in the past, there is a good chance that interactions like these will continue at least until artists are able to return to the stage.

 

5. Directly from the Fans – 

We asked our followers how they have stayed connected to country music over the past year. Many of their answers were included above, as they were similar to what we have been doing as fans ourselves, or in that they informed us of outlets and artists we were previously unaware of. However, some noteworthy responses were shared as personal ways in which fans found themselves staying connected to music over the last year.

Many shared that they have either spent time making music themselves, listening to their friends play, creating their own YouTube videos and TikToks, or following artists as they do the same. Some also pointed out that they have been watching artist documentaries or old episodes of CMT Crossroads.

Perhaps our favorite way that fans have been staying connected (mainly due to the irony) is by watching old concert videos, you know the ones you used to get judged for taking! We all know that person, have seen that person, or maybe we are that person, that takes way too many pictures and videos at a concert and has someone telling them to put the phone down and just enjoy the show. Welp, the joke’s on them because even though we haven’t gone to a concert in over a year, we still have years worth of endless concerts on our phones and computers. So if you haven’t taken a trip down memory lane lately, we suggest you start scrolling and go through your old videos. It’ll be the next best thing until you’re actually back at a concert! 

 

6. NYCountry Swag –

In the many ways that artists and fans have stayed connected to each other and to country music over the last year, we here at NYCountry Swag have done much of the same. When quarantine first started and we thought we’d only be away from being in-person shows for a short period of time, we pivoted and took our usual live country brunch events based in New York City and turned them into virtual country brunches on Instagram Live where artists like Walker Hayes, Filmore, Kylie Morgan, Adam Doleac, and more joined us to catch-up, sing songs, and of course, drink mimosas! Additionally, we turned our usual in-person artist interviews into an ‘Up Close & Virtual’ series, where we caught up with artists like Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett, Devin Dawson, and more over zoom and shared with fans.

Aside from the livestreams, our team also partnered with Walker Hayes and New York’s Country 94.7 for our Kindness Isn’t Canceled campaign to feed the frontlines in NYC and later with Teddy Robb and New York’s Country 94.7 to outfit the homeless in our ‘Be Kind’ campaign. 

Being a small business that ultimately relies on the live music industry, we also increased our merchandise sector including our newest product: our ‘mentally, i’m at a concert’ mugs.

*Written by Caleigh Decaprio with Erin Crosby and Rebekah Milsted for NYCountry Swag.

Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton to Host ACM Music Awards

/in , /by

The 2021 ACM Music Awards have revealed their hosts for the 56th Annual show. This year, 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. The show will take place live from Nashville on Sunday, April 18th at 8PM ET on CBS.

The Academy of Country Music announced the exciting news today via social media. Check out the video below for Urban’s surprise phone call to Mickey Guyton.

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 yet-to-be-announced 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
Mickey Guyton
Caylee Hammack

 

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jimmie Allen
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.