Luke Combs Teases Unreleased Song “Sleepless in a Hotel Room”

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Luke Combs teased fans with a brand new unreleased song “Sleepless in a Hotel Room”, performing it on social media just before the Billboard Music Awards. Check out the track below and read on as we dig a little deeper into what we know about the new tune.

As if a deluxe record (coming out Friday, October 23rd) isn’t enough, country superstar, Luke Combs continues to prove that he is all about the music and the fans. Just before his Billboard Music Awards performance and subsequent win for Best Country Artist, Combs’ shared an unreleased song entitled “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” on Instagram and Facebook.

Co-written by Combs with Jonathan Singleton and Randy Montana, “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” is all about longing to be with the one you love. As an entertainer, Combs is often away from his loved ones, especially his new wife, Nicole Hocking Combs, who inspired this song. The singer shared on social media, “Trying to take a nap before my @bbmas performance tonight and I couldn’t sleep. It reminded me of this song I wrote a few months ago right before everything shut down. Had this idea one night when I was missing @nicohocking, like I am right now. Hope y’all dig the preview of it.”

Luke Combs unreleased song "Sleepless in a Hotel Room"

“It’s 2 in the morning / TV’s on / And I never felt so far from home / I can hear the lonely howl out my window / The morning light kicks up too soon / Lying here not next to you”

Obviously, we dig it and fans agree! The new song is everything we have come to love from Combs – honest, relatable, real, and catchy! His voice shines on the personal tune, and it is evident that the singer is truly experiencing and feeling everything he is singing. Hopefully, Combs will release this song and another new batch of songs in the near future. Until then, fans can enjoy What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, out this Friday, October 23rd.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming Luke Combs release in the coming weeks.

To keep up with Luke Combs, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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Runaway June: When I Think About Christmas – EP Review

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Runaway June’s first-ever holiday EP, When I Think About Christmas, is available now, October 16th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full EP Review below as we dive deeper into the collection of songs.

Releasing their first-ever holiday project, When I Think About Christmas, Runaway June are bringing the holiday spirit to fans a little early this year. The five-song EP features three well-known Christmas classics and two new original tracks. Although it’s only October, we’re more than ready to curl up next to the fire, hot chocolate in hand, with Runaway June playing on the record player.

“Christmas On The Radio,” written by Sam Hollander and Martin Johnson, is the first original on the project to make its debut and is a perfectly hand-crafted reference guide to all things Christmas. Silver bells, classic hits from Otis Redding, and Nat King Cole.

“When I Think About Christmas” is the second original and serves as the title track of the project. Written by Runaway June member Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, and Tiffany Goss, the song pays homage to conventional country in the sweetest way: swing-laced instrumentation, pure joy, and your loved one.

“When I think about Christmas // I don’t worry ‘bout the cold // I’m covered up in all your kisses // C’mon baby let it snow” 

“O Holy Night” strays away from any traditional version with elegant and flawless harmonies. Of course, the holiday season just isn’t complete without the classic tune, “Let It Snow” and Runaway June’s beautiful upbeat version concludes the jolly project with glistening bells.

“Our new Christmas EP, When I Think About Christmas has all of these beautiful mountain Appalachian sounds,” said Runaway June’s Naomi Cooke, Wayne, and Natalie Stovall. “So we put our own little spin on Christmas music and we’ve got some fiddle so why not!” The trio continued to share in an Instagram post, “It’s been a long crazy year, and working on this music has felt so liberating from the madness of the world. When we think about “Christmas” we think of family, peace, rest, love and reflection, gratitude, celebration, and we wanted this music to be the soundtrack of what Christmas is to us and hopefully spread a little of that to all of you through this project.”

Singer-songwriter and fiddle player Natalie Stovall recently joined the band after Hannah Mulholland left the group. Members Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne announced Stovall’s addition shortly after Mulholland announced that she was leaving, simply because she wanted to be in California with her husband and family.

Runaway June When I Think About Christmas

Runaway June’s first-ever holiday EP, When I Think About Christmas, is available now, October 16th.

When I Think About Christmas EP Tracklist:
1. Christmas On The Radio (Runaway June Original – Sam Hollander, Martin Johnson)
2. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish)
3. O Holy Night (Traditional Holiday Song)
4. When I Think About Christmas (Runaway June Original – Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, Tiffany Goss)
5. Let It Snow – (Julie Styn, Sammy Cahn)

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

To keep up with Runaway June, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Matt Stell ‘Better Than That’ EP Review

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Matt Stell’s new 8-track extended play, Better Than That, dropped today and is available now on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dive deeper into the project.

SONY Nashville recording artist, Matt Stell released a new EP titled Better Than That today (October 16th) containing eight songs, four previously released tracks, and four brand new ones. Stell produced the EP with Ash Bowers and has writing credits on five songs.

“Everywhere But On,” originally featured on his EP of the same name, begins the record. It is about a man who has moved all over the country to try and get over this particular girl, but no location can erase his memory of her. This track hit number six on Country Airplay last week and continues to climb to the top of the charts. “Prayed For You,” ironically, reached the top spot the same time last year and has racked up over 75 million streams to date.  In this track, the singer found a girl he never met but knew she was the one he always wanted.

Better Than That EP Matt Stell

Matt Stell – Photo Credit Dustin Haney

Other previously released tracks include “If I Was A Bar” and the title track. The latter of which tells the story of two old flames at the same bar. Despite wanting to say hello, the ex-boyfriend holds back as a new guy steps in to make a move, calling out every wrong gesture the new guy is making. Stell knows she deserves better than that. “If I Was A Bar” is another breakup song. In this one, he describes how if he was a bar, the ‘getting over her’ process would be must faster. In the last song, he is upset at the bar and feeling bad for himself, but in this one, there’s a hint of anger and resentment still left in him. These tracks contain heavy electric guitar and percussion, displaying his rock-n-roll influence.

The first of the new tracks is “I Love You Too,” which sounds like it would be a sweet love song. However, the singer describes a relationship where the woman has settled with a man who does not reciprocate the same amount of love and effort the woman does. Stell is telling this story from the third-person, so we are not sure if he had any relationship to the two in the story, but one can speculate that this song is about the same girl from “Better Than That.”

With young love comes immediate infatuation and a lot of mistakes made, and Stell paints that picture beautifully in the next track. “Sadie” is a somber, folk-influenced song that, although not written by Stell, could be very personal to him. The singer admits his wrong and confesses that he would do anything to get this girl back. It is impressive when such a personal song like this can relate to almost anyone who has been in a relationship at a young age.

“Sadie / If you need to k-k-keep me waiting / Just do what you got to, girl / I-I-I-I-I-I-I’d start a riot for ya /  I-I-I-I-I-I-I’d fall in the fire for ya”

“Chase It Down” is about gaining the courage to leave your hometown to follow your dream. People from the singer’s hometown generally end up staying there forever, but him and his girl are determined to make a name for themselves. The final song, “Look At Me Now” has the potential to become a common first dance-wedding song. A troubled man’s life was turned around when he met the love of his life. He went from a lone “hell-raiser” to tearing up watching his soon-to-be wife walk down the aisle.

“Look at me now, tears in my eyes / Even though I swore that I wouldn’t cry / Lost in the second I saw you in that dress and your daddy was walking you down / Thought I’d never do this but look at me”

Stell sings from the heart, and listeners can hear his honesty and humbleness in these eight, terrific tracks. He has shown country music his versatility as he has something for everyone: heartbreak, love, and vengefulness, all demonstrated in different ways sonically. He is open and honest with his fans which makes us feel a part of his life and leave us wanting to hear more stories. That is an incredible trait of any new artist. Expect to see his name atop the charts for years to come.

NYCS Picks:

  1. Sadie
  2. Look At Me Now

BETTER THAN THAT EP TRACKLISTING

  1. Everywhere But On– Matt Stell, Paul Sikes, and Lance Miller
    2. If I Was a Bar     – Dan Isbell, Zack Kale, and Jonathan Singleton
    3. Prayed For You – Matt Stell, Ash Bowers, and Allison Veltz
    4. Better Than That-Matt Stell, Joe Fox, and Phil Barton
    5. I Love You Too – Matt Stell, Seth Alley, and Ryan Peterson
    6. Sadie – Nate Cyphert, Sam Roman, Parrish Warrington, and Diederik van Elsas
    7. Chase it Down – Matt Stell, Jarrod Ingram, Blake Hubbard, and Brian Maher
    8. Look at Me Now – Joe Fox, Seth Ennis, and Thomas Finchum

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

To keep up with Matt Stell, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Parker McCollum: Hollywood Gold – EP Review

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Parker McCollum’s major-label debut EP Hollywood Gold is available now, October 16th on all streaming platforms. Watch below in our Up Close & Virtual Interview as we chat with McCollum about the new music + read our full EP Review below as we dive deeper into the collection of songs.

Texas native and NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch, Parker McCollum signed with MCA Nashville/UMG Nashville last year, and since then, has garnered thousands and thousands of fans across the nation. Today marks the release of his brand new EP, his major-label debut Hollywood Gold.

The EP is a dedication to McCollum’s craft, his fans, and of course his loved ones. It’s name pays homage to the singer-songwriters grandfather, his prized horse, and the message his grandfather always taught him to “just keep swinging.” His grandfather also played a role in why the singer chose to record the only song off the record that he did not write, “Like A Cowboy.” Written by Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson, the tune is a pensive song about having an internal identity conflict.

“Girl I will love you the best that I can / But you need to know that I am what I am / And I’m not a bad guy, but I’m not a good guy at heart”

On “Young Man’s Blues,” McCollum shares his version of home and what his home has ingrained in him. His vulnerability and honesty in this song is unparalleled. Similarly, fan-favorite tune, “Hallie Ray Light” showcases the same type of honesty and relatability. Named after his girlfriend, the song focuses on showing affection to a new lover.

The lead single “Pretty Heart” is steadily climbing the charts and has truly touched the hearts of fans across the nation. The achingly beautiful declaration of remorse for a break-up is the songwriting country music deserves.

“What does it say about me / Now that I’ve broke your pretty heart / Your pretty heart”

The closing track “Love You Like That” is another standout. The singer-songwriter confesses his insecurities in love as he sings about feeling like he could fly with his girl, but he doesn’t know if he can do the same despite promising everything to try.

“I never really had no peace of mind / I’m a running heart / Living fast / I never understand you putting up with that / Cause I’m the same man that I’ve always been / And I hope that that’s the man you’re loving in the end”

Of course, each of the six tracks off the record paints a unique picture, running the gamut of the human experience, all of which showcase McCollum’s talent at connecting to fans. “If I’m going to sing these songs every night, I’ve gotta mean the things I”m singing about. I can’t fake it,” declared McCollum in a recent press release.

Hollywood Gold Parker McCollum

Parker McCollum’s debut EP, Hollywood Gold, is available now, October 16th.

It has been a long time coming for McCollum, whose lifelong dream has finally been recognized with this project. Overall, each track puts a modern twist on true-blue traditional country music, without blurring the genre lines. His roots in Texas country music are truly embedded in his signature sound. If this is any inclination of what a full-length project will look like from the artist, fans are in for a real treat, because the singer-songwriter’s staying power is undeniable.

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

To keep up with Parker McCollum, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Pretty Heart”
  2. “Love You Like That”

Hollywood Gold EP Tracklist:

  1. Young Man’s Blues
  2. Like A Cowboy
  3. Pretty Heart
  4. Hallie Ray Light
  5. Hold Me Back
  6. Love You Like That

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

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Who Is Tiera? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Releasing a brand new track today, newcomer Tiera spoke with NYCountry Swag about her backstory and her journey to Nashville. Learn more about her in the interview below.

Tiera

We have been early believers and proud supporters of Nicolle Galyon’s record label, Songs & Daughters since the very start. Championing women in country music and beyond is something that is close to our hearts, as a female-run business ourselves, that’s why teaming up with Galyon and Songs & Daughters for our 3rd Annual Babes, Booze & Brunch event earlier this year was so special to us.

Now, Songs & Daughters are introducing us to another rising female powerhouse, Tiera, and we are thrilled to get to know her in this week’s Swag Spotlight feature. Tiera is the flagship songwriter for Songs & Daughters, and also has new music coming out on her own including a brand new track released today, “Found It In You”. We loved every minute of our conversation with the blossoming singer-songwriter…

Growing up in Gardendale, Alabama, outside of Birmingham, Tiera recalls her family always being supportive of her dreams. She grew up in a household that encouraged exploration of interests, including modeling, dancing, and singing, but Tiera always returned back to music. “My parents really encouraged us to try everything until we figured out what we wanted to do, and I always just went back to music.”

After writing her first song in high school and teaching herself how to play guitar, Tiera had her heart set on attending Nashville’s Belmont University. However, as plans changed, she ended up attending the University of Northern Alabama for one year on a full-ride scholarship instead, before changing trajectories. “I’m really grateful for my time there,” she explained, “I spent a lot of time in the studio writing and recording. It was kind of where I learned how to write songs and figure out who I was at an artist.”

With that being said, it was there where Tiera really learned her craft as a songwriter. Channeling inspiration from fellow country singers like Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, and Carrie Underwood, she knew then, that her heart was in country music and Nashville was where she belonged. “I fell in love with country music and I realized that Nashville was the place to be if I wanted to do country music, so I would take trips up there with my parents, and I just loved it.”

After making numerous trips down to Music City to play shows at some local venues, Tiera finally convinced her supportive family to make the big move with her. “I had been traveling back and forth before I moved here, and I was really lucky that I knew a couple of people in town, from writers rounds and everything. I felt so at home here. […] Literally, the day I moved, I had a show, and I haven’t stopped since.”

In the last four years, the songstress has managed to be accepted by Nashville’s incredible all-female collective, Song Suffragettes, sign a published dealing with Songs & Daughters, and of course voice her own daily radio show on Apple Country Music called ‘The Tiera Show.’ “It’s crazy, it’s so crazy, I don’t think it caught up to me yet,” Tiera explained when talking about her success over the last few years.

Currently aside from being Songs & Daughters’ flagship songwriter, Tiera is focusing on releasing her own music. After several writes with her producer Cameron Bedell, she finally selected “Found It In You” as her newest single. “We wrote it at the beginning of last year,” she began, adding, “it was really fun writing that song because I didn’t know it was the start of a new chapter for me when we wrote it. I had been searching for my sound for the longest time. I remember he sent me the demo after that writing session, I was like whatever this is, that is exactly the direction I want to go with my music.” Tiera later referred to the song as her “song baby” and how proud she is to be releasing such an impactful and personal tune.

Fans can look forward to more new music from Tiera coming out later this year. She even hinted at an acoustic version of “Found It In You” coming up the pipeline sometime soon.  Moreover, fans can be sure to have music that speaks to who the singer is now as a person, which makes it extra special, “I feel like for the first time, I am able to release some music that is congruent to who I am as a person now.”

Whatever the case is, we are sure that Tiera is primed for much success in the industry, so make sure to keep her on your radar and on your playlists!

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

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

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Singer-Songwriter Tiera Drops New Song, “Found It In You”

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Tiera’s new single, “Found It In You” is available now, October 16th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Songs & Daughters‘ Tiera released a new song, “Found It In You.” The brand new track is the perfect introduction, to who the songstress is as a singer-songwriter. After hustling in Nashville for what seems like forever, Tiera is finally getting the recognition and praise she deserves for her one of a kind talent.

“You’re the phone call picking up in the middle of the night / You’re the patience I don’t have when things ain’t right / You’re the ‘you can do it baby’ even when I don’t wanna try / My mama always said that really good love is just hard to find / But I found it in you”

The new song is one of those songs that is both a jam, yet sentimental. Although romantic and a love song at heart, it is a track that could easily be stripped down to acoustics and convey a different, yet equally impactful message. In our exclusive interview with Tiera, she shared how the song came to fruition, co-writing it with her producer Cameron Bedell.

Tiera Found It In You

Tiera “Found It In You”

“We wrote it at the beginning of last year,” she began, adding, “it was really fun writing that song because I didn’t know it was the start of a new chapter for me when we wrote it. I had been like searching for my sound for the longest time. I remember he [Bedell] sent me the demo after that writing session. I was like whatever this is, that is exactly the direction I want to go with my music.”

It’s safe to say that the singer-songwriter’s new song, “Found It In You” is a certified bop. It is story-telling at it’s best, but could truly interest fans across many different genres. Kudos to Tiera for releasing music that is authentic to who she is. We cannot wait for more!

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

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

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Russell Dickerson Drops New Song + Announces New Album ‘Southern Symphony’

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Russell Dickerson released a brand new song, “Never Get Old” and revealed his sophomore record, Southern Symphony will be out December 4th. Read all the details below.

Singer-songwriter and NYCountry Swag OG, Russell Dickerson has released a new single “Never Get Old” that comes four months after his latest track “Home Sweet” and just five weeks into fatherhood with wife, Kailey, and son, Remington. “Never Get Old” is the third single to be released from his highly anticipated sophomore record, Southern Symphony. Previously, Dickerson referred to the forthcoming project as “RD2” before surprising fans today with the album title and official release date.

With “Never Get Old”, this new song begins to show a pattern and a potential style in which the collection of music may follow. For instance, in April “Love You Like I Used To” was the first single for this new chapter of music. It introduced a refreshed, artistically matured performer from what we know from the 2018 #1 smash “Yours” and 2019 hit “Every Little Thing”, both featured on Dickerson’s debut album, Yours.

While “Home Sweet” continues with the same energy and elements, the production shines as well. Dickerson, who played a role in production for both releases with Casey Brown and Dan Huff, seems to have found his sound for this new music, and “Never Get Old” is no exception to the substantial upgrade that listeners have been hearing from the artist.

Russell Dickerson Never Get Old

Russell Dickerson’s sophomore record, “Southern Symphony” will be released 12/4.

The hardcore yet sophisticated loudness of the song that confines our speakers demands to be played for a live audience. In fact, for fans who caught Dickerson on Kane Brown’s The Worldwide Beautiful Tour earlier this year, concertgoers may remember Dickerson opening his energetic set with the new, unreleased song. Between the electric guitar primarily taking over and the sound effects of clapping present, RD surely has a banger on his hands.

Lyrically, “Never Get Old” utilizes different scenarios such as going to a dive bar with a good band on a 2-for-1 Saturday night to promote that never gets old feeling. It serves as a reminder that such little moments like a chill night at home with a significant other never gets old. The lyrics stretch to any circumstance whether social distancing is a common phrase or not. It’s both modern and traditional.

One thing remains true about Dickerson, the new record Southern Symphony will be epic. Pre-save the album now and check back on its release date, December 4th for the full album review.

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

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Never Get Old” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Florida Georgia Line Receive St. Jude “Angels Among Us” Award

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Superstar duo Florida Georgia Line received the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s “Angels Among Us” Award during a special livestream presentation today (October 15th).

The livestream, themed “We Won’t Stop,” is an annual celebration of partners affiliated with the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® radio program.

St. Jude, located in Memphis, Tennessee is a research hospital for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Perhaps the most special part about the organization is, thanks to very generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Families receive the best care in the country, at no cost, making the worst and darkest days of their lives a little bit brighter – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Not only is St. Jude currently taking care of patients within its own doors but its research facility and labs are open 24/7 and freely share their findings with hospitals and doctors across the country. They are working towards a world where no family ever has to hear the words “you have cancer”.

NYCountry Swag's Christina Bosch & Stephanie Wagner rocking St. Jude's "We Won't Stop" Tees

NYCountry Swag’s Christina Bosch & Stephanie Wagner rocking St. Jude’s “We Won’t Stop” Tees

Launched more than 30 years ago, Randy Owen from the band Alabama stood up during Country Radio Seminar in Nashville and asked his friends, colleagues, and radio partners to join together to help St. Jude and the children they serve, and so, “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” was born. The program unites more than 200 radio stations and dozens of country music artists annually to raise awareness and support for St. Jude kids.

In addition, Owen, who has been an example of compassion and support since the beginning, kick-started the beloved tradition of giving the “Angels Among Us” award to others who have shown his spirit and exceptional dedication to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

As Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line receive the award this year, the organization recognizes their generosity and passion for serving the St. Jude mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

The 17-time chart-topping, multi-platinum duo have supported St. Jude families for many years. In addition to their involvement in the This Shirt Saves Lives campaign since 2017, they’ve also orchestrated several special moments with St. Jude patients. One prime example of this is when they surprised a patient on stage in 2018, leading a crowd of more than 1,500 fans in singing the “No More Chemo” song to him – in celebration of his last round of chemotherapy. Another example is just last year when FGL added a surprise tour stop at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during their “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour.” The special event attracted a record crowd of patient families for an on-campus event, giving them a day to look forward to and a reminder that they are not alone.

St. Jude We Won't Stop Tee

This year, following the St. Jude “This Shirt Saves Lives” campaign, the organization introduces the “We Won’t Stop” tee. For a monthly donation of just $19, you can get the exclusive tee and help support this incredible program. It costs over a million dollars daily to operate St. Jude each and every day. Donations are what keeps them able to help children suffering. To donate and get your own “We Won’t Stop” t-shirt head to www.stjude.org.

To learn more about Country Cares and Jessica Turri, a main component in their story recently, check out our Woman of the Month feature. 

 

St. Jude This Shirt Saves Lives

NYCountry Swag’s Christina Bosch & Stephanie Wagner, 2019

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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2020 Billboard Music Awards: Country Genre Recap

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There were 14 country artists nominated at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, which took place last night (Wednesday, October 14th) in Los Angeles. Check out our recap below.

Billy Ray Cyrus led country artists with five nominations for his collaboration with Lil Nas X on “Old Town Road.” Dan + Shay, Luke Combs, and Maren Morris were nominated for four awards each and Garth Brooks received the Icon Award. Brooks, Combs, and Kane Brown all performed as well. Take a look below to see which artists took home the hardware:

 

Billy Ray Cyrus and Lil Nas X took home the award for Top Hot 100 Song with “Old Town Road.” This song won three additional awards after the show as well, including Top Rap Song, Top Streaming Song, and Top Selling Song. Lil Nas X teased that a new album in the works for 2021 and we wonder if he will have another country artist feature on a track with him.

Kane Brown was the first Nashville artist to take the stage last night and he was joined by Swae Lee and Khalid to perform their pop collaboration, “Be Like That.”

Actress and new host of The Weakest Link, Jane Lynch announced the Top Country Artist, a category with the nominees of Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Maren Morris, and Thomas Rhett. Combs won the award and performed “Better Together” immediately after. Watch it below:

“This is something I would have never dreamed of when I was growing up,” Combs shared. “It never falls on deaf ears, the love that you guys give me, and I’m very grateful for it.”

Cher, who received the Icon Award in 2017, introduced Garth Brooks as this year’s recipient. Brooks, who has 19 number hits, 17 number one albums and was the first artist to have seven albums sell over ten million copies each, performed a melody of his biggest hits over his entire 30+ year career, including “The Thunder Rolls,” “The River,” “Standing Outside the Fire,” “The Dance,” “Friends in Low Places” and more.

 

“If I had to thank one person or one entity it would be God Almighty for through him all things are possible,” Brooks praised after receiving his award. “If you talk about down here on this planet: Bob Doyle; the group of Nashville in LA; to the love of my life, Trisha Yearwood; the three girls, Taylor, August and Allie, I will love you beyond my time on the planet; country radio, you gave me this; and to all those people that fill those stands thank you. Thank you for my life!”

Non-televised award-winners included Luke Combs for Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Album with What You See Is What You Get, Maren Morris for Top Country Female Artist, George Strait for Top Country Tour, and Dan + Shay for Top Country Duo/Group and Top Country Song with “10,000 Hours” featuring Justin Bieber.

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

To see pictures, videos, and highlights from the show, follow the Billboard Music Awards on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

‘It All Begins With a Song’ Streaming Now On Amazon Prime

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It All Begins with a Song, now streaming on Amazon Prime, provides music lovers with a behind the scenes glance at the Nashville songwriting industry. Check out our review below.

It All Begins with A Song

It All Begins with A Song Streaming Now On Amazon Prime

Between shots of living room studios, the legendary Bluebird Cafe, and publishing houses across Nashville, the intro of, ‘It All Begins With a Song’ starts in a way that will make any music lover swoon; with writers listing the famous songs they’ve penned despite that fact that you likely don’t know any of their names. From country hits like “Live Like You Were Dying”, “Whiskey Lullaby”, “Mama’s Broken Heart”, and “Jesus Take the Wheel” to pop and rock anthems including “Don’t Stop Believing” and, “You Give Love a Bad Name”, the new Amazon Prime documentary brings songwriters typically in the shadows into the well-deserved spotlight.

There is no shortage of familiar faces throughout the project (Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandy Clark just to name a few), but it’s the unfamiliar ones who steal the 90-minute show. Music city hitmakers featured in commentary and performance clips include Jimmy Robbins, the late, great, busbee, Andrew Combs, Jessi Alexander, Brett James, Caitlyn Smith, Jeffrey Steele, and Shane McAnally, along with dozens more.

In the 1950’s American songwriter Harlen Howard said all you need to write a country song is, “three chords and the truth”. Today, ninety-five years after the Grand Ole Opry first hit the airways, that’s still the case, and it’s those stories that continue to make listeners fall in love with music.

Songs touch people, and sometimes our experiences with their songs can touch the writer too. Bill Anderson shared an emotional memory of a time his song, “Five Little Fingers” gave a suicidal man something to live for, but it’s the final segment that’s the most powerful. After hearing a story on NPR about a father desperate to feel close to the son he lost in Afghanistan, Connie Harrington and Jessi Alexander wrote, “I Drive Your Truck”. The record, which would later become a number one song for Lee Brice, is to this day one of the best depictions of grief in the country genre.

Music can heal. Music can inspire. Music can bring us together. And it all beings with a song.

‘It All Begins with a Song’ is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: