NYCS First Impression: Lauren Alaina ‘Getting Over Him’

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Getting Over Him Lauren Alaina

It’s been six weeks since this “Getting Good” singer announced the release of her new EP Getting Over Him that originated “while learning how to let go of the past”. But, despite the presence of heartbreak and betrayal, Lauren Alaina could not have been more anxious to get these songs out to the public. In fact, her tireless, pun-endorsed self-promotion through Instagram has been a guiding light to the day these songs hit all media outlets. And, that day has finally arrived.

“This music is empowering. It feels resilient, more confident, bold and more secure.” Alaina said in a press release. “This EP came out of me learning not only to love myself, but to be ok if someone doesn’t love me back. Even in times of brokenness and sadness, you can still be empowered and get through it and find your voice and say ‘I deserve better than this. I don’t have to put up with this.'”

Alaina celebrated this new chapter of music, and added fuel to the flame, by releasing two singles during the short yet seemingly long waiting period with “Run” and, most recently, the title track with Jon Pardi “Getting Over Him”. The latter is a charming yet rough-edged track that features “an added dose of devil-may-care attitude” which works incredibly well as a title track production, to sum up, all emotions involved.

“We were dive bar kissing / Heartbreak fixing / No strings Saturday night / Hot like a match it burned out fast / Forever wasn’t in our eyes / You knew it and I knew it / And it was a damn good time / My last call first call no falling / Just your getting over him guy”

There are three never before heard tracks that maintain the same feisty, get-out-of-my-way type of confidence that often comes with the newly single girl glow. There’s a common theme of command and authoritativeness throughout whereas Alaina exudes the notion of being better off without him. Though, at the same time, the lyrics involve poise and civility. Specifically in “Bar Back”, Alaina explains that he can have everything and any spot that they used to go to together, except one.

“I’m taking back that little hole in the wall / the red door sign saying ‘come on in y’all’ / the deep eddy shots, the bartender neck, the smoky patio with all my rowdy friends / you can have any bar that you want but not this one in Midtown / find a new place to hang out, better not see you around again / ‘cause I’m taking my bar back”

The closing track, “What Do You Think Of”, features pop artist Lukas Graham who is best known for his 2018 hits “Love Someone” and “7 Years”, which hit #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 list. With distressed lyrics and soft instrumental accompaniment, “What Do You Think Of” is able to physically remove itself and stand-alone from the rest of the Getting Over Him stories, in the very best way.

“I am the most nervous about releasing this one because I was so vulnerable when I wrote it,” Lauren explains in a statement. “This song comes from a really broken place, but it’s part of who I am and part of what I went though, so if I’m going to be honest in my music, I have to share songs like this too.”

The level of steadfastness that is necessary to create such a project through trying experiences is remarkable. There’s something special about Alaina’s open-book type of candor that allows listeners to feel alongside the artist herself. Getting Over Him showcases the strength and perseverance that Alaina withholds as a woman, a songwriter, and an entertainer. 

To keep up with Lauren Alaina, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Getting Over Him 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.

 

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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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS Up Close & Virtual With HARDY

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NYCountry Swag's Christina Bosch with HARDY

In our most recent chat and Up Close & Virtual with singer-songwriter HARDY, Christina Bosch of NYCountry Swag virtually interviews the rising superstar as they discuss his debut album ‘A ROCK’ which is available everywhere 9/4. During their chat, HARDY explains all about the process of writing 12 songs and knowing that all 12 would fit perfectly on this debut project.  Touching on two of her favorite songs specifically, “A ROCK” and “SO CLOSE” which features Ashland Craft, HARDY explains to Bosch that many of the tracks were written over quarantine during Zoom writes and they were recorded right there in his home studio.

Check back tomorrow for our full First Impression of the masterful album and watch the full interview below.

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

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

Take a listen to HARDY 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.

 

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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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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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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“The Git Up” Singer Blanco Brown Hospitalized After Head-on Collision

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Blanco Brown Car Crash

Songwriter, artist, and producer Blanco Brown was injured in a head-on collision Monday evening (August 31) near his home in Atlanta, GA, and remains in critical condition. “The Git Up” hitmaker underwent a 12-hour surgery and additional surgeries are expected to be needed.

Brown’s label, BBR Music Group, issued a statement reading:

“BBR Music Group’s beloved Blanco Brown, the artist behind 2019’s worldwide viral smash “The Git Up” and current hit “Just The Way” was involved in a head-on collision Monday night near his home in Atlanta, GA. The accomplished writer, vocalist and Grammy-nominated producer suffered significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he underwent a 12-hour surgery to address those traumas. Additional surgeries are expected as he currently rests in the ICU. Blanco, his family and his friends ask for your prayers during this time.“

Our thoughts and prayers are with Blanco Brown, his family, and friends at this time.

To keep up with Blanco Brown, 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. 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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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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Kelsea Ballerini Announces New Album + Releases “club (ballerini album version)”

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Kelsea Ballerini new album

When the world paused about six months ago, two-time GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter, Kelsea Ballerini released her junior self-titled album, kelsea. Putting music out in a time where everything is uncertain was a risk, but it paid off for Ballerini. It became her highest debut on the Top Country Album Charts, and fans and critics alike praised the body of work. Quarantine tested a lot of people and their creativity, and for Ballerini, it meant reimagining the record she poured her heart into.

Now, the songstress is cleverly releasing the follow-up album, ballerini. The album is set to release September 11th, just over a year after kelsea’s lead single, “homecoming queen?” was revealed. It’s the second half of her story, the more vulnerable and honest sister to kelsea. “kelsea is glitter: bold and effervescent and dreams that are boundless. She’s who I want to be. While ballerini is emotional, vulnerable, soft: observes her surroundings and chooses her words carefully. She’s who I am,” Ballerini explained in a statement. “The album ballerini is the result of the wonder and gets down to the heart of it.”

To introduce fans into this new sound, she released the new version of “club”. What was once a poppy, empowering jam is still those things – only it is now more introspective and soul-baring. On the original track, she sounds more confident, more unapologetic, whereas on ballerini, you can hear the other side of the coin, where she really second-guesses that feeling of staying in instead of going out. It’s a stunning arrangement of piano, three-part harmonies and practically untouched vocals throughout. If “club” kelsea is midnight, “club” ballerini is 2am — heightened feelings and insecurities that take over your mind.

This project is a reminder that Kelsea Ballerini is a songwriter/producer first. The glitter and the lights are fun, glamorous, and freeing, but the quiet is just as powerful, sophisticated, and meaningful. It’s exciting to see her in this new way, and it will be thrilling to hear her new vision come to life.

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

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

“club (ballerini album version)” 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.

 

ballerini TRACKLIST – Out 9/11/20

1.     overshare (ballerini album version)
2.     club (ballerini album version)
3.     homecoming queen? (ballerini album version)
4.     the other girl (ballerini album version)
5.     love me like a girl (ballerini album version)
6.     love and hate (ballerini album version)
7.     bragger (ballerini album version)
8.     hole in the bottle (ballerini album version)
9.     half of my hometown (ballerini album version)
10.  the way i used to (ballerini album version)
11.  needy (ballerini album version)
12.  a country song (ballerini album version)
13.  la (ballerini album version)

 

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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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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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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Luke Combs Breaks His Own Record with 9th Consecutive Number 1

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Luke Combs Lovin' On You

If there is one thing that country music fans across the genre can agree on, it is Luke Combs. The bonafide superstar can truly do no wrong. With just two albums under his belt, Combs has solidified himself as one of the best in the genre.

Combs continues to break his own records, landing his 9th consecutive number 1 single with “Lovin’ On You” on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. In just 12 weeks, the track made it’s way to the top spot, adding another record to Combs list, becoming the fastest climbing single. This marks the singer-songwriter’s fourth number one track from his newest record What You See Is What You Get. Former hit singles “Beer Never Broke My Heart”, “Even Though I’m Leaving” and “Does To Me” found their way to the top.

“Lovin’ On You” was written by Combs with Ray Fulcher, Thomas Archer and James McNair, and was a fan-favorite almost instantly. Fulcher has had a hand in writing hits for Combs before, including “When It Rains It Pours” and “Even Though I’m Leaving.” Check out some of his own songs and his rendition of Combs 8th number one, “Does To Me”, which he also co-wrote, in our Swag Session below.

We knew Combs was special ever since 2017 when we named him one of our 2017 Artists to Watch, shortly after seeing him perform at his first New York City show ever. Take a look back at the show here.

There’s truly no stopping the hitmaker, who was also recently nominated for CMA Entertainer of the Year just two years after taking home the award for Best New Artist. Additionally, Combs announced he will be releasing a deluxe album, retitled What You See Ain’t Always What You Get this October. As Combs continues to break the mold, we anticipate that there are even bigger things on the horizon for him!

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

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.

 

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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!

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FULL LIST: 2020 ACM Awards Performers Announced

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Recently, in addition to the first leg of performers being announced, we also shared the news that two of our former Swag Sessions artists, Riley Green and Tenille Townes won their perspective ACM New Artists of the Year categories and will be performing at the special show. Now, we are excited to share that the final leg of performers has been announced.

On September 16th, the rescheduled 55th annual awards show will air on CBS, hosted by superstar Keith Urban. This time performances will take place at multiple iconic venues across Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe. This marks the first time that the show will be held in Nashville in the award shows history.

Today, superstar artists like Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, and Mickey Guyton were added to the line-up. Each will perform their hits coming live from Nashville at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry.

Church is set to play his current single “Stick That In Your Country Song”, while the boys of Florida Georgia Line will perform their latest and 17th #1, “I Love My Country”. Bryan will perform his recent hit and song of the summer, “One Margarita”. Dan + Shay will take the stage to perform “I Should Probably Go to Bed”, Brown will sing “Worldwide Beautiful”, Wallen is set to perform “Whiskey Glasses” and Guyton will perform “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”.

In addition, previously announced artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett, and Jon Pardi will all perform from the Ryman Auditorium, while Jimmie Allen, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and Tim McGraw will give their performances from the Bluebird Cafe. Fans can look forward to a medley of hits performed by Old Dominion, while Rhett and Pardi will sing their duet “Beer Can’t Fix.”

Of course, the ladies of the night cannot be outshined, as Ballerini will be singing her new single “Hole in the Bottle,” newly pregnant Barrett will share her smash hit, “I Hope,” and Morris will perform her new single “To Hell & Back.” Lambert is also slated to share the stage with her friends and fellow songwriters Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby, singing her mesmerizing number one hit, “Bluebird,” which is sure to be a performance to watch.

Although it is sure to be different, we feel that this might be the most incredible ACM Awards yet. The 2020 ACM Awards, “A Night of Heart and Hits” will be exactly what the Nashville community needs during these times. Make sure to gear up for the big night and set your DVR’s for 8PM ET on September 16th and follow along on Twitter as we live-tweet the show, @NYCountrySwag.

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

To keep up with the Academy of Country Music follow along here 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:

Florida Georgia Line Lands 17th Number 1 with “I Love My Country”

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Florida Georgia Line Lands 17th Number 1 with “I Love My Country”

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley have transformed themselves from a country duo to bonafide megastars. They are singers, songwriters, entertainers, performers,  and even own their own record label. As if this year couldn’t go any better for them, FGL scored their 17th career chart-topper with their single “I Love My Country” just this week.

With over one hundred million total global streams in just six months, the song joins the likes of their smash hits “Cruise,” “This Is How We Roll,” and the unforgettable collaboration with Bebe Rexha “Meant To Be,” among many others. Originally penned by Corey Crowder with Ernest Keith Smith and Ryan Vojtesak, later credit was also given to superstar, Kane Brown and co-writers Chase McGill and Will Weatherly.

“It’s just made us feel so good and gave us so much joy,” explained Hubbard in a recent press release, “Considering the time that we’re living in right now, with everyone quarantined and maybe living in a little bit of fear, it felt like a song that could help bring us a little light to people.”

Clearly fans felt like this song was exactly what they needed. The feel-good jam will definitely not be FGL’s last song to hit the top spot on the charts. It will be interesting to see what single they will bring to country radio next.

If you are loving all things FGL, make sure to watch them vie for Duo of the Year at the 55th ACM Awards taking place live from various locations in Nashville on September 16th. Additionally, announced just this morning (Sept 1.), the guys were also nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 54th Annual CMA Awards on November 11th.

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

To keep up with Florida Georgia Line, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For new country music, visit 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. 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

—————————-

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:

And The Nominees Are…2020 CMA Award Nominees Announced

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Luke Combs & Carly Pearce Announce First Round of 2020 CMA Awards Nominations Live from Grand Ole Opry on Good Morning America

Luke Combs & Carly Pearce Announce First Round of 2020 CMA Awards Nominations Live from Grand Ole Opry on Good Morning America

 

Last year, Stephanie and Christina of NYCountry Swag flew down to Nashville to attend the 53rd Annual CMA Awards, witnessing an iconic night for women in country music including hosts Carrie Underwood with special guests Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. Of course, this year is looking a little different, but the show must go on and we are certainly excited that the nominees for this years’ award show were announced today. Revealed live from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House, superstars Luke Combs and Carly Pearce joined forces to announce the nominees on Good Morning America (GMA).

Leading the pack with seven nominations, Miranda Lambert earned nods in multiple categories, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year. This brings Lambert’s total number of career nominations to 55, making CMA Awards history by surpassing Reba McEntire’s 51 total nominations.

Of course, megastar Luke Combs also walked out with six nominations, including his first entry into the Entertainer of the Year category after winning New Artist of the Year just two years ago. His rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary, as his singles continue to be chart-toppers, time after time again.

We especially enjoy the list of exciting artists that are nominated for the New Artist of the Year category including some of our favorites, Jimmie Allen and Morgan Wallen. Female songstresses, Ingrid Andress, Gabby Barrett, and Carly Pearce also received a nod.

Following Good Morning America, Gabby Barrett and Ingrid Andress joined Ashley Eicher for a livestream on CMA’s Facebook and YouTube to announce the remaining nominees. The award show will air on November 11th on ABC at 8PM ET. Check out the full list of nominations below + click the image below to visit us on Instagram and let us know your vote for this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

Entertainer Of The Year
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban


Single Of The Year
“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber)
Producer: Dan Smyers
Mix Engineer: Jeff Juliano

“Beer Never Broke My Heart” – Luke Combs
Producer: Scott Moffatt
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley

“Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce

“The Bones” – Maren Morris
Producer: Greg Kurstin
Mix Engineer: Greg Kurstin

“I Hope” – Gabby Barrett
Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
Mix Engineer: Buckley Miller


Album Of The Year
Heartache Medication – Jon Pardi
Producers: Bart Butler, Ryan Gore, Jon Pardi

Never Will – Ashley McBryde
Producers: Jay Joyce, John Peets

Old Dominion – Old Dominion
Producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion

What You See Is What You Get – Luke Combs
Producer: Scott Moffatt

Wildcard – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Jay Joyce


Song Of The Year
“Bluebird” – Written by Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert, recorded by Miranda Lambert

“The Bones” – Written by Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, recorded by Maren Morris

“Even Though I’m Leaving” – Written by Luke Combs, Wyatt B. Durrette III, Ray Fulcher, recorded by Luke Combs

“I Hope You’re Happy Now” – Written by Luke Combs, Randy Montana, Carly Pearce, Jonathan Singleton, recorded by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice

“More Hearts Than Mine” – Written by Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis, Derrick Southerland, recorded by Ingrid Andress


Female Vocalist Of The Year
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood


Male Vocalist Of The Year
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban


Vocal Group Of The Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts


Vocal Duo Of The Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae


Musical Event Of The Year
“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber)
Producer: Dan Smyers

“Be A Light” – Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban
Producer: Dann Huff

“The Bones” – Maren Morris with Hozier
Producer: Greg Kurstin

“Fooled Around And Fell In Love” – Miranda Lambert (feat. Maren Morris, Elle King, Ashley
McBryde, Tenille Townes & Caylee Hammack)
Producer: Jay Joyce

“I Hope You’re Happy Now” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
Producer: busbee


Musician Of The Year
Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Rob McNelley, Guitar
Ilya Toshinskiy, Guitar
Derek Wells, Guitar


Music Video Of The Year
“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber)
Director: Patrick Tracy

“Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy

“Homemade” – Jake Owen
Director: Justin Clough

“I Hope You’re Happy Now” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
Director: Sam Siske

“Second One To Know” – Chris Stapleton
Director: David Coleman


New Artist Of The Year
Jimmie Allen
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Carly Pearce
Morgan Wallen


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Finalists For Broadcast Personality Of The Year (by market size):

National
“American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
“The Blair Garner Show” (Blair Garner and “Off Eric” Garner) – Westwood One
“CMT After Midnite” (Cody Alan) – Premiere Networks
“Country Countdown USA” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One
“The Mayor of Music Row” (Charlie Monk) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio


Major Market
“Angie Ward” – WUBL, Atlanta, Ga.
“Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, and McKaila Granning) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
“Double-L” (Lois Lewis) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
“Fitz in the Morning” (Cory Fitzner) – KNUC, Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.
“Paul Schadt & Sarah Lee in the Morning with Producer Geof” (Paul Schadt, Sarah Lee and Geof Knight) – WKKT, Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, N.C.-S.C.


Large Market
“The Big Dave Show (“Big Dave” Chandler, Chelsie Shinkle, Jason Statt and Ashley Hempfling) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
“Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
“Lexi & Banks” (“Lexi” Elena Abatgis and “Banks” Jared Danielson) – KUBL, Salt Lake City-Ogden- Provo, Utah
“Obie & Ashley” (“Obie” Obed Diaz and Ashley Morrison) – WWKA, Orlando, Fla.
“Ridder, Scott and Shannen” (“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin, and Shannen Oesterreich) – WMIL, Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.


Medium Market
“Brent Michaels” – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
“Clay & Company” (Clay Moden, Rob Banks, and Val Townsend) – WYRK, Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.
“Kenn McCloud” – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
“Scott and Sarah in the Morning” (Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay) – WQMX, Akron, Ohio
“Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa


Small Market
“Big Rick In The Morning” (“Big Rick” Daniels) – WGGC, Bowling Green, Ky.
“Bobby & Steve (and Mandi!)” (Bobby Cook, Steve Schwetman and Mandi Turner) – WKYQ, Paducah, Ky.
“Brent and Candy – The Cat Pak Morning Show” (Brent Lane and Candy Cullerton) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
“Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
“Steve And Jessica Mornings” (Steve Waters and Jessica Cash) – WFLS, Fredericksburg, Va.

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Finalists For Radio Station Of The Year (by market size):


Major Market
KNUC – Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.
KSCS – Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
KYGO – Denver-Boulder, Colo.
WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
WYCD – Detroit, Mich.


Large Market
KNCI – Sacramento, Calif.
KUBL – Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, Utah
WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio
WWKA – Orlando, Fla.


Medium Market
KATM – Modesto, Calif.
WHKO – Dayton, Ohio
WQMX – Akron, Ohio
WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
WXCY – Wilmington, Del.


Small Market
KKNU – Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
WBYT – South Bend, Ind.
WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.

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Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on November 11th on ABC. + 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.

 

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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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

—————————-

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:

NYCS Swag Spotlight: Jay Bragg

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Jay Bragg

A family-bred musician from Maine and a former bandmate of ‘North of Nashville’ who toured all across the country to open for artists such as Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton, and Brothers Osborne, Jay Bragg has been built and trained in more ways than one to take on a solo career. In our most recent Swag Spotlight, Bragg discussed everything from musical influences to what drives him to be an entertainer.

The Portland-native and Bruce Springsteen enthusiast not only aims to reach people’s souls with his music but “to take a leap to reach a wider audience”. Bragg explains that he is constantly trying to challenge himself as an artist, a writer, and an entertainer which was what initiated the move to Nashville. “You just get to the point, you know, you’re a big fish in a small pond […] (I wanted to) really break out from the confines of a band situation, and just do my own thing as a solo artist where I’m the curator of everything– soup to nuts.”

A new chapter of music has begun for the steadfast singer-songwriter, after releasing his own debut record in June 2018. Now, Bragg has released the first volume of his second record Find Me In a Song which encompasses three new tracks. The album is set to release through three different phases over the next few months. The second date with three more songs is set to be released on October 1.

“When The Sun Sets”, which is a song that can be found on the second volume, is a strong and sentimental dedication to Bragg’s childhood best friend Tim who tragically passed away in a car accident at 17 years old. Tim introduced Bragg to all different kinds of music such as rock ‘n roll from the late ’60s into the 1970s. “That song starts off ‘I can’t hear Touch of Grey without thinking about those good old days’, Tim turned me onto the Grateful Dead, and Touch Of Grey is a song that we listened to by the Grateful Dead all the time.”

Eric Mallon and the artist himself wrote the song, which was said to have practically written itself. “I knew that I had tapped into something so deeply real, […] specifically, about losing a loved one and knowing that someday you will see them again- somehow reuniting with their energy and their essence.” While the song is a makeshift memorial and celebration of both life and Tim, Bragg acknowledges that the lyrics relate to all scenarios that deal with loss and the sadness that comes with it alongside contradicting emotions of joy, hope, and healing. “Everybody has gone through loss, it’s a recurring theme in life. There’s a ton of loss that comes through living, and I wanted to write (about that).”

Bragg has gracefully endured releasing new music through the pandemic and status of the world by using new, more creative methods to do so. The option of delaying the release of Find Me In a Song or waiting for the world to open up again was easy to dismiss because this is a “business of delivering joy and hope and goodness through music”. Bragg’s hope and prayers are simple: that this new music reaches all the people that need to hear it.

To keep up with Jay Bragg follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The first phase of his album ‘Find Me in a Song’ 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.

 

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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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Chris Stapleton Announces New Album and Releases Title Track ‘Starting Over’

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Chris Stapleton Starting Over

Let Chris Stapleton be the one to bring 2020 to meet a silver lining by surprising fans with the release of a brand new song, “Starting Over”. Stapleton is a 5x Grammy, 10x CMA and 7x ACM Award-winner and one of the best talents to walk the line in country music to this date.

Written by Stapleton and longtime friend and collaborator Mike Henderson, “Starting Over” inaugurates with a lively guitar rhythm and a hell of a lot of optimism; which the world severely aches for right now. The track preserves the singer-songwriter’s detectable austere, conventional country makings, and reawakens the offerings of Stapleton and Henderson’s late project in The SteelDrivers. It depicts the importance of having loved ones around, as his wife Morgane Stapleton adds her harmonious, elegant vocals to the track.

“And it don’t matter to me // Wherever we are is where I wanna be // And Honey, for once in our life // Let’s take our chances and roll the dice // I can be your lucky penny, you can be my four-leaf clover // Starting over”

“Starting Over” marks a new chapter for Stapleton as he announced that this release serves as the title track for his forthcoming album, which makes this the first new studio album in approximately three years. The 14-track assemblage moves through a series of motions of the simple life and the not-so-simple life and will be released on November 13th, 2020 via Mercury Records Nashville. Starting Over is produced by one of Nashville’s finest, Dave Cobb, and features some legendary musicians like Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, and Paul Franklin.

In addition, Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” tour has been rescheduled to 2021 after the pandemic canceled its fall 2020 run. For show information and new tour dates, click here.

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

To keep up with Chris Stapleton, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Starting Over” 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.

 

STARTING OVER TRACKLIST – Out 11/13
1. Starting Over
2. Devil Always Made Me Think Twice
3. Cold
4. When I’m With You
5. Arkansas
6. Joy Of My Life
7. Hillbilly Blood
8. Maggie’s Song
9. Whiskey Sunrise
10. Worry B Gone
11. Old Friends
12. Watch You Burn
13. You Should Probably Leave
14. Nashville, TN

 

—————

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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

—————————-

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: