NYCS First Impression: Lindsay Ell ‘Heart Theory’

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lindsay ell heart theory

Country music is a genre built on storytelling and real life. Over the past few years, that definition has been watered down by some. It’s not that modern country isn’t fun or meaningful; it’s just that often artists are afraid to “go there” like they used to — they’re afraid to step on people’s toes. Lindsay Ell bared it all on her phenomenal sophomore project heart theory. Sonically, she made a stellar current country-pop record with influences of rock and blues, but conceptually, it’s as country as could be.

heart theory successfully covers the seven stages of grief: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance. Ell explores everything from a breakup that ended badly to working through trauma to finding yourself on the 12-track project. “If theory is the science of music, heart theory is the science of a heart,” Ell said of the record. “I hope this roadmap can be a comfort if you need it, reassurance when you need to remember to believe in yourself or maybe just a glimpse into a memory that’s made you who you are.”

“how good” falls under the denial category and is a groovy, almost funk-pop inspired Brandy Clark co-write. Her vocal range is on full display, from a controlled, mellow verse to a soaring chorus. “You don’t know how good I could love you/Boy if you just would let me love you/You might not think you should/but if I were you I would”, she sings on the chorus.

Ell shows off her bolder side on the three-song anger stage. “wAnt me back”, the current single is an addictively catchy tune. She tells her ex that she knows she’s worth it in a relationship, and if she were in his shoes, she’d miss her too. “You ain’t gonna find nobody like me/I’m the best you ever had and I’m always gonna be, so/If I were you… if I were you/I’d want me back too.”

Sitting in the middle of the album is the fourth stage: bargaining. Written by Ell, Sam Ellis, and Laura Veltz is “body language of a breakup”, a clever representation of watching a relationship fall apart from the outside. Although there are plenty of songs about breakups, this hits the nail right on the head in a completely fresh way. The craftsmanship of heart theory is incredibly unique. None of the 12 tracks sound exactly like something heard on the radio, yet at the same time, they all feel familiar. The lyrics are smartly written, and with Ell’s guitar solos that catch you off guard in the best way, it makes it even more interesting. She’s clearly grown as a writer and artist since her debut, The Project.

The most vulnerable and heartbreaking moment is the second-to-last song, “make you”, which is filed under acceptance. Written by Ell and Clark, is Ell’s story of being a sexual assault survivor. At 13, and again at 21, she was raped. When she decided to make an album as personal as heart theory, she knew she had to tell her story. “I called Brandy, an absolute wordsmith and songwriter genius, and asked her if she would write this song with me. She fearlessly and immediately said yes,” Ell said in a press release. “The day we wrote ‘make you’ I knew we had written something special that will hopefully help others to not feel alone in their survival. And more personally, it was finally the moment in my life where I got to validate that little girl inside – letting her know that ‘I see her and I love her.”

The album ends on a hopeful note. “ReadY to love” is an empowering, upbeat jam about owning who you are and taking back the power after being hurt so many times before. “I’m ready to love again/Ready to trust again/Ready to put my heart back out there/If your heart is out there”, she sings on the chorus. It’s at this moment that you can hear how truly free Ell feels.

Lindsay Ell has been making music for more than half of her life, and with each release, she digs deeper. Not letting a genre or sound define her, she poured her heart out and it paid off big time. Part of what makes this an outstanding and authentic record is that it is the very definition of three chords and the truth. She shared the ups and downs of life, letting every scar show and heal. As she sings on her cover of John Mayer’s “The Heart of Life”, “Pain throws your heart to the ground/Love turned the whole thing around/No, it won’t all go the way it should/But I know the heart of life is good.”

 

heart theory Track List

a journey through the seven stages of grief

shock
1. “Hits me” (Lindsay Ell, Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder)

denial
2. “how good” (Lindsay Ell, Brandy Clark)
3. “i don’t lovE you” (Adam Hambrick, Melissa Fuller, Neil Medley)

anger
4. “wAnt me back” (Lindsay Ell, Kane Brown, Matt McGinn, Lindsay Rimes)
5. “get oveR you” (Lindsay Ell, Gordie Sampson, Kelly Archer)
6. “wrong girl” (Lindsay Ell, Steph Jones, Matt McGinn, Luke Niccoli)

bargaining
7. “body language of a breakup” (Lindsay Ell, Laura Veltz, Sam Ellis)

depression
8. “good on you” (Lindsay Ell, Sam Ellis, Micah Premnath)

testing
9. “The oTHEr side” (Lindsay Ell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt McGinn)
10. “gO to” (Lindsay Ell, Nicolle Gaylon, Jordan Reynolds)

acceptance
11. “make you” (Lindsay Ell, Brandy Clark)
12. “ReadY to love” (Lindsay Ell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt McGinn, Joey Hyde)

NYCS Staff Picks:
“make you”
“i don’t lovE you”
“how good”
“ReadY to love”
“wAnt me back”

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

‘heart theory’ 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.

 

 

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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!

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NYCS First Impression: Kane Brown MixTape Vol. 1

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Kane Brown Mixtape

Country superstar, Kane Brown dropped his highly anticipated Mix Tape Vol. 1 today (August 14). It contains seven tracks, all of which co-written by Brown, and includes singles “Cool Again” and “Be Like That” as well as three brand new songs. This is his first multi‐song project since his Platinum‐certified sophomore album, Experiment.

“Cool Again,” his current single on country radio, was inspired by a chilly night on a songwriting retreat. The song was originally about missing warm weather, but Brown and his writing team–Josh Hodge, Lindsay Rimes, and Matt McGinn—turned into a song about a relationship that recently fell apart. The singer just wants him and his ex to be ‘cool again’ and get back to last summer when they were happy together. Brown released a remix to the song with Nelly last week. Watch the video below:

“Be Like That,” his collaboration with Swae Lee and Khalid, is his current single to pop radio. Debuted back in February during his Worldwide Beautiful Tour but officially released on July 10th, this song is about someone contemplating whether or not they want to continue their relationship. The protagonist has a lot of negative things to say about this woman, but can’t understand why he’s not himself when she’s not around. “Be Like That” was the #1 most added song on top-40 radio the week after it was released on stations all across America, including New York’s own Z100.

Other previously released songs on this mixtape include “Worldwide Beautiful,” his song about acceptance and racial equality, and his collaboration with John Legend, “The Last Time I Say Sorry.” The latter, released on March 27th, is a love ballad in which the two display their vulnerability, regret, love, and compassion while, at the same time, showcase their strength and masculinity. The former of which was released ahead of schedule, as Brown used this song to express his thoughts on the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. He leaned heavily on his R&B influence for this track and all proceeds from the song are being funded to the Boys and Girls Club. He performed it at the BET Awards on June 28th. Watch it below:

“Didn’t Know What Love Was” sounds like nothing Brown has ever done before. With prevalent electric guitar, this track brings a 70s rock-sound to the EP. In the song, Brown states that he didn’t believe in love until he met this particular woman who changed his outlook on it. “Worship You” is another love song with a much different vibe. Brown blends a variety of string instruments with a backing bass beat, as the singer praises his significant other and describes her traits in religious terms; her kisses have a higher power, her body is divine and her smile makes him see the light. He teased this track on Instagram on May 15th. The video he posted features Brown and his wife, Katelyn dancing in the kitchen, singing to their daughter, Kingsley.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m a God-fearing Christian man / but if you were a religion then, damn / I don’t know what I’d do / I might have to worship you”

Just when you think Kane Brown is about to go fully pop, he drops a song like “BFE” to show he’s still country. BFE essentially means “middle of nowhere” (look up the actual definition on your own time) and this 90s country-sounding anthem praises the south and smalltown living. The fiddle and steel guitar on this track make it the perfect tailgate jam.

“I’m talkin’ Florida, ‘Bama, Georgia, Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas to Tennessee / So raise your beers, cheers, here’s to BFE”

Blending the genre line is what Kane Brown does best, and this mixtape is the epitome of that. Using his abundance of influences, he continues to showcase his creativity and shape the next generation of country music.

 

Kane Brown’s Mixtape Vol. 1 Track Listing:

  1. “Cool Again” (Kane Brown, Josh Hoge, Matt McGinn, Lindsay Rimes)
  2. “Be Like That” (Kane Brown, Khalif Brown, Alexander “Eskeerdo” Izquierdo, Khalid Robinson, Ryan Vojtesak, Mike Will)
  3. “Worship You” (Kane Brown, Alexander Izquierdo, Ryan Vojtesak, Matt McGinn)
  4. “BFE” (Kane Brown, Sam Ellis, Matt McGinn, Taylor Phillips, Will Weatherly)
  5. “Didn’t Know What Love Was” (Kane Brown, Shy Carter, Matt McGinn, Lindsay Rimes)
  6. “Last Time I Say Sorry (Kane Brown, John Stephens, Matt McGinn, Andrew Goldstein)
  7. “Worldwide Beautiful” (Kane Brown, Shy Carter, Ryan Hurd, Jordan Schmidt)

 

NYCS Picks:
1. BFE
2. Worship You

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

Kane Brown’s Mix Tape Vol. 1 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.

 

—————

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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Morgan Wallen Finally Drops Fan Favorite “7 Summers”

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7 Summers Morgan Wallen

All quarantine long, superstar in the making, Morgan Wallen has been keeping fans entertained via social media, teasing unreleased music, and playing music on Instagram Live. Continuing to keep fans happy, Wallen finally released the song everyone has been begging for, “7 Summers,” which has even been trending on TikTok.

As we anticipate the release of his sophomore album, “7 Summers” is just another taste of what’s to come, following “This Bar” and chart-rising single, “More Than My Hometown.” The brand new jam features everything that Wallen does best, including relatable lyrics and that East Tennessee charm. The singer reminisces about a long lost love in the personal and nostalgic song.

“Probably got a big ol’ diamond on your hand right now / Maybe a baby or a couple by now / Long driveway to a big white house / But I wonder when you’re drinking if you / find yourself thinking about / that boy from East Tennessee”

Written by Wallen with big name songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, “7 Summers” shares a story that so many can relate to. Everyone knows how it feels to look back into the past and think about where someone is now or what would have happened if circumstances were different. The rising artist manages to combine nostalgic lyrics with captivating and irresistible charm.

We expect “7 Summers” to be another hit to add to Wallen’s catalog of successful songs. It is only the beginning, and fans can rejoice that more new music is sure to come!

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

“7 Summers” 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.

 

—————

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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NYCS First Impression: RaeLynn ‘Baytown’ EP

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Baytown RaeLynn

Move over country boys, let me re-introduce you to a country girl! Rising artist, RaeLynn shines as bright as can be on her brand new EP entitled Baytown, inspired by her Texas hometown. Her country twang is at the forefront of each of the six tracks, but it is her sass, her confidence, her wordplay, and her stunning voice that steals the show. Check out our Up Close & Virtual interview below.

“Keep Up” sets the tone right away for what we can expect from the rest of the record. The hard-hitting, countrified tune is all about RaeLynn playing just as hard as the boys. RaeLynn sings about being “redneck,” being able to build and fix stuff with her hands, and of course, doing all the things the boys can do, but better. This age-old adage is perfectly personified in this sassy and confident jam.

The record progresses into a more mellow vibe with “Still Smokin” and “Fake Girl Town.” The former is a tune about a summer romance that turned into forever. Cleverly weaving literal examples of fire and smoke with the figurative heat and spark of a budding romance, RaeLynn paints the picture of how a relationship turned into a forever kind of thing. The sincere love song is fresh and exciting. “Yeah lemme tell you about a summer fling that turned to a fling that’s gonna last forever.”

The latter of course, “Fake Girl Town” continues to slow things down. The touching ballad sheds a much needed light on the detrimental culture that exists between girls. Unfortunately, society has encouraged women to be vicious and compete with each other rather than support and cheer each other on. The songstress is singing her heart out about wishing more girls could be there for one another but is confident that she will find the real ones among a sea of fakers. “I know they’re out here, somewhere / A two lane girl like me / I know they’re out here, somewhere / Chasing down their dream.”

Keeping the vulnerability going, the previously released, “Me About Me” is a full-fledged confession about the details of a break-up and a one-sided relationship. The heartbreakingly stunning mid-tempo song conveys a type of honesty that we only get from country music. “You would know if you asked me about me / Me about me.”

For fans who prefer the more in your face, fiery side of Raelynn, both “Judgin To Jesus” and the single, “Bra Off” fit the bill. The first is a boot-stomping jam and party song that will fit perfectly into a live show performance. “Bra Off” is a humorous and fierce expression of shedding your skin after a break-up. RaeLynn compares losing a guy to taking her bra off, admitting that she finally feels less suffocated. The female- anthem is just as hilarious, as it is brilliant.

It is safe to say that RaeLynn made her hometown proud with this record. The ‘Baytown’ native has sure evolved into a powerhouse singer-songwriter, and we love her newest project.

Keep up with RaeLynn on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Baytown 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 a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

NYCS Picks:
1. “Still Smokin”
2. “Fake Girl Town”

Baytown– EP Tracklist:
1. Keep Up
2. Still Smokin’
3. Fake Girl Town
4. Judgin’ To Jesus
5. Me About Me
6. Bra Off

 

—————

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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Jerrod Niemann Releases Two Tracks off Upcoming Project ‘Lost and Found’

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Jerrod Niemann

Photo Credit: Ryan Hamblin

After two years, and his first independent release in 15 years, Jerrod Niemann has returned with new music. Two songs off of the upcoming album, “Ghost Rider” and “Tequila Kisses”, introduce a rebranded, refocused artist that has once again been able to feel pride with his own music.

These new tracks, produced by the “Lover Lover” singer himself, take on a creative, compelling, and authentic feel that has never truly been heard from Niemann before. The lyrics hold a story, though, an abstract and unrevealing layer enables listeners to attempt to connect the dots through individual interpretation.

“’Ghost Rider’ was a song idea I came up with after going through my divorce,” Niemann explains in a statement. “People are often creatures of habit, and when you lose that person that has been constantly by your side for years, it’s like they are a ‘Ghost Rider’ in your life – at least for a little while. Hopefully, anyone going through a tough time will go for a ride, roll the windows down, and listen to this song – and maybe it will help them clear their heads and get some things figured out.”

Co-written by Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Niemann, and Lance Miller, “Ghost Rider” walks alongside many “love gone wrong” country songs such as Brett Young’s “Don’t Wanna Write This Song” or Luke Combs’ “Used to You”.

“I watched you leave, I watched you go / So, why’s it still feel like you’re next to me / Rolling down this back road / I try to drown you out with the radio too loud / But every song’s about you / Ghost Rider, Ghost Rider, yeah / Ghost Rider, Ghost Rider”

“Tequila Kisses”, co-written by Lee Brice and John Stone, is a unique a cappella track that Niemann recorded himself in his home studio called the Red Room. The song features 50 different vocals, all executed by the gold-certified “What Do You Want From Me” singer. It’s a mesmerizing and beautiful piece that is enhanced by Niemann’s soothing tone.

“Tequila kisses, going down / Getting longer, with every round / She don’t know me, she don’t mind / Tequila kisses tonight”

This new era of music, and the upcoming collection Lost and Found, is given to his listeners directly from Niemann. As a newly-independent artist, he is able to focus on finding a sound that fits the his new brand after 15 years in the genre.

To keep up with Jerrod Niemann, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Ghost Rider” and “Tequila Kisses” are 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:

NYCS First Impression Luke Bryan ‘Born Here Live Here Die Here’

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Luke Bryan

Country superstar Luke Bryan’s seventh studio album, Born Here Live Here Die Here is finally here! Originally scheduled to be released on April 24th, hardships caused by COVID-19 led Bryan and his team to delay it an additional three and a half months. His sixth studio album, What Makes You Country was released back in December of 2017, so it’s safe to say fans have been anxious for this one. It contains ten tracks, five of which were previously released and three of them (“Knockin’ Boots,” “What She Wants Tonight,” and “One Margarita”) have already reached the number one spot on the Billboard Country Airplay charts.


The lead single, “Knockin’ Boots,” was released in March of 2019. Written by Jon Nite, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson, the song’s hook is built around the Old Western euphemism for sex. In “What She Wants Tonight,” Bryan sings about the type of girl at the club who doesn’t have to wait in line or pay for drinks. She’s the one everybody wants and he’s the one lucky enough to take her home that night. This song was released in October and is one of Bryan’s three co-writes on the album. His latest single “One Margarita,” was released on March 13th, amidst the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Written by Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem, and Josh Thompson, this track lifted our spirits during a dark time, being all about alcohol, the beach, and good vibes. It hit number one on July 11th.


Two other previously tracks include the title track and “Build Me a Daddy.” “Born Here Live Here Die Here” is a patriotic song, dedicated to the small-town people who never left their hometown. Although this was not written by Bryan, it resonates with him very deeply as staying true to your roots has always been a major theme in his songs. “Build Me a Daddy” is the lone ballad on the record, sung from the perspective of a young boy who lost his father. In the song, he asks the man behind the counter of a toy shop if he could build him a new dad – a tall, strong one with a big heart. Bryan performed his song on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on June 18th. Watch it here:



It appears Bryan has not yet sobered up from the woman in his 2012 hit-song, “Drunk On You” as in 2020, he remains “Too Drunk To Drive.” In this second Bryan co-write, it is not the alcohol that impairs him but the way his woman looks tonight, making him incapable to drive home, leaving them wondering what they could do to pass the time.

“Maybe wreck some sheets, crash your lips into mine and not even make the news / These four walls are safer than them two lanes / You pour ’em tall when you start whispering my name / Ain’t no blue light, line walkin’ happening tonight”

“Little Less Broken” features a man at the bar sipping Johnnie Walker Black in an effort to get over an ex-girlfriend. Much to his displeasure, she walks into the same bar, showing no signs of hurt from the breakup. In this catchy chorus, he expressed how he didn’t expect her to move on so fast, realizing that hearts don’t break 50/50 and her heart is a little less broken than his.

“Looks like I’m movin’ just a little less on with this / Looks like your world has got a little less wrong with it / Looks like it took you just a little less time / Looks like your heart’s just a little less broken than mine”

“For a Boat” is a sweet song about loving what you have and not what you don’t. The man in the song recalls learning all of life’s most important lessons fishing on a bank, instead of on a boat. Growing up “too broke for a boat” taught him the value of money, patience, family, and much more.

“And just about then that bobber would sink / And that outboard dream of mine would disappear / I grew up pretty lucky as far as lucky goes / Too broke for a boat”

Written by Bryan and Brent Cobb, “Where Are We Goin’” starts out with a somewhat bluegrass sound and transitions into a structurally unique track with no real verses or chorus. After the bar closes, the two young lovers contemplate what to do with the rest of the night. Backed by a mystery songstress, Bryan sings about letting love guide the uncertainty of what’s to come in a relationship.

“Where are we going? If this is love / There’s no way to know but just between the two of us /
It all feels so right with you in my arms / Where it’s going, I don’t know, but let’s keep following our hearts”

The final track, “Down to One,” has a heavy pop-production. Written by Dallas Davidson, Justin Ebach, and Kyle Fishman, the protagonist in the song reflects on the night he truly fell in love and decided this was the one girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

“My heart was tellin’ me that one more kiss and I’d be done / Down to one hand in mine / Down to one beautiful smile / I was done with the girl I want / Straight fallin’ in love, right there that night / Down to one”

Although this record was much shorter than his previous ones, it was certainly worth the wait! Born Here Live Here Die Here touches upon all the major themes in country music, from heartbreak, love, growing up, and having a good time. This album is a testament to who Luke Bryan is as a singer-songwriter and is a great representation of why he continues to dominate the charts and remain as one of country music’s top artists and performers.

Born Here Live Here Die Here Tracklist:
1. “Knockin’ Boots” (Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite, Gordie Sampson)
2. “What She Wants Tonight” (Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite)
3. “Born Here Live Here Die Here” (Jake Mitchell Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson)
4. “One Margarita” (Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
5. “Too Drunk to Drive” (Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Brandon Kinney)
6. “Build Me a Daddy” (Jake Mitchell, Josh, Thompson Brett Tyler)
7. “Little Less Broken” (Michael Carter, Lindsay Rimes, Matt Rogers)
8. “For a Boat” (Randy Montana, Josh Thompson, Mike Walker)
9. “Where Are We Goin'” (Luke Bryan, Brent Cobb)
10. “Down to One” (Dallas Davidson, Justin Ebach, Kyle Fishman)

NYCS Picks:
1. For a Boat
2. Too Drunk to Drive
3. Little Less Broken

Keep up with Bryan by following him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

 

 

—————

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:

 

Dan + Shay Announce Rescheduled 2021 Tour Dates

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As 2020 shows and tours are continuously canceled or postponed throughout the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan + Shay’s The (Arena) 2020 Tour becomes the latest to post an update. The entire tour is being postponed and shifted to brand new 2021 dates.

This morning Grammy-award winning duo Dan + Shay took to Instagram to share the new dates, adding a heartfelt message to their fans.

 “thank you to our fans for being so patient while we worked through the rescheduling of the (arena) tour. we’re absolutely crushed that it wasn’t able to happen this year, but your safety is more important to us than anything, so we made the difficult decision to move the tour to 2021. even though it seems like an eternity, the new year will be here before we know it, and we promise it will be worth the wait.  we miss you all so much (seriously, more than you even know), and hope that you’re staying well in the meantime.  all tickets for the original shows will be honored at the rescheduled dates.  and it hurts our hearts to say this, but unfortunately, some of the shows were not able to be rescheduled.  we tried everything in our power to include as many as we possibly could, but the global pandemic has left our industry fighting an uphill battle, especially when it comes to logistics.  if your show is one that has been canceled, or if you are unable to attend a rescheduled date, you can get a refund at your point of purchase.  details aside, just know that we care about every single one of you, and are grateful, as always, for your continued support.  it’s been a rollercoaster of a year, but hopefully we’ll become better because of it.  much love to all, and see you on the road in 2021. 💛”

 

One of the big highlights in their 2020 tour announcement was a SOLD OUT stop at Madison Square Garden. Luckily for New York Country music fans, the new dates include a show at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’ on September 16th, 2021.

For a full list of the new dates, visit the Instagram post here.

Tickets purchased for 2020 will be honored for the rescheduled 2021 dates. All ticket holders will be emailed directly with their refund options.

The new dates for the tour announcement comes on the heels of their latest project, “I Should Probably Go To Bed”, a brand new song which was released on Friday (July 31st).

To keep up with Dan + Shay, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

—————

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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Josh Kerr and Emily Falvey Duet on “Thought This Through”

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josh Kerr Thought This Through

Since June, Josh Kerr has been releasing one song every month with plans to release twelve over the next 9 months. First came the breezy “Fall in Love”, written by Kerr and Emily Falvey, who is heard wistfully singing harmonies as if from a distance. Today he released “Thought This Through”, featuring Falvey, and it’s the perfect pop-country breakup jam to cap off summer. Although separate songs, it’s as if “Thought This Through” picks off right where “Fall in Love” left off.

“Should’ve known it would feel like this/Should’ve known how you’d fix your hair”, Kerr sings on the first verse, talking to himself as he sees his ex at a bar. Despite what he’d always imagined, he doesn’t feel calm, cool, and collected. He feels like he made a mistake as soon as he sees her with someone new. The production is slick; the snap-track lifts everything up as does the catchy guitar and banjo melody. When the chorus hits, the beat builds, and Falvey’s voice layered with Kerr’s is dreamy.

“I played out how this moment would go/Girl I swear/I thought I thought this through/That I knew what I’d do/Then I saw you walk into this bar with someone new/And I thought that I could act/Forgot I want us back/Turns out that after all this time it’s still too soon/I thought I thought this through”

When Falvey’s stunning voice comes in on the second verse, it changes the entire dynamic of the song; it’s now a conversation between two exes. “Didn’t think it would all rush back/Didn’t think you’d be here alone”, she sings candidly. When the chorus hits again, both Kerr and Falvey admit, “I thought I thought this through/Now I don’t know what to do/’Cause I think that I just might still be in love with you”. It leaves the listener wondering if the couple will reconcile or if they’ll keep their feelings to themselves.

This isn’t the first time Josh Kerr has featured another voice on his songs. “Oklahoma” featured Heather Morgan, “How Do You Know” with Amy Wadge, and “Only” featured his wife, Taylor Dye. It’s such a thoughtful and interesting choice to feature songwriters rather than radio artists because it’s his way of honoring the Nashville writing community. Emily Falvey is one of Nashville’s hidden gems; she is among so many incredible voices coming out of Music City that fans don’t get to hear as often, and thanks to Josh’s music, we get a taste.

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

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

“Thought This Through” 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.

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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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Kane Brown & Nelly Team Up to Release “Cool Again” Remix

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Kane Brown Nelly Cool Again

Just over three months ago Kane Brown, who has had massive success in the country music genre, released a new single “Cool Again”. Although many projects followed that release, Kane Brown has partnered up with American rapper and singer-songwriter, Nelly, to bring it back to the April release that calls for summer-lovin’, care-free vibes.

“Cool Again (feat. Nelly)” adds to the already catchy melody and good-feeling lyrics with an additional verse from the new accompaniment that is no stranger to country music. In Nelly’s 2004 track “Over and Over”,  Tim McGraw laid down some vocals, and Florida Georgia Line joined forces with the “Dilemma” and “Ride wit Me” singer on a remix of their 2012 hit “Cruise”. Around the same time, Nelly released his seventh studio album “M.O.” which also included a collaboration with Florida Georgia Line on a track titled “Walk Away”.

Now, Nelly has returned to country music with a powerful and intriguing stand-alone segment in this new, remixed version of Kane Brown’s “Cool Again”.

“Yeah, yeah / Ayo, cool again / I really wish that I was kickin’ back with you again / Atop the penthouse, somewhere checkin’ out the view again / ‘Cause every time we do it, it’s like new again, it feels like new again / Do I need you so? / I’m missin’ all that body / Oh, the head to toe / Can’t somebody, anybody, tell me? Oh / I just need to ask ’em, “Where the love did go?” / I just wanna be (Cool again, cool again, cool again, cool again)”

Written by Josh Hoge, Brown, Lindsay Rimes, and Matt McGinn, “Cool Again” has widened its audience with brand-new words from Nelly and it feels like this track was always meant to have that unmistakable energy of bringing voices together.

To keep up with Kane Brown, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Cool Again” 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:

Randy Travis Reintroduces Himself With “Fools Love Affair”

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Randy Travis Fool's Love Affair

Since a stroke in 2013 took the voice of one of the biggest multi-genre record sellers of all time, Randy Travis has continued to have a presence in music with five album releases involving previously recorded religious numbers, as well as dedications to prior country music, hits from some of the greatest influences in the genre. Last month, Travis has broken any previous notions that new music is out of the question. A brand-new single titled “Fools Love Affair” has been released, which marks the first radio single for Travis in seven years. Though, the story behind this song becoming public was years in the making.

Written by Charlie Monk, Keith Stegall, and Milton Brown in the early 1980s, and recorded by Travis around the same time, “Fools Love Affair” is given an audience after almost 40 years with help from long-time producer Kyle Lehning. A lot of hands went into this project, though Monk is the one to thank for recovering the demo and sending it to Travis’ team after searching through storage specifically to refocus the light upon the country music icon.

All this effort and loyalty paid off, because “Fools Love Affair” is not only a reminder of Travis’ distinctive and influential voice per Rolling Stone but also of the path that the 2016 Country Music Hall of Famer planted in country music.

“It’s a fool’s love affair / And we’re both aware / It’s a game and nobody wins / We can’t reveal the love that we feel / So we’ll just keep it this way til it ends”

Across his career and through these trying years, Travis has consistently acted as an influence and inspiration for fellow country music artists and singer-songwriters. The Grand Ole Opry member, inducted in 1986, has maintained his presence in music with special collections such as ‘The Man I Am’ Vol. 1 and 2., ‘Precious Memories (Worship and Faith)’, and now, “Fools Love Affair”. These projects show the strength and discipline that is engraved in Travis, his team, and devoted colleagues. With them, and his incredible wife Mary, Travis has been able to evolve in a life with aphasia through regular physical therapy sessions while releasing “Fools Love Affair” on the 35th anniversary of his debut radio single “On the Other Hand”.

“Fools Love Affair” seems to be the start of a new era, and his listeners cannot be more intrigued for what the future may hold. Josh Turner has recently announced a soon-to-be-released country classics album titled ‘Country State of Mind’ which will include vocals from Travis on the cover of “Forever and Ever, Amen”.

Travis’ impact on country music has been, and always will be, permanent, and his music, both old and new, will continue to speak for him. Though, with this seemingly timid yet remarkable return, his actions speak for themselves.

To keep up with Randy Travis, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Fool’s Love Affair” 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: