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

 

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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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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!

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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.

 

 

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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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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.

—————

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:

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.

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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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Darius Rucker Completes Your Summer with “Beers and Sunshine”

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Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker just released “Beers and Sunshine,” his first solo country radio single since 2018 chart-topper and number one song “For The First Time,” and it just made this crappy summer 10x better.

Written by Rucker, J.T. Harding, Josh Osborne, and Ross Copperman over a zoom call, “Beers and Sunshine” may not only be the theme song of the summer but also 2020. Let’s face it, with one bad headline after another, the world has been a tough place lately. We could all use a break from reality. This song is that break. It not only reminds you to turn off the TV, but it also reminds you to take a breath and enjoy the little things in life.

In a recent press release, the award-winning singer shared, “It’s certainly been a hard year so far with a lot of heaviness around us constantly.”  “Like it says in the song, I don’t know how we fix any of these big, real issues that we’re facing, but while we work through this time I think it’s important that we find the silver lining where we can really enjoy the little moments and the simple joys of time spent together with friends and family.”

“Cause everybody’s down in a world gone crazy/ Don’t know how to fix it but I think maybe / Turn on the good times, turn off the TV/ Yeah, the only BS I need is beers and sunshine”

While shows may be put on hold, the singer-songwriter has been finding creative ways to perform, stay in touch with his fans, and raise money for a great cause. His popular event Darius and Friends, where he has raised $255,000 and counting  for  the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital,  was live-streamed from the Grand Old Opry, where fans got a sneak peek of “Beers and Sunshine.”   He also recently played Nashville’s Nissan Stadium for a “Live at the Drive-In” Show.

Rucker certainly has been busy and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

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

“Beers and Sunshine”  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!

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

NYCS First Impression: Cassadee Pope ‘Rise and Shine’

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Rise and Shine Cassadee Pope

As fast as it started, summer is slowly winding down. Soon enough, the days will get shorter and the weather colder. Today, August 6th, Cassadee Pope released her third studio album, the acoustic Rise and Shine and it’s the perfect soundtrack to transition you into fall. It’s warm, nostalgic, and exciting. There’s a song for every season and feeling.

The first track, “Let Me Go”, and the final, “Built This House”, were the first of the eight to be released. “Let Me Go,” tells the story of a relationship that has run it’s course, while “Built This House” is more of a reflection of once you’re on the other side of the breakup. “Counting on the Weather”, written by the artist along with Bobby Huff, and Blair Daly is the most classic Pope, rhythmically and lyrically. It’s incredibly distinct, and it sounds like it was made for a late Indian Summer night.

A project like this is a reminder of why Pope won NBC’s The Voice all those years ago. Not only is she a true artist with a vision, but she has one of the most spectacular and versatile voices in all of country music. This is showcased on the entire album, but especially on moments like “Hangover” and “Hoodie”. Both are early-2000s sounding and reminiscent of her alternative roots.

“Rise and Shine is a collection of songs that talk about where I’ve been and where I’m headed,” says Pope in a statement. “I wanted people to hear these in their purest form so I went with a more stripped back sound that really lets the lyrics stand out. My hope is that these songs help aid people into feeling every emotion they need to let out.”

The standout on the record is “California Dreaming”, which she sings with boyfriend and fellow singer-songwriter/actor Sam Palladio. It starts with a gorgeous, pensive guitar and builds as soon as Pope’s voice comes in. When Palladio joins her at the chorus, they soar together, and it is bound to give you goosebumps. It’s nostalgic and really thoughtful. “I’ve been flying and crying, trying to leave you where I’ve been/But the cracks in my heart always let you back in/Keep trying to lose you in the Hollywood Hills/but I’m California dreaming still”, they sing on the chorus. The guitar is melodic but doesn’t overpower their vocals. It sounds like it could be straight off the show Nashville, while still sounding retro.

The title track, “Rise and Shine” is soothing in every way; it’s perfect for the times we’re living in now. Written by Pope, Danny Orton, Matt Scannell is the beautifully serene song about getting up every morning and choosing to fight for yourself and your worth. It sounds like waking up early in the morning and seeing the sunshine through the blinds.

Modern country music has become more produced over the years, so it’s refreshing to see an artist as successful as Cassadee Pope step back and let the lyrics and her voice do the talking. Right now what we need most is music and art to transport us, and this album does that successfully. As Cassadee sings, “you know it’s always darkest before the dawn, so rise and shine”.

Rise and Shine Track Listing:
Let Me Go (Cassadee Pope, Tina Parol, Kevin Rudolph)
Hoodie (Cassadee Pope, Johan Fransson, Emily Weisband)
California Dreaming (Cassadee Pope, Alex Kline, Shane Stevens)
Counting On The Weather (Cassadee Pope, Bobby Huff, Blair Daly)
Hangover (Cassadee Pope, Butch Walker)
Rise and Shine (Cassadee Pope, Danny Orton, Matt Scannell)
Sand Paper (Cassadee Pope, Alex Kline, Shane Stevens)
Built This House (Cassadee Pope, Forest Glen Whitehead, Kelly Archer)

NYCS Picks:
California Dreaming
Counting On The Weather
Rise and Shine

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

‘Rise and Shine’ 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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Lauren Alaina Explores Ambitious Moments In “Run”

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Lauren Alaina Run

With a current single “Getting Good”, that peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales in October and came to life with singer-songwriter Emily Weisband and producer David Garcia, as well as a current EP that was released in March, Lauren Alaina is back with more. A new track titled “Run” has been introduced to begin the next phase of music and her upcoming EP Getting Over Him is due out Labor Day weekend.

“Run” is meant to explore those non-stop, ambitious moments that often take control over the decisions we make in order to get to where we want to go. “We are all running. Constantly. Non-Stop. Even in this quarantine, we are all still the busiest we’ve ever been. Life just keeps going and going and going in unbelievable paces as we try to race ourselves to the next thing,” Alaina explains in a statement. “My idea with the song was to refer to examples of all things that run because no matter what your walk of life is, we are all racing to the next thing. We are all trying to get where we are going. We all get our hearts broken. We all have these childhood dreams. We ‘run’ to make it all happen.”

“Run, living life like it’s a highway and we’re all stuck in drive / Like a preacher on a Sunday, always going overtime / Like the muddy water rushing, in the river outside of town / Yeah, the clock just keeps on running and we can’t slow down / No matter where we’re going / No matter where we’re from / Oh-oh, oh-oh / We’re all born to run”

Though fans of this Georgia native, who has become one of the most established and admired upcoming female country artists, have not been given a full-length album since 2017, Alaina has not been quiet. There have been consistent releases of singles and EP’s while taking part in a variety of different collaborations such as Kane Brown’s #1 and 5x Platinum hit “What Ifs” and Chris Young’s 2019 “Town Ain’t Big Enough”.

This steady activity through diverse projects, in addition to her own, is a testament to how devoted Alaina is to music. And to where she wants to go next. “Run”, written by Ben Johnson, Kennedi Lyyken, and the artist herself is a journal entry with instrumental components that shamelessly declares the desire for more, and the tendency to keep on running.

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

“Run” 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: