News Archives

Morgan Wade: ‘PSYCHOPATH’ Album Review

August 25, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Dylan Bestler

Morgan Wade’s brand new album, PSYCHOPATH is out now, August 25th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Morgan Wade was one of country music’s top breakout stars in 2021 when she released her debut album, Reckless, with Thirty Tigers. The album proved to be successful, selling over 3,000 copies its first week. Its lead single, “Wilder Days” reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot Country chart. Covering subjects of sobriety, mental health, and past relationships, the record was critically acclaimed for its raw and authentic story telling—Rolling Stone even named it the Best Country Album of the year. Psychopath follows suit. From top to bottom, these songs are unique and real, and while personal to the Virginia-native, it can relate to a variety of listeners on many different levels.

“When I started working on Psychopath I was nervous (still am) about following such a ‘critically-acclaimed’ album. But as I sit here and listen to this art that Sadler and I created (again), I am proud,” Wade humbly stated in a recent press release. “This record shows where I have been since Reckless, and where I’m at now.”

This album’s main themes are overcoming early hardship and experiencing true love. Wade released the title track in May—a mostly stripped-down love story about how two people can love each other through the good, bad, and wild times. The beachy sounding “Fall In Love With Me” was also previously released, and features the protagonist trying to woo her crush. The comical music video features Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Kyle Richards.

The project kicks off with the upbeat yet vulnerable “Domino.” The singer paints a vivid picture of her current well-being with the creative, yet grim line “My roses are dead, all my pills are blue. The house is a wreck; my head is, too.” However, she is grateful she has someone in her life she can lean on for support.

“80s Movie” and “Want” touch on desires of love. In the former, Wade refers to popular films of the decade including Grease, Dirty Dancing, and When Harry Met Sally. The music video has the singer sporting the vest Michael J. Fox’s character, Marty McFly made popular in Back To The Future. The latter is a slow, seductive piano-driven ballad where she doesn’t shy away from her strong feelings for this person.

“Phantom Feelings” and “Outrun Me” both feature popular songwriters—Julia Michaels, and Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna, respectively. While “Phantom Feelings” is a melancholy story of someone who can’t get over their latest love interest, “Outrun Me” is told from the perspective of someone who is okay with the breakup but knows the other will regret walking away.

In “Losers Like Me” and “Meet Somebody” Wade channels her rock n’ roll influence. Backed by heavy electric guitar, the former sounds like it could be a Joan Jett cut. The protagonist expresses her frustration at not being able to find any good candidates to have a stable relationship with. In front a pounding bass, the singer in “Losers Like Me” described the big plans she had when she was 16. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out in her favor, and now the “losers” she passes in the street look just like her—alone.

“We said we wouldn’t get jobs and we’d burn our bras // We wouldn’t turn out nothing like our moms // I didn’t, but I wish I did”

Speaking of rockstars, tracks 5 and 6 share the name of rock legends. “Guns and Roses” is a dramatic ballad that touches on the unpredictability of relationships.” “Alanis” is an ode to the “Ironic” singer. She admires the passion and truth in her music and her ability to ignore what other people think of her. Wade admits it was her influence that helped her “be brave and keep the demons away.”

The album’s closer, “27 Club,” is by far the heaviest and most real. The singer speaks of her fragile mental health issues. The darkest line is in the third verse, “And some nights when I’m feeling suicidal, I could reach for the gun, I could reach for the bottle, but it’s great. At least now I’m getting paid.” Drugs, alcohol, or money can’t distract her from the dastardly voices in her head. Two verses later, she name-drops her hit “Wilder Days,” stating it’s the only reason why this “Beverly Hills hottie” is giving her the time of day.

They say that your second album is the toughest to craft, especially when your first is such an overwhelming success. The second album is the true test of the artist’s ability and could potentially determine the direction of the artist’s career. Morgan Wade’s Psychopath did not disappoint, and we suspect this young talent to be a strong, female voice to be reckoned with in the industry for a long, long time.

“Regardless of what people say about Psychopath, I’m proud because I feel like it showcases where I am at this moment in time,” Wade confessed. “I have no choice but to be authentic. And I have to feel what I feel. And right now, I’m really feeling the music. I hope you can feel my authenticity and that you can get something out of this project.”

PSYCHOPATH Track List:

Domino (Morgan Wade/Ashley Monroe/Sadler Vaden/Butch Walker)
80’s Movie (Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden)
Losers Look Like Me (Morgan Wade)
Roman Candle (Morgan Wade)
Guns and Roses (Morgan Wade/Natalie Hemby/Sadler Vaden)
Alanis (Morgan Wade/Natalie Hemby/Sadler Vaden)
Phantom Feelings (Morgan Wade/Julia Michaels/Ben Rice)
Psychopath (Morgan Wade)
Outrun Me (Morgan Wade/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose/Sadler Vaden)
Want (Morgan Wade/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
Fall In Love With Me (Morgan Wade)
Meet Somebody (Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden)
27 Club (Morgan Wade)

Country Swag Picks:

Losers Like Me
Meet Somebody
27 Club
Alanis

Morgan Wade shares brand new album, ‘PSYCHOPATH,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

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

Here is Zach Bryan’s Brand New Self-Titled Album

August 25, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Zach Bryan’s brand new self-titled album is out now, August 25th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

One of country music’s fastest rising superstars, Zach Bryan is releasing his highly anticipated sophomore album. The self-titled project is officially out now. Full of sixteen songs, including killer collaborations with artists like War and Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, Kacey Musgraves, and The Lumineers, the album leaves fans hanging on to each and every track.

“Really proud to call the writing and production on somethin’ all mine,” Bryan shared on social media. “Thank y’all for your patience, I didn’t make this album to appease people who will never be happy anyways, I made it for my people, hope everyone has a good weekend.”

Zach Bryan’s self-titled album is a must-listen to. Checkout all the new songs and listen below!

Zach Bryan Track List:

Fear & Friday’s (poem)
Overtime
Summertime’s Close
East Side of Sorrow
Hey Driver (ft. War and Treaty)
Fear and Friday’s
Ticking
Holy Roller (ft. Sierra Ferrell)
Jake’s Piano/ Long Island
El Dorado
I Remember Everything (ft. Kacey Musgraves)
Tourniquet
Spotless (ft. The Lumineers)
Tradesman
Smaller Acts
Oklahoma Son

Zach Bryan’s self-titled album is out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Zach Bryan, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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

Who Is Jay Allen? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

August 24, 2023/in Blog, News, Swag Spotlight /by Erica Zisman

Who is Jay Allen? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Jay Allen
Birthday – 6/6/1986
Hometown – Cedar Falls, Iowa
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Matchbox Twenty, Kylie Morgan, 3 Doors Down, Casting Crowns, Chris Daughtry
Label – ONErpm
Current Single – “Heart Ain’t Gonna Break Itself” (As of article date – 8/21/2023)

The Beginning:

Today we shine our spotlight on an artist who you may recognize from his stint on the popular show, ‘The Voice.’ Jay Allen is as humble and as talented as it gets. His career in country music has been full of winding roads that have led him to where he is now.

“I grew up in a small town in Iowa. I come from a very humble place,” began Allen. The singer-songwriter recalls growing up with music always in his grasp. Besides being introduced to music from the church, Allen credits his parents for introducing him to both the country and rock genres. “My mother was a diehard country radio listener. She’s the reason why I think country music found me,” shared Allen. Adding, “She couldn’t fall asleep without the country radio station on. I don’t think my dad slept their entire 30 years of marriage.”

On the other hand, Allen’s father introduced him to rock music. “My dad on the other hand is a hippie. He had a mullet back when mullets were cool the first time and is covered in tattoos. He came downstairs once when I was a kid, and I think I was ten years old, and he had a jean jacket on with his collar popped, and handed me a matching one and said, “it’s time to go to your first concert.” He took me to Kansas opening up for Styx, some old rock band.”

Allen fell in love with rock music for the energy and country music for the storytelling, both aspects he went on to include in his own music years later. He started writing and singing music at just eleven years old, when he got his first guitar. “The sound and the love for both genres is all of it together for me. If you come to one of my shows, that’s exactly what it is, almost like an alternative rock show with the storytelling that comes from country music.”

The Turning Point:

After spending some time working as a successful music director for churches across the country, Allen’s girlfriend at the time convinced him to test the waters in Nashville, Tennessee. “I never thought I’d go to Nashville […] I just never thought that I would do it. I was succeeding and very happy with what I was doing,” he shared. Eventually giving in and making the move.

“I moved to Nashville ten years ago with nothing to my name, just a suitcase full of clothes and one guitar,” shared the singer, who believes that God was with him every step of the way. “A friend of mine knew a couple that lived right outside of Nashville and they basically had a full-on apartment on the backside of their house. Without even meeting me, they agreed to let me stay there as long as I needed to get on my feet. I immediately got a full-time job and starting to try to get plugged into Nashville. […] For four months, at the top of every month, I would write a check and put it in their kitchen for rent, and the next day, it never failed, they would put it back in my apartment. They were absolute angels.”

Quite quickly, Allen formed a band and landed his first record deal in Nashville, only to have it all fall through nine months later. Because of the heartbreak, the singer wanted to move back home. “I had decided I was going to play one last show in Nashville, which is funny because I had only been in Nashville for a year. […] I remember I played at this venue called ‘3rd and Lindsley’ and there were five people at the bar, and they didn’t care that I was singing my heart out on stage,” he shared.

After the gig, Allen was approached by Billy Currington, who gave him advice that changed everything for him.”He said do me a favor and never leave. […] He said, “a little bit of wisdom, last men standing win.”” The singer decided to stay, and little by little, his dreams started to become a reality. He landed a publishing deal, which later turned in a management deal, and his recored deal.

One major highlight so far in his career though was raising 100 million dollars for Alzheimers research thanks to a beautiful song called, “Blank Stares,” which he wrote after his mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. “I got a call from the president of SONY, and he said, if you make a promise to me that every dime we make off this song will go towards raising awareness towards this disease or helping to fund research to find a cure or treatment, I will make sure to get it in front of the right people.”

Today:

Now, armed with a record deal and a beautiful outlook on life, Allen is ready to bring more music to his growing fanbase. After the success of “Blank Stares,” the singer’s new record label wanted him to get a chance to release something fun, that song was called “Jello Shot.” The track showed fans a new side to Allen and his talent.

The singer’s most recent song, “Heart Ain’t Gonna Break Itself” showcases his ability to pick songs that work for him and his voice. “I loved the song, so that’s why we cut it and released that,” he shared. “I remember I was like I played a show, and I was driving through the outskirts of Vegas, and I cranked it up, and I was already singing along by chorus one.”

Allen also shared, “I kept going back and forth because I didn’t write it, but I came up here in the songwriting community though, and it’s a grind, and I lived in these writer’s room […] I wanted to support the songwriting community and I plan to cut more songs that I didn’t write because of that. […] There’s so many songs that deserve to be heard.”

Allen is a true artist, and fans can anticipate more new music coming down the pipeline soon, including a duet with RaeLynn. Keep your eyes and ears open for Allen and he shares more and more of his talent!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Jay Allen, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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

Alana Springsteen: ‘Twenty Something: Getting It Right’ Album Review

August 18, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Part 3 of Alana Springsteen’s debut album, Twenty Something: Getting It Right is out now, August 18th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Alana Springsteen is an artist to look out for. For her debut album, Springsteen chose to split the record into three parts, giving specific groups of songs in each edition. Today, the final part of her debut record, Twenty Something is officially here. The third part is called “Twenty Something: Getting It Right” featuring six brand new songs.

While part one of the record, Messing It Up was heartbreaking, and part two, Figuring It Out was introspective, Getting It Right is inspiring and exciting. “I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for the release of Getting It Right. Not only because it marks all of my debut album TWENTY SOMETHING being out in the world, but also because I’m finally at a place where I can start talking about some of the really fulfilling moments I’ve experienced over the past year or so,” shared Springsteen in a new press release. “I’ve found my way out of a really dark season of heartbreak and self-discovery, and it’s been a real roller coaster of a ride. On the other side of all of that, I’ve found this really empowering, fulfilling, steady sense of self.”

The record kicks off with a beautiful song called “taylor did.” Springsteen shares how music is truly the backdrop to our lives. For her, Taylor Swift was a mainstay, helping her get through and understand many experiences in her life growing up.

The records continues with “different kinda country” and “cowboys and tequila.” Both songs showcase Springsteen’s undeniable talent. On “different kinda country,” the singer makes peace with the fact that her kind of country is beach-country. She sheds a light on that country music can sound and look different, but ultimately it is about the connection to home and music – something she does effortlessly. “different kinda country” is a true standout on the record.

On “cowboys and tequila,” Springsteen leans into her strong and sassy side. Cleary someone who knows what a broken heart feels like, the singer shares that both cowboys and tequila are “two things [she] doesn’t chase.” This song feels like the perfect addition to Springsteen’s live shows. On “thinkin’ straight,” Springsteen showcases her flirty side. Unapologetically herself, the rising artist brings a much needed fun-loving song to the project.

Similarly on “look i like,” the songstress leans into the vulnerability of falling for someone new. The song feels hopeful, which is a nice look on Springsteen. “I wrote ‘look i like’ with Shane McAnally and Pete Good,” shared this songstress in a recent press release. “I remember every second of that day because I had never written a song like this before. That session was the first time I remember feeling ready to explore the emotions that come with truly wanting someone again.”

On the last track of her debut project, “amen,” Springsteen bares her soul, setting the stage for her life, her music, and what’s to come. The confessional song is all about trusting yourself, knowing that things change, and that it’s okay to mess up sometimes. The addition of the voicemail from her mother embedded into the song adds to the theme of the track. “amen” is the perfect song to bookend the debut project.

Springsteen is the real deal! Twenty Something is an incredible debut by the rising star. Each of the three parts solidify her extraordinary talent and growing staying power. Getting It Right was the perfect note to end the impressive 18-song album with! Congrats to Springsteen for an incredible debut outing.

Twenty Something: Getting It Right Track List:

taylor did (Alana Springsteen, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Alysa Vanderheym)
different kinda country (Alana Springsteen, Josh Dorr, Nick Bailey)
cowboys and tequila (Alana Springsteen, Paul DiGiovanni, Parker Welling, Josh Dorr)
thinkin’ straight (Alana Springsteen, Shay Mooney, Ryan “Rykeyz” Williamson, Geoff Warburton)
look i like (Alana Springsteen, Shane McAnally, Pete Good)
amen (Alana Springsteen, Delacey, Sarah Solovay, Ido Zmishlany)

Part 3 of Alana Springsteen’s album, ‘Twenty Something: Getting It Right’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

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

Old Dominion & Megan Moroney Collaborate on New Song “Can’t Break Up Now”

August 18, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Old Dominion and Megan Moroney share new song, “Can’t Break Up Now,” out now, August 18th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

There is nothing like a country music collaboration! Today platinum-selling group, Old Dominion collaborate with rising superstar, Megan Moroney on a brand new song. Their new song, “Can’t Break Up Now” is officially out now.

According to Old Dominion frontman, Matthew Ramsey, this song came to fruition because love is a hard and complicated emotion to embody. He shared in a recent press release,“In a world that is increasingly dominated by social media our attention spans are growing ever shorter. In the glow of our phones, it can be easy to miss the millions of little moments and memories that stack up to build a real love. That is, until you’re on the brink of losing it. That’s the picture we are painting with ‘Can’t Break Up Now.'”

Both Moroney and Old Dominion do an incredible job conveying the push-pull of having so much history with someone. Ramsey adds later, “[Megan’s] performance really reinforces waking up, realizing what you’ve got — and know it’s worth fighting for.” The song is a true reminder that we have to fight for the things and the people we love, even during hard times.

“Can’t Break Up Now” is one of the best collaborations of the year so far. Old Dominion and Moroney showcase both of their talents perfectly, and the track is one that is sure to imprint on all of our hearts.

Old Dominion and Megan Moroney collaborate on a new song, “Can’t Break Up Now.”

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

To keep up with Old Dominion, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Megan Moroney, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Can’t Break Up Now” 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.

Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani Pay Tribute to The Judds with Iconic Cover

August 18, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

In a new project to pay tribute to The Judds, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani collaborate on a cover of the song, “Love Is Alive,” out now, August 18th on all streaming platforms. Listen below!

Country music never forgets to appreciate and pay homage to the musical acts that paved the way for modern-day musicians both in and out of the genre. In a new project called A Tribute To The Judds, artists are getting together to cover the iconic songs in The Judds’ catalog. Today, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton share their rendition of “Love Is Alive” to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Judds’ legacy.

Both Stefani and Shelton are absolute mainstays and superstars in their perspective genres. Each singer knows how to perfectly execute a story through song. This is exactly what they do, as they pay homage to The Judds’ song, “Love Is Alive.” The rendition is mellow, bluesy, and effortlessly believable. It seems that since Stefani and Shelton are married and in love that they can truly convey the message of the beautiful song, “Love Is Alive.”

While the full record does not come out until October 27th, fans can look forward to more beautiful tributes to The Judds. Artists like Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson, and Jelly Roll all lend their voices to the iconic project. Stay tuned for more music!

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani collaborate on “Love Is Alive,” a tribute to The Judds.

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

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

“Love Is Alive” 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.

The Frontmen Share Two New Country Songs for Fans

August 18, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

The Frontmen are sharing two new songs for country fans including, “It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas,” out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new songs here.

Back in March, The Frontmen officially signed with BMG/BBR Music Group. The trio comprised of Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas) and Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), are absolute veterans in the country music industry. Combining their talents into an exciting new act is exactly what we all needed. Today, The Frontmen release two new songs,”It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas.”

On “It Was Always You,” The Frontmen bring their iconic voices to center stage. The song feels nostalgic and like coming home upon listening. It also feels stage-ready, clearly something that The Frontmen know a thing or two about. Similarly, on “God Blessed Texas,” The Frontmen prime a song that is fun and made for the live show. High-energy and uptempo, “God Blessed Texas” is a song that is hard not to sing and dance along to, even after just one listen.

The Frontmen are proving their staying power with each and every release. The veterans are breathing new life into the music we all need! Stay tuned for their debut EP, coming soon!

The Frontmen share two new songs called “It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas,” out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

“It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas” are available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Who Is Kelsey Hart? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

August 17, 2023/in Blog, News, Swag Spotlight /by Erica Zisman

Who is Kelsey Hart? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Kelsey Hart // Photo Credit: Robby Klein

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Kelsey Hart
Birthday – 2/28/1991
Hometown – Greenville, Kentucky
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Gold City Gospel Quartet
Label – Curb Records
Current Single – “Country In Business” (As of article date – 8/14/2023)

The Beginning:

Every artist has their own unique path to country music. Today’s spotlight artist, Kelsey Hart found his way to music organically and humbly. The Kentucky native grew up always loving music, but not exactly knowing that music was in the cards for him. Continue reading to learn more about his story.

“I grew up singing from the time I was really old enough to talk and grew up in church singing, and from that point started doing talent shows,” began Hart. The singer recalls listening to a lot of gospel music growing up, and later discovering country music on his own.

“I always liked Blake Shelton and Brett Eldredge. I always gravitated towards the big singers and enjoyed their vocals. Blake, and Brett, and I always loved Brooks & Dunn’s stuff. Before I knew who those guys were, growing up in church, I listened to a lot of gospel, like quartet kind of stuff,” he shared.

When high school came around, Hart found himself forgoing music and focusing more on sports. However, later, things started to shift back to music. “After high school, a couple of my buddies and I started a band and did a thing just in my hometown. We did that for a couple of years, and ended up winning a battle of the bands and got to come to Nashville to record our first EP.”

Hart recalls the electric feeling of playing to a crowd with his band for one of his first times. “When we started a band and the first time we ever played live, we played for a pretty big crowd in my hometown – that was the first moment that I even had an idea that it might be something. I was probably 19 or 20, and that was the first time that I ever thought “wow” I can get paid for doing this a little bit?!”

The Turning Point:

When his band won the battle of the bands and got to come out to Nashville to record four original songs, Hart realized how important songwriting was. “I never wrote a song before 20 or 21. […] We pretty much sat down and literally just came up with four songs that probably didn’t make a ton of sense, but for us at the time, it was a big deal and we got to go in and record them.”

Around that same time, Hart was connected to a woman named Laurel Kittleson. “She worked at Big Machine Label Group at the time and she pretty much found me and told me she thought I had a chance if I moved down here. She started setting me up with writes and putting me on the right path. I did that for a few years.” Eventually, Kittleson took at job at Curb Records, where Hart was offered a publishing deal.

“I remember these guys talking about publishing deals my first couple of weeks down here, and I remember not knowing what they were talking about. I finally asked one of my buddies after one of those writes,” he shared. Adding, “He explained to me the whole deal with how it worked, and I remember my mind being blown that people got paid to write a song. So fast forward, a couple of years and a ton of writing in between that time, and I did learn what a publishing deal was. It was one of those things that I kept being put in rooms with people that were a lot better than me and I finally learned how to craft a song together.”

After many songs and putting his vocals on demos, a year later, Hart was offered a record deal with Curb Records too.

Today:

Flash forward to present day, Hart is now a Curb Records recording artist, cranking out new music to feed his growing fanbase. Most recently the singer showcased a new side of his personality and talent with his newest release, “Country In Business.”

On the way to a writer’s retreat, Hart and his songwriting buddy had the title ‘Country In Business,’ and wanted to bring it up; however, they never did. “We were on our way back home and we didn’t bring up ‘Country In Business’ and neither one of us could understand how it flew over our head to bring it up at the writing retreat.”

It turned out to be all about timing, as the song came to fruition just a few days after the retreat ended. “It was one of those songs that happens when it’s supposed to happen […] The next week we’re writing with my producer and he plays some tracks and the first track that he played is pretty much the bare bones of [the song],” shared Hart.

Hart later added, “We just wanted to try to write the song without being so cliche and also we just wanted to paint the picture of all the things that country folks are still doing and have always done, and just tip our hats to guys and girls that are keeping country in business, literally.” The sentiment embodies the single, “Country In Business” perfectly.

Hart is showing no signs of slowing day. More new music is in the works, and a new song is slated for release this October. Keep your eyes and ears open for Hart and his music!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Kelsey Hart, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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

Erin Kirby Shares Latest Single “Redneck Rich” Out Now

August 11, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Erin Kirby shares new single, “Redneck Rich,” out now, August 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Erin Kirby is a talented, young country artist, who blossoms with each and every release she puts out. Her brand new song, “Redneck Rich” is an ode to country living, the way she grew up, and the genre as a whole.

On “Redneck Rich” Kirby celebrates the notion that being “rich” does not have one definition. Money is not the only way to be rich. We can experience richness through all of life’s offerings. Throughout the song, Kirby sings about all the gifts we receive from country-living. It is clear the songstress knows a thing or two about appreciating the lifestyle.

“I got a creek out back with a honey hole // A Labrador and an ol zebco // A shotgun, rifle. and a 45 / In a truck that’s stuck in four-wheel drive // It isn’t much, but that’s all the stuff I need // Sling a little mud way out in the sticks // Raise one up if you’re redneck rich”

Kirby shines on this anthemic new single. “Redneck Rich” comes at the perfect time, as we are all still holding on to summer and all the fun that we can still have.

Erin Kirby shares brand new song, “Redneck Rich,” out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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“Redneck Rich” 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.

Kelsea Ballerini: ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good)’ – EP Review

August 11, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Kelsea Ballerini reimagines her heartfelt last EP with a new version called Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good), out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new project here.

Earlier this year, Kelsea Ballerini surprised fans with a new EP and short film called Rolling Up The Welcome Mat. While the record was intended to be a therapeutic and creative outlet for Ballerini, fans fell in love with each and every song on the raw and honest record. Breathing new life into the project, the singer-songwriter is sharing a new version of the project for fans. She calls the new record Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good).

“I thought when Alysa and I were making Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, it was something I would release and never revisit. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, and that wasn’t the point of the music. Now, in hindsight and with a full heart, I want all those people who came alongside me and supported this album to know that I will never be able to fully express my gratitude, but (For Good) is my best attempt,” shared Ballerini in a recent press release. “And I also want them to know: we move on. The best part of Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) is knowing I don’t need to talk about this stuff anymore. My whole life is ahead of me, so this expanded version is to let people know there’s real freedom in breaking down, in facing the emotions because it gets you to where your life can really shine.”

While the original record boasted six songs, For Good adds one more song to the the story, that showcases that moving on is possible. “Mountain With A View” and “Just Married” remain the first two songs on the project. Both songs candidly share Ballerini’s breaking point at the end of her marriage.

The third song, “Penthouse (Healed Version)” marks the first monumental shift on the project. The new rendition is a live show recording of the singer breathing new life into the song with her fans by her side. Instead of singing “I kissed someone new last night. Now I don’t know where you’re sleeping baby,” Ballerini changes the lyric to “Now I don’t care where you’re sleeping baby.” The iconic change is a beautiful depiction of the messiness and beauty of healing.

On “Interlude,” Ballerini obliges fans and finally adds to the story. In an unapologetic and vulnerable way, the songstress shares more of her story, while sharing the “good girl” image that she no longer is trying to portray. While raw and personal, the song is truly a gift to fans who need to borrow from Ballerini’s strength, while they’re on their own path towards healing. Similarly, on an updated “Blindsided (Yeah, Sure, Okay),” Ballerini includes the new verse that she sang during her Saturday Night Live performance.

On the last two tracks on the project, “Leave Me Again,” and the new song, “How Do I Do This,” Ballerini looks into the future with a new perspective. On the former, Ballerini vows to never lose herself again in a relationship. While heartache is painful, she wants her fans to know that healing is possible. On the new track, Ballerini shares around her experience getting back into the dating world. The single feels like the perfect way to end a ‘healed’ version of the project.

While Rolling Up The Welcome Mat was a true masterpiece, the new Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) is even better. This record may have started as a personal project for Ballerini, but it is truly now for everyone. “With the updated version, I am asking from my fans that they help this be ours and simply let the music be the music.”

Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) EP Tracklist:

Mountain With A View
Just Married
Penthouse (Healed Version)
Interlude (Full Length)
Blindsided (Yeah, Sure, Okay)
Leave Me Again
How Do I Do This

Kelsea Ballerini releases her new Ep, ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good),’ out now.

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.

Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) EP is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.