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Who is Tigirlily Gold? The Story Behind Their Journey to Country Music

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Who is Tigirlily Gold? The singer-songwriters joined us to chat about their journey to country music. Get to know the rising stars here…

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Tigirlily Gold // Credit: Jared Olson

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Tigirlily Gold (Kendra & Krista Slaubaugh)
Birthdate – Kendra – January 19th; Krista – April 26th
Hometown – Hazen, North Dakota
Current City – Nashville, TN
Musical Influences – Taylor Swift, The Chicks, Lady A, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts
Label – Monument Records
Current Single – “Shoot Tequila” (as of date of article 7/19/23)

The Beginning:

Today’s rising artist is one you may recognize. Sister-duo, Tigirlily Gold, comprised of Kendra and Krista, are incredible singers and songwriters. Keep reading to learn more about their impressive story so far.

Growing up in North Dakota, the women of Tigirlily Gold have always loved music. “We’re sisters, so we grew up singing together, listening to music together, singing at church, and any local event that was going on they would ask us to sing at,” they shared. “Krista started writing songs at ten years old and playing guitar, and I had been in piano lessons, since 2nd grade,” shared Kendra.

At an early age, the singer-songwriters found inspiration in all of the music they listened to. “We grew up on 2000s country radio. So a lot of bands like Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, even Adele, Taylor Swift, Little Big Town. Anything with harmony we were always drawn to. We loved the song “We The Pieces” by The Wreckers,” they shared. “We also look up to our ladies in country music quite a bit. Miranda [Lambert], Carrie [Underwood], Shania [Twain], Faith Hill, and ultimately we saw them on their arena tours and we said “hey if we ever get a chance to create this kind of career and play shows for thousands of people, that is exactly what we want to do in the long run.”

As the  sisters started writing their own music, they learned that performing was part of their path. “Once Krista started writing songs was when we started to get the performing bug and maybe taking this more seriously. At 14 and 16, we officially started Tigirlily Gold, when we were in high school. We started touring around the midwest and surrounding states, and eventually started making trips back and forth to Nashville to see what it was all about.”

The Turning Point:

With a firm goal of making it to Nashville in mind, Tigirlily Gold set out to make that dream a reality. “After Krista graduated high school in 2016, we toured around the midwest for a year, saving up money to move to Nashville,” shared Kendra. “We knew we had to be in Nashville to take this somewhere bigger, so that was always the goal,” added Krista.

In 2017, Tigirlily Gold officially made the move to music city. “We moved down in 2017, and we kind of knew that we were going to be starting over in the sense that we knew we were going to be a small fish in a big pond, so we really put our heads down and worked really hard and got our music business degrees from Belmont University, and while we were doing that we would write with anyone who would write with us, and then we started playing down on Broadway. We started at Nudie’s Honky Tonk, and made our way down to Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.”

Armed with talent and a strong work ethic, the singer-songwriters were determined to make it in the country music industry. “Growing up in North Dakota, we didn’t actually know you could do this for a living or as a career, but once we knew that and realized that it was like okay nope, this is what we’re doing, there’s no plan b.”

After grinding three days a week, playing at bars on Broadway, the ladies finally landed themselves a record deal with Monument Records. “Eventually the pandemic hit, and we didn’t necessarily know exactly what turn our career was going to take. We signed a record deal with Monument Records into the pandemic which was a huge blessing, and it’s been amazing to work with them.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Tigirlily Gold already released two EPs, including their most recent project, Blonde “The four song EP is basically a teaser of the full thing that’s coming,” they shared. “You have “Blonde” that’s a really fun, girl anthem. Then you have “Shoot Tequila,” which is honky-tonk inspired. We have “Move On” as well which is a little more flirty, sultry, vibes, but still super fun. Then we have “Hometown Song” which is definitely the most vulnerable song on the EP and almost like a letter to our hometown. But we really just wanted to start the year off with a bang and get people excited for this music and more to come. This EP really shows where we’re at in life right now, our sound, and what we’re all about, and we’re really excited that people have been gravitating towards it.”

While all the songs on the project are impressive, “Hometown Song” stands out for good reason. “Our kind of roadblock [in writing a song about our hometown ] was that we weren’t being completely honest about how we feel about our hometown. It’s not 100% love and it’s not 100% hate, and there’s not a lot of country songs that talk about the in-between, push and pull of being in the same town for 18, 19 years of your life.”

The EP marks the first half of an album that is slated for release sooner rather than later. The songstresses are already playing the unreleased songs out on the road. Fans can catch Tigirlily Gold playing shows and the festival circuit, and stay tuned for more new music, coming soon!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Tigirlily Gold, follow on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

Tigirlily Gold’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.

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Luke Combs Goes Number One with Iconic “Fast Car” Cover

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Luke Combs continues his streak of number ones with his 16th song to top the country charts, “Fast Car.” Get all the details here!

Luke Combs continues to share music with his fans that speak to his upbringing and personal life. Combs’ decision to include a cover of Tracy Chapman’s famed song, “Fast Car” on his album went against the grain, but it clearly worked. As someone who grew up listening to that song, Combs clearly has a special place in his heart for the iconic track. Today country radio rewards the risk he took, and “Fast Car’ marks the entertainer’s 16th number one single.

“Fast Car” is one of those songs that captivates every listener. Combs’ rendition brings a country-flair to the honest and authentic track. Every time you listen to the song, you know how special it is to the singer, who shared his love for the song long before its release.

According to a press release, the singer shared, “[My dad] played me all kinds of music and one of the first songs that I remember hearing, he popped a cassette in, and I loved this whole album,” adding later, ““There was this one song that really stuck out to me. It was called “Fast Car.” That song meant a lot to me since then—for my whole life. I always think about my dad when it comes on and us spending time together.”

“You got a fast car // I got a plan to get us out of here // I been working at the convenience store // Managed to save just a little bit of money // Won’t have to drive too far // Just across the border and into the city // You and I can both get jobs // Finally see what it means to be living”

Congrats to Combs and his team on another monumental feat! It’s only a matter of time before his next radio single hits the top of the charts.

Fans can catch the number one single and many more on one of Combs’ many tour dates. Check out his full schedule here.

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Luke Combs announcements and releases.

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

“Fast Car” 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.

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Dan + Shay Are Back with Brand New Music + Album Announcement

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Dan + Shay share brand new music and announce new album, coming this September. Listen to the new music and get all the details here!

After a purposefully quiet couple of months, Dan + Shay are officially back with more new music! On the heels of their ‘The Voice’ announcement, the platimum-selling duo is sharing even more exciting news. Their next studio album, Bigger Houses will be out on September 15th. The record features twelve songs, three of which are available today, including, “Save Me The Trouble,” “Heartbreak On The Map,” and the title track, “Bigger Houses.”

“Some of our records have been more pop or hip-hop/R&B-infused,” shared Dan Smyers, 1/2 of Dan + Shay. “But on this record, I wanted to make tracks that we could hop up at any bar anywhere with our live band and play the songs as they were recorded. Ultimately, this music, this whole album, is something that I’ll be able to look back on in a decade or two and be really proud of the way it turned out.”

Each of the three released songs showcase different parts of the duo’s growing artistry. On, “Save Me The Trouble,” the singers take the listener on a journey both lyrically and melodically. According to the artists, the song was created to get bigger and bigger as the song progresses. “We wanted to have something that was a real moment, and when we started writing this, it felt like it could be something big. I wanted every section to build, and even in the second chorus, when you’re like, ‘Okay, there’s no way it could possibly get any crazier,’ then Shay takes off even further.”

On “Heartbreak On The Map,” Dan + Shay lean into their country roots. The song is poetic and pensive in nature. However, the true standout of the three songs is the title track, “Bigger Houses.” The song is an all too relatable song about the notion that “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side” and sometimes we have to just be present and count our blessings. Dan + Shay cement the notion that life is all about who you love and not what you have.

This sneak peak of the Bigger Houses LP did its job! The singles keep fans excited for more and more music, and it is clear this album is going to be an incredible one for Dan + Shay!

Bigger Houses Track List:

  1. Breakin’ Up With a Broken Heart – Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley
  2. Save Me The Trouble – Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Ashley Gorley, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds
  3. Heartbreak On The Map – Dan Smyers, Jimmy Robbins, Ernest Keith Smith
  4. Always Gonna Be – Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Ashley Gorley, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds
  5. For The Both of Us – Dan Smyers, Andy Albert, Jordan Reynolds
  6. Then Again – Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Andy Albert, Lori McKenna, Jordan Reynolds
  7. Heaven + Back – Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson
  8. What Took You So Long – Dan Smyers, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds, Jimmy Robbins
  9. Missing Someone – Trannie Anderson, Adam Doleac, Dylan Guthro, Gordie Sampson
  10. We Should Get Married – Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Andy Albert
  11. Neon Cowgirl – Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Zach Crowell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley
  12. Bigger Houses – Dan Smyers, Andy Albert, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds
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Dan + Shay announce that their album ‘Bigger Houses’ will be out in September and share three brand new songs, out now.

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

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

“I”m In Love” 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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Hailey Whitters Shares New Song “I’m In Love” Ahead of EP

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Hailey Whitters releases new song, “I’m In Love,” out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track here and learn more.

Hailey Whitters is back with another fabulously bright song just in time for summer. Read below as we dig deeper into the track.

When Hailey Whitters released her sophomore album The Dream in 2020, she flawlessly introduced listeners into an equal parts glittery and gritty Midwestern, Heartland, and authentically country world that only she could create. Her new song “I’m In Love”, off her forthcoming EP of the same name, dives deeper into that universe.

“Tips in the apron // Hair’s in a braid // Mercury’s all in retrograde // Silver in the spoon // No blue in his blood // He’s in Levi’s // I’m in love”

The song is chock full of amazing imagery, with a line like “two bottles in to a bottle of wine” in the chorus. Whitters and her producer husband Jake Gear successfully capture the lyrics with the sweet sounds of mandolin, banjo, and summer.

Whitters is one of the best songwriters making music right now, so when she takes an outside cut, it is safe to say the song will be fantastic.  “I knew the minute I heard this song I had to record it. I didn’t write it (Nicolle Galyon, Lee Miller, & Cameron Bedell did), but I wish I had. I love – pun intended – the quirky language and spirit. Every time I sing it I’m smiling like a big ol sap because it just makes me so happy and puts me in a good mood.”

The I’m In Love EP, which follows her junior album Raised is out July 28th. With a lead single like “I’m In Love” fans are in for a treat as we get to know Hailey Whitters even more. She is truly a one-of-a-kind artist, and it is exciting to see her artistic evolution unfolding before our eyes.

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Hailey Whitters shares brand new song, “I’m In Love,” 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 Hailey Whitters releases.

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

“I”m In Love” 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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Alana Springsteen: ‘Twenty Something: Figuring It Out’ Album Review

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Part 2 of Alana Springsteen’s debut album, Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is out now, July 14th 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, part 2 of her debut record, Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is officially here, featuring six brand new songs for fans to fall in love with.

While Messing It Up was heartbreaking and emotional, Figuring It Out has some edge to it. It feels like an elevated, more mature version of Springsteen. The record kicks off with the title track “twenty something,” one of the best on the project. The song speaks to growing up and all of the nuances. “twenty something” embodies the true heart of the record. Young adulthood is messy, but special, something this album conveys beautifully.

Next-up, “chameleon” is a song about insecurity masked with an edgy and catchy melody. Springsteen sings about shape-shifting to fit the needs of a guy she is trying to gain approval from. With lines like “I rather lie than be lonely” and “my defense mechanism is never really letting you know me,” it is clear that the songstress knows what it feels like to guard her heart.

The introspective honesty is on full display throughout the record, especially on “when we were friends.” Written by the songstress with Sasha Alex Sloan and Pete Good, “when we were friends” is a song for anyone who has ever gone through a friendship break-up. While romantic break-ups are common topic in music across genres, it is rare that an artist touches on the unique pain and heartbreak that comes from losing a friend. “when we were friends” brings the authenticity and nostalgia that friendships often bring.

Springsteen brings a celebratory and unapologetic vibe to the new album with “here’s to all my exes” and “hypocrite.” The former is an anthemic song about all the lessons learned from dating and romantic relationships. The song is the embodiment of growth, and the perfect track to have on a record called Figuring It Out. Similarly, on “hypocrite” Springsteens sings about life’s nuances.

On the final track, “ghost in my guitar,” the singer-songwriter enlists the help of Chris Stapleton, who lends his guitar skills to the incredible country song. The edgy and vibey song is a heartbreak song disguised by strong vocals and alluring lyrics.

Springsteen is the real deal! Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is an incredible accompaniment to the singer’s growing catalog of music.

Twenty Something: Figuring It Out Track List:

  1. twenty something
  2. chameleon
  3. here’s to all my exes
  4. hypocrite
  5. when we were friends
  6. ghost in my guitar ft. Chris Stapleton
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Alana Springsteen shares part 2 of her debut album, ‘Twenty Something: Figuring It Out,’ 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: Figuring It Out 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.

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Tyler Farr: ‘Rednecks Like Me’ EP Review

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Tyler Farr shares brand new EP, Rednecks Like Me, out now, July 14th on all streaming platforms.  Listen to the new EP now.

Platinum-selling country artist, Tyler Farr is officially back with brand new music. Today, the singer-songwriter releases his brand new EP, Rednecks Like Me, featuring six songs that feel distinctly Tyler Farr.

“This is the first project I’ve co-wrote all the songs on, so this is a big step in my career for me,” shared the rising artist in a recent press release. “I’m so proud of this album and hope fans will really get a chance to hear what I’m all about.”

The record kicks off with summer-ready single, the title-track. “Rednecks Like Me” is a song that reminds us all to celebrate being American, our roots, and those who serve our country each and every day. Farr using the term “rednecks” to describe all who are patriotic, no matter where they reside. A more rugged version of a blue-collar anthem is also evident on the only collaboration on the project, “Country As Shit,” featuring Jelly Roll.

Farr continues to celebrate country-living throughout the record. On “Tell You ‘Bout That,” the singer leans all the way in. While the song is full of country staples like backroads, hunting, shooting, cold beer, and fishing, Farr finds a way to breathe new life into the topics. It is clear the singer actually lived the life.

On “Questions,” the rising artist showcases his softer side. Reminiscent of his hit single, “A Guy Walks Into a Bar,” “Questions” is an incredible storytelling song. Seemingly inspired by his role as a father, Farr pours his heart into this beautiful track, singing about all the questions his daughter may ask one day about his imperfect path.

Another standout track on the record is “Silverado Gold.” Written by the singer with Blake Bollinger, Nate Kenyon, and Katie Noel, the artist leans back into nostalgia. The song feels anthemic and nostalgic, two qualities that country music often boasts.

Farr continues the honesty with quite possibly our favorite song on the record, “First Rodeo.” The song expresses a new perspective on a break-up. While the protagonist has dealt with a break-up many times before, it is clear that there is no space for graveling, games or apologies with the demise of this relationship. The notion is evident with the lyric, “Save your games and your sorries, believe me I already know. Girl, I ain’t no damn cowboy, but this ain’t my first rodeo.”

Overall, the Rednecks Like Me EP is everything fans could want from Farr. It is clear he knows exactly who he is as an artist, and each of the six songs are the perfect re-introduction to his music and talent.

Rednecks Like Me EP Track List:

  1. Rednecks Like Me — Tyler Farr, Brian Davis, Vicky McGehee, Andy Sheridan
  2. Tell You ‘Bout That — Tyler Farr, Thomas Archer, Lalo Guzman, Michael Tyler
  3. Questions — Tyler Farr, Vicky McGehee, Josh Mirenda, Andy Sheridan
  4. Silverado Gold — Tyler Farr, Blake Bollinger, Nate Kenyon, Katie Noel
  5. First Rodeo — Tyler Farr, George Birge, Lalo Guzman, Michael Tyler
  6. Country As Shit (feat. Jelly Roll) — Tyler Farr, Jason DeFord, Vicky Mcgehee, Josh Mirenda, Andy Sheridan
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Tyler Farr shares brand new EP, ‘Rednecks Like Me,’ 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 Tyler Farr releases.

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

Rednecks Like Me 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.

Track45: ‘Grew Up On’ – EP Review

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Track45 shares their brand new EP, Grew Up On, out now, July 14th on all streaming platforms.  Listen to the new EP now.

Incredibly talented, family-trio, Track45 are sharing their brand new EP today. Since jumping into the music scene, Track45 have created a sound that is all their own, featuring killer harmonies and relatable lyrics. Their brand new EP, Grew Up On is a true extension of that.

The project features six songs including their recent single releases, “Family,” “Hate Me”, and “Last Man In Tennessee.” While “Family” is a heartfelt song about friends who turn into family, “Hate Me” and “Last Man In Tennessee” are both heartbreak anthems in their own right. On, “Hate Me,” the trio lean into all the feelings associated with a situation-ship; however, “Last Man In Tennessee,” is all about regaining your power after a break-up.

On the brand new songs, Track45 lean into different parts of their hearts and rising talents. The record’s opening song, “Drinkin and Thinkin” features similar vibes to “Hate Me,” as they sing about the effects of heartbreak and everything in between. Similarly on “PCH,” Track45 leans into the storytelling aspect of their songwriting. The song feels nostalgic and introspective.

Finally, our favorite song on the project, the title track, “Grew Up On,” speaks to everything the trio are about. The song is a true expression of love for the life they have lived so far. It feels nostalgic, relatable, and incredibly authentic. With the core message being, ‘Cause you never outgrow what you grew up on,’ Track45 shares exactly why they make country music – it was a true part of their upbringing.

Grew Up On is an incredible EP by Track45. The record showcases everything we have grown to love from the talented trio. This is only the beginning.

Grew Up On EP Track List:

  1. Drinkin and Thinkin
  2. Grew Up On
  3. Last Man In Tennessee
  4. Hate Me
  5. PCH
  6. Family
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Track45 shares their brand new EP, ‘Grew Up On,’ 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 Track45 releases.

To keep up with Track45, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Grew Up On 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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Here is Ryan Griffin’s EP ‘Phases’

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Ryan Griffin shares brand new EP, Phases, out now, July 14th on all streaming platforms.  Listen to the new EP now.

One of the best parts of country music is the storytelling that exists in many songs and records. Ryan Griffin’s music is a part of that narrative. The singer-songwriter released his brand new EP, cleverly titled, Phases, out today.

In the video above about the EP, Griffin shares the inspiration for the record. “I think in life we go through this journey trying to find love and in life there’s a lot of ups and downs. There’s a lot of heartbreak and disappointment that comes with it, and if you look at the tracklisting on the EP, it takes you through that journey.”

The EP paints an incredible picture of the journey of finding love, from heartbreak to a steady relationship and everything in between.

Check out and listen to the incredible songs below!

Phases EP Track List:

  1. Been Missing You
  2. Heart to Break
  3. What I Live For
  4. God Made Fridays
  5. If All I Ever Do
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Ryan Griffin shares ‘Phases’ EP, 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 Ryan Griffin releases.

To keep up with Ryan Griffin, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Phases 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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Stephen Wilson Jr. Announces New Album + Drops Two New Songs

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Stephen Wilson Jr. announces brand new album and shares two new songs, “Mighty Beast” and “All The Wars From Now On.” Listen to the brand new songs here.

Big Loud Records recording artist, Stephen Wilson Jr. is back with even more music for fans to enjoy. The singer-songwriter creates music that speaks to his upbringing, his relationship with his father, love, and everything in between. Wilson Jr. announced that his debut double album, søn of dad is slated to be released September 15th. Fans can checkout two of the songs off the record, “Mighty Beast” and “All The Wars From Now On,” now.

“Writing and making this album has been very therapeutic for me to learn who I am and what my existence looks like after my father. Because life has to go on,” Wilson Jr. shared in a recent press release. “I’m living my own life, but it’s like his death bookended what life he should have had onto mine and I’m carrying it around like a train car.”

Both new songs touch on experience that evoked emotions in the singer. “Mighty Beast” was written during pandemic times, while, “All The Wars From Now On” was inspired by the singer’s late grandfather, a Korean War Veteran. Each of the two songs give fans a taste of what the new project will have to offer. Wilson Jr. is a true artist among singers in the country music landscape.

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Stephen Wilson Jr. announces brand new album, ‘søn of dad,’ and shares two brand new songs with fans.

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

To keep up with Stephen Wilson Jr., follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Mighty Beast” and “All The Wars From Now On.” 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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Who Is Colby Acuff? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

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Colby Acuff // Photo credit: Matthew Berinato

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Colby Acuff
Birthday – 10/15/1996
Hometown – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences –Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Elton John, Willie Nelson, Tyler Childers
Label – Sony Music Nashville
Current Single – “Out Law In Me” (As of article date – 7/10/2023)

The Beginning:

Last month we introduced you to Colby Acuff’s music. Today, we are sharing more about Acuff’s rising stardom and spotlighting his journey so far. Growing up in Northern Idaho, the singer-songwriter was always drawn to music. “I grew up in the outdoors, a lot of hunting, a lot of fishing out there. The community out there is great, and I started playing music pretty young. I got into piano when I was about five.”

Acuff shares that he was exposed to a wide breadth of music throughout his upbringing. “A lot of the stuff that I grew up on was solely country music, but when I was a kid, I really got into 50s/60s, rock and roll and then my dad showed me really old bluegrass music,” he shared, adding later, “My mom influenced me by showing me some of my favorite artists as well like Elton John and The Eagles, really contemporary, top 40 stuff from the 70s.”

At just eleven years old, Acuff found himself fronting his first band as lead singer and drummer. “I played my first bar when I was twelve and from there, I’ve just kind of always done it,” he shared. With a little encouragement from his mom, the singer also learned how to play guitar and started writing his own music just a few years later. “Once I finally learned to play guitar and starting writing, I ended up really loving it. That’s what kept me in music. I think I would have quit music a long time ago if it wasn’t for writing.”

With the exception of a few breaks here and there, music remained a constant. “The only thing I knew is music, so I tried to see if there were other things, but there was never anything else,” shared Acuff. “It’s the only thing I can do at 120%. 

The Turning Point:

After graduating high school, Acuff continued to work on his music, writing and playing gigs, while working other jobs too. “I worked four jobs when I was a teenager, and the last time I had four jobs was when I was 25 which was about a year ago, so I feel like now, the only thing I do is music, but I feel like I work fifteen jobs by just doing this one thing that I love.” He added, “It’s super fulfilling and I can do it to my fullest ability. I feel like that’s really the main thing.”

Acuff continued to hone his talent, drawing inspiration from other artists to create a sound that is distinctly his own. “I kind of put all that together, and that’s kind of the sound you get from me. It’s like Elton John melody with bluegrass sound and the writing is kind of somewhere between Hank Williams and Bob Dylan.”

While working independently on his music, Acuff and his band dropped an incredible record called ‘If I Were The Devil’ that would go on to change things for him. “I remember telling the guys in the control room at the time, when we were cutting down the mixes, “’Man if this record could do 1 million streams that would be incredible.’ And the record ended up doing 50 million streams. That was a life changing record for us.”

A little less than two years later, Acuff got the call from Nashville and ultimately went on to ink a record deal with Sony Music Nashville. “This band I have and everything, we have been ready for this for so long. It’s such a crushing band. I have a lot of pride for my band,” he shared. “We wanted to go and grind and do it, and here we are.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Acuff just released his major label debut album, Western White Pines, featuring ten incredible songs that speak to his artistry. “I had probably about 30 songs written for the record, and when we got the producer, Eddie Spear, me and him sat down for a week during pre-production for the record and we worked out all of these songs and arranged them how we wanted to, and then picked them from there,” shared the singer-songwriter.

Each and every song on the record reflects Acuff’s journey thus far and who he is proudly becoming. Drawing from both his bluegrass and rock influences, Western White Pines is a special, one-of-a-kind record. “I love them all, and I go through phases of which songs I like, but honestly out of all the records, this one’s my favorite. This one is just the closest to me.”

When asked about his current favorite song, Acuff settled on “Outlaw in Me” as one of his favorites off the album. “We picked it as a focus track for a reason,” he shared, adding, “I think it’s really true to who I am. I think it paints a good picture of me at 26.”

Acuff and his band will continue to promote the music throughout the rest of the year on tour, and there is definitely more exciting things in the works too. Stay tuned!

Connect:

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