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Bailey Zimmerman: ‘Religiously. The Album’ Album Review

Bailey Zimmerman shares his debut album, Religiously. The Album, officially out now, May 12th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Since exploding onto the music scene, Bailey Zimmerman has been lauded as one of country music’s newest and most exciting future superstars. The Warner Music Nashville/Elektra recording artist’s debut album, Religiously. The Album., is out now and is set to prove why.

The Louisville, IL native co-wrote 11 of the album’s 16 tracks as a follow up to his debut project, 2022’s EP Leave the Light On. With “Fall in Love” and “Rock and a Hard Place” already topping the US Country Airplay chart, it’s Zimmerman’s unique brand of radio-ready country rock that is continuing to win over new fans.

With a weathered voice, a growl full of emotion, and stories way beyond his age, the talented singer-songwriter takes listeners on a journey through heartbreak, heartache, and healing on much of Religiously, those themes permeating their way through a multitude of tracks including the single-worthy titular track. Here, he grapples with the grief of a relationship ending, noting that she seems happy, just not with him. “You look happy I guess, got the life that you wanted,” he growls, voice breaking with emotion. “But it ain’t with me.”

For Zimmerman, it’s clear from Religiously that he’s had his heart broken. “From 18 to 20, I was just kind of numb all the time,” he reveals. “Now I’ve got emotion back. I can feel things. Writing music has really helped me get out of that state.” 

Those emotions weave their way through songs like “Fix’N to Break,” “Fadeaway,” “Warzone,” “Get to Gettin’ Gone,” “Chase Her,” and the album’s closing track, “Is This Really Over?” Each of these find him in relationship limbo, wondering where things stand and if it’s time to call it quits or keep fighting. “Fix’N to Break” opens almost angelically before transitioning into a sparse, country ballad that’s an immediate standout of the album, Zimmerman comparing his relationship to a home that’s falling apart.

Likewise, “Warzone” uses solid metaphors in its lyrics to compare a relationship to a battlefield, the background music fraught with darkness. On the tuned down guitar-heavy track, he sings about “living in a warzone with a heart full of bullet holes and boarded up windows.” Alternatively, “Is This Really Over?” features a more lush and airy arrangement despite tackling the end of a relationship. It’s an interesting contradiction of lyrics versus melody as he could easily be singing about drinking a margarita on the beach, but is instead asking “Is this really over? // ’Cause I need some closure // And it’s 10 a.m. and I’m still gettin’ sober // Just call it a bad night,” He coos, showing a different side of his voice. “Don’t call it the last time // I feel that goodbye gettin’ closer and closer // Is this really over?”

“Forget About You” finds him admitting that “getting over you feels so wrong,” while “Where It Ends” finds him channeling his late 90’s alternative rock side, his voice sounding like it would’ve fit in perfectly in a decade where he wasn’t even born yet. Meanwhile, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” is a daring Johnny Cash cover. On the homage to the man in black, Zimmerman manages to stay true to the hand-clapping and swampy vibe of the original, adding a bit of his own take on the classic that could easily be released today.

“Forget About You” and “Pain Won’t Last” find him trying to move on from his heartbreak in an almost anthemic way, assuring himself and listeners that things are bound to get better, no matter how bleak things may seem. “You’re on the ground with scars from your past,” he proclaims on the latter. “You might be hurting now but the pain won’t last.”

“Found Your Love” is a simple and beautiful ode to falling in love in a special way, a bright spot amongst the heartbreak on the album. It’s the kind of simple ballad that would make a perfect wedding song or TikTok anniversary montage. With female background vocals and Jenee Fleenor’s haunting fiddle, it’s a special moment on the album, Zimmerman proclaiming, “I was a reckless child, a dead-end mile, living my life on the run… Never thought I’d hang it up, ’til I found your love.”

In many ways, Bailey Zimmerman’s Religiously. The Album. takes listeners through the five stages of grief after the ending of a relationship. Through the LP’s sixteen songs, there’s denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. He does this with the growl of a rock star mixed with the heart of a country storyteller.

Religiously. The Album Track List:

  1. Religiously
  2. Warzone
  3. Fix’n to Break
  4. Forest About You
  5. Chase Her
  6. Fall in Love
  7. You Don’t Want That Smoke
  8. Found Your Love
  9. Rock and a Hard Place
  10. Other Side of Lettin’ Go
  11. Pain Won’t Last
  12. Where It Ends
  13. God’s Gonna Cut You Down
  14. Fadeaway
  15. Get to Gettin’ Gone
  16. Is This Really Over?

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Fix’N to Break
  2. Religiously
  3. Warzone
  4. Found Your Love
  5. Pain Won’t Last
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Bailey Zimmerman’s debut album, ‘Religiously. The 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 future Bailey Zimmerman releases.

To keep up with Bailey Zimmerman, follow him on InstagramTwitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Religiously. The Album 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.

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Parker McCollum: ‘Never Enough’ Album Review

Parker McCollum shares his new album, Never Enough, officially out now, May 12th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Texas native Parker McCollum is ready to brush off any mentions of the sophomore slump with his second album, Never Enough, out now. On the follow up to 2021’s Gold Chain Cowboy, McCollum enlisted Jon Randall (Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley) to produce the project, which features fifteen new songs, all but one co-written by the rising superstar.

Co-writers on the project include the likes of Randy Rogers, Brett James, Ryan Beavers, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Ashley Gorley, and many other heavy hitters. By pairing Texan honesty with brilliant lyrics and traditional country instrumentation, the MCA Nashville artist further flexes his musical muscles on Never Enough.

Throughout the LP, McCollum explores the classic themes of love and heartache through the lens of a country purist that is often lacking in today’s modern scene. “What I do best is write songs from a very real place and sing country music, but also be very ‘me’ and not try to sound like someone else,” He says in a statement. “We definitely did that on this record and every one of the 15 songs sounds different.”   

The album opens with “Hurricane,” a song that blows in to set the stage for the album, roaring in with electric guitars and catchy lyrics. Here, McCollum likens a woman to a storm, blowing into a man’s life and leaving it in shambles, proclaiming, “Someday she’s gonna get her name on a hurricane.”

Similarly, “Burn It Down” sounds like a surefire hit, with its dark lyrics and musicality, as he stands in the ashes of a relationship that has gone up in flames. Co-penned with the Love Junkies, the track came from McCollum simply repeating the words “burn it down.” “Some days are like that, where the melody and the idea for the song is so good and everybody is on the same page,” he says. “If you’re talking about moving the needle in my career, ‘Burn It Down’ is probably going to be the song.”  

“Handle On You” has already moved the needle as one of the singer-songwriter’s biggest hits to date and his third number one. While he admits to being shocked the song was radio worthy, he was thrilled for its success. “That song is a nod to some of the great records I grew up with,” McCollum reveals. “A lot of radio songs nowadays are kind of bubble-gummy. I don’t have any problem with pop-country, but I’d like to hear a little more classic country too.”

Interestingly, one of the album’s most poignant moments comes in the form of “Things I Never Told You,” the sole song not co-written by McCollum. On the stirring, piano-driven ballad, he shows his vulnerable side with an introspective ode to his mother. While he may not have written the song, he immediately felt connected to its stunning lyrics and message. “When I moved away from home // I didn’t realize how much I’d miss ya,” he sings. “A phone call don’t take the place // Of your smilin’ face cooking in that kitchen.”   

Another poignant moment comes during “Lessons from an Old Man,” which is a powerful country ballad about the things a young boy can learn from an older man in his life. While it’s unclear exactly who McCollum is referencing on the sweet track, it’s likely about a grandfather or grandfatherly figure who helped to shape him into the man he is today, as he sings about the “lessons from an old man” that “made a young man wise.”

“It ain’t all about money // But money is nice // There’s nothing wrong with whiskey // Just keep Sundays dry,” He sings introspectively. “There’s making a living and there’s making a life”

McCollum continues to show his softer side on songs like “Best I Never Had,” “Stoned,” “Tails I Do” and “Tough People Do.” While “Best” finds him wondering about what could’ve been, “Tough” has him reassuring his love that they’ll get through the tough times together. Meanwhile, both “Stoned” and the barstool ballad, “Tails I Lose” find him drowning his sorrows in different ways.

“I cry when it’s raining // I cry when it’s dark // I feel like the whole world won’t ever understand my heart,” He drawls of a broken relationship that has broken him on “Stoned.” “That’s the hardest part of being alone, that’s why I stay stoned.”

“Too Tight This Time” is truly a marvel, written in one shot with no edits. The song is simple and sparse, featuring hints of female background vocals. McCollum shares that it’s his favorite track on the LP.  “I said, ‘Let’s pour this thing out and whatever it is in 15 minutes, that’s what it’s going to be forever.’ I love to write songs like that and live with the end result. This one was easy to do because the melody was so good,” he says. “The line ‘There must be something broken inside this lonely man’ just hits so hard.”   

Likewise, “Have Your Heart Again” is a simple piano-led track that allows him to flex his vocal cords. Here, he longs for someone to take him back, while “Don’t Blame Me” is a catchy tune where he’ll accept blame for a lot, but not everything. “You can swear it’s all my fault // And I won’t blame you if you do // But don’t blame me,” He sings. “Don’t blame me // Don’t blame me for loving you.” Lastly, the album concludes with “Wheel,” a celebratory romp that finds McCollum challenging someone to make him stop rolling. “Good luck slowing me down.”

On Never Enough, Parker McCollum makes a statement that he’s a solid songwriter and artist who’s here to stay. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t care so much because everything would be easier. Hopefully one day people will look back at what I’ve done in country music and think it was honest and good for the genre,” He says. “This album may be called Never Enough, but if they see that what I did was real, that’ll be enough for me.”

Never Enough Track List:

  1. Hurricane (Parker McCollum, David Lee Murphy, Jon Randall, Randy Rogers)
  2. Best I Never Had (Parker McCollum, Will Bundy, Brett James)
  3. Things I Never Told You (Monty Criswell, Lynn Hutton, Taylor Phillips)
  4. Burn It Down (Parker McCollum, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
  5. Stoned (Parker McCollum, Mark Holman, Brett James)
  6. Handle On You (Parker McCollum, Monty Criswell)
  7. Lessons From An Old Man (Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Lee Miller, Jon Randall, Liz Rose)
  8. Tough People Do (Parker McCollum, Brett James, Jon Randall)
  9. Speed (Parker McCollum, Ryan Beaver)
  10. Tails I Lose (Parker McCollum, Wade Bowen, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
  11. I Ain’t Going Nowhere (Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Lee Miller, Jon Randall, Liz Rose)
  12. Too Tight This Time (Parker McCollum, Brett James, Jon Randall)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Hurricane
  2. Burn It Down
  3. Things I Never Told You 
  4. Stoned
Parker-mccollum-never-enough-album

Parker McCollum’s new album, “Never Enough” 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 future Parker McCollum releases.

To keep up with Parker McCollum, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

Never Enough 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.

Here is George Birge’s Debut Album ‘Mind On You’

George Birge shares his debut album, Mind On You, officially out now, May 12th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

RECORDS Nashville recording artist George Birge has officially released his debut album. With ten brand new songs, his debut, Mind On You is an incredible first outing for the rising artist. Birge co-wrote all, but one song on the debut.

“This album has been a lifetime in the making. From the experiences and people that have influenced me, to finding my voice and knowing who I am, I couldn’t be prouder of this collection of songs,” shares Birge in a recent press release. “I can’t wait to share them with everyone that has helped me get here.”

Listen to the new album below!

Mind On You Track List:

  1. Forever And A Day (George Birge, Lalo Guzman, Matt McGinn)
  2. Mind On You (George Birge, Colt Ford, Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler)
  3. Whiskey Side (George Birge, Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler, Matt Stell)
  4. Chasin’ A Feeling (George Birge, Michael Tyler, Lalo Guzman, Matt McGinn)
  5. Cowboys Talkin’ (George Birge, Josh Mirenda, Gary Garris)
  6. Didn’t Think I’d Miss (George Birge, Michael Tyler, Ben Stennis)
  7. You Were Mine (George Birge, Chris Bandi, Jaron Boyer)
  8. Reason To Go (Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler, Lalo Guzman)
  9. Beer Beer, Truck Truck (George Birge, Erynn Chambers)
  10. Mind On You (Stripped) (George Birge, Colt Ford, Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler)
George-birge-debut-album

George Birge’s debut album, ‘Mind On You’ 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 future George Birge releases.

To keep up with George Birge, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Mind On You 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.

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Here Are The 2023 ACM Awards Winners (Full List)

Here is the full list of 2023 winners of The ACM Awards…

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2023 ACM AWARDS WINNERS:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Jason Aldean
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton *** WINNER
Carrie Underwood
Kane Brown
Morgan Wallen

 

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Lainey Wilson *** WINNER
Carly Pearce
Kelsea Ballerini

 

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
Kane Brown
Jordan Davis
Morgan Wallen *** WINNER

 

DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks and Dunn
Brothers Osborne *** WINNER
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War & Treaty

 

GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion *** WINNER
Zac Brown Band

 

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Priscilla Block
Megan Moroney
Caitlyn Smith
Morgan Wade
Hailey Whitters *** WINNER

 

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Zach Bryan *** WINNER
Jackson Dean
ERNEST
Dylan Scott
Nate Smith
Bailey Zimmerman

 

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
“Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson
“Never Wanted to be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell *** WINNER
“Thank God” – Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown
“Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson

 

SONG OF THE YEAR
*Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s):

“Sand In My Boots” – Morgan Wallen
“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell *** WINNER
“‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
“You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Ashley McBryde Presents Lindeville – Ashley McBryde
Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson *** WINNER
Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Palomino – Miranda Lambert
Mr. Saturday Night – Jon Pardi

 

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Nicolle Galyon
Ashley Gorley *** WINNER
Chase McGill
Josh Osborne
Hunter Phelps

 

ARTIST SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
ERNEST
HARDY *** WINNER
Miranda Lambert
Morgan Wallen

 

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR
“HEARTFIRST” – Kelsea Ballerini
“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell
“Thank God” – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown
‘Til You Can’t – Cody Johnson
“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson *** WINNER
“What He Didn’t Do” – Carly Pearce

 

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

“At the End of a Bar” – Chris Young with Mitchell Tenpenny; Producers: Chris DeStefano, Chris Young; Label: RCA Nashville

“She Had Me at Heads Carolina [Remix]” – Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner Music Nashville

“Thank God” – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville

“Thinking ‘Bout You” – Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow Records

“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson; Producers: Derek Wells, HARDY, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt; Label: Big Loud Records *** WINNER

 

 

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

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Riley Green Adds Luke Combs on “Different ‘Round Here”

Riley Green and Luke Combs team up on new rendition of “Different ‘Round Here,” out now, May 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

During Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville for media and radio programmers, country star Riley Green made a special announcement—his song “Different ‘Round Here” is getting a facelift! Green confirmed that his next single will be a new rendition of the track featuring country superstar, Luke Combs. The song officially impacts country radio today, May 11th.

Its lyrics are an anthem for Americans who are proud to live in this country. Written by Green, Randy Montana, and Jonathan Singleton, the singer isn’t afraid to expresses his opinion and show off his southern roots.

Brave is eighteen wearin’ army green // Truth is in the words, in red we read // Proud is what you say about where you’re from // Heroes are daddies and mamas are love // The right is right and wrong is wrong // Yeah, we’re doin’ things a little different ’round here”

Although never an official single, the title track from his debut 2019 album Different ‘Round Here was always a fan-favorite. With Combs’ influential vocals added, this song will surely catch the ears of more fans of the genre.

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Riley Green and Luke Combs collaborate on new rendition of “Different ‘Round Here,” out now.

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

Green is currently supporting Combs on his massive World Tour along with Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry, and Brent Cobb. For tickets, head to his website.

To keep up with Riley Green, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

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

For the newest country music hits check-out our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Adam Doleac Releases New Version of “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise”

Adam Doleac releases new version of his song “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise,” out now, May 8th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

On Friday, Adam Doleac gave fans another taste of a new era of music with his new song, “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise.” As a surprise, Doleac also dropped the stripped-down demo version of the song, out now. Both versions showcase the singer-songwriter’s incredible vocals and songwriting ability. Full of raw emotion, “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise” truly ups the anti for the talented rising artist.

According to Doleac via Instagram, “The original demo of “wrong side” is out now. It’s the same song, but it hits so very different. I love both versions of this song, but there was definitely some extra magic in the first vocal I sang on the day we wrote it,” he shared, adding “I know that bc of how y’all have reacted to it. I believe in listening to my fans, and as you will see in the next slide, almost ALL of you wanted the piano demo to come out. Well, it’s out. Happy Monday, and thanks for bringing this song to life”

“I woke up on the wrong side of a sunrise // She disappeared like a heartbreakin’ thief in the dark // She had me fallin’ in that Alabama moonlight // But I closed my eyes and she slipped right out of my arms // No, her in my T-shirt, no mornin’ kiss goodbye // I woke up on the wrong side of a sunrise // She left a memory // She left a wine glass by the bed, yeah // She left me dreamin’ // About a night I won’t forget”

A true singer-songwriter song, “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise” showcases Doleac at his absolute best. We cannot wait to see what is in store for this chapter of his career.

Adam-doleac-sunrise-song

Adam Doleac shares new stripped-down version of his song, “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise,” 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 Adam Doleac releases.

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

“Wrong Side Of A Sunrise” 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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Two Friends Collab with Russell Dickerson on New Song “More Than Yesterday”

Two Friends collaborate with Russell Dickerson on new song “More Than Yesterday,” out now, May 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

There are few things we love more than a cross-genre collaboration. Lately, EDM music has had its moment with the country music genre. Today, DJ duo, Two Friends collaborate with one of our favorites, Russell Dickerson. Their new song, “More Than Yesterday” is out now.

The collaboration highlights both artists effortlessly. While the song is a beautiful love song, all about loving your partner deeper each day (right up Dickerson’s alley), the track builds into a crescendo before the beat drops, perfectly embodying Two Friends and their talent.

“Hold your breath // darling swim to shore // I’ll tread the water in the heart of yours // and when it storms we’ll sail right through the waves // I’ll love you more than yesterday”

“More Than Yesterday” is a song that proves that cross-genre collaborations are the wave of the future. Fans will appreciate the lyrical prowess on the new track, as well as, the dance-ready beat that is hard not to fall in love with. While Two Friends and Dickerson might have been an unexpected pairing, it definitely works!

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

To keep up with Two Friends, follow them on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“More Than Yesterday” 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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Ernest Releases New Song “Takes After You” Just in Time for Mother’s Day

Ernest releases timely new song “Takes After You,” out now, May 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Ernest is sharing one of his most personal songs to date with fans. His new song, “Takes After You” is a perfectly crafted song about love and parenting. While Ernest is known for crafting catchy lyrics and putting on a show, “Takes After You” is a more vulnerable take at the singer’s own life.

“I’m a wild child, definition // of a can’t tell me nothin’ won’t listen // You’re an angel, girl you’re perfect // Don’t know how you thought I was worth it // Well before too long 1 and 1 made 3 // And I’m scared to death ‘cause he looks like me // And I pray to god that apple falls a little further from this tree”

Inspired by his relationship with his wife Delaney Royer and their son Ryman, who are featured on the song’s artwork, the new track is a prayer for his son to be a little more like his wife, rather than him. Written by the singer with collaborators, Jordan Schmidt and Josh Thompson, the track is the perfect song to celebrate motherhood and all of its glory.

According to Ernest, “I heard someone talking to Johnny Cash in a video. They said ‘Johnny I’ve known ya a long time. I got a son now, and if he don’t take after Jesus, I’d be quite alright if he took after you.’ So I immediately thought, I couldn’t agree more with Ryman and Delaney,” he shared. “She is the most humble, kind, empathetic, nature loving, giving, selfless, and downright wholesome human I know. The things she’ll teach Ryman in this life by her actions will transcend anything he’ll learn in a building.”

“Takes After You” is a song any fan can appreciate and quite possibly one of Ernest’s best to date.

ernest-takes-after-you-new-song

Ernest releases new song, Takes After You,” 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 Ernest releases.

To keep up with ERNEST, follow him on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

“Takes After You” 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.

Morgan-wallen-lies

Morgan Wallen Placed on Six Weeks of Vocal Rest

Morgan Wallen revealed to fans in an Instagram post earlier today, Tuesday, May 9th that the country music superstar was under strict doctor-ordered vocal rest for the next six weeks.

“I got some bad news from my doctors at the Vanderbilt Voice Center yesterday. After taking ten days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible. So I went in and got scoped yesterday, and they told me that I reinjured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks, so that’s what I’m going to do.

They want me not to talk at all, but they said if I need to, it’s okay to for something like this. I also tore my LAT while we were in Australia, I’ve been trying to work through that quietly, but this time off is going to help me get that back right as well.

We are working on rescheduling all the dates during this timeframe. We’ve almost got that done but some of them are pending, so I’ll keep you updated. I won’t be able to make these festivals that I have during this timeframe, but we are going to make those right next year.

I won’t be able to do the ACM [Academy of Country Music] Awards or Lifting Lives event, but y’all make sure you still go – it’s for a great cause. They told me that if I do this the right way, I’ll get back to 100% and they also said that if I don’t listen and I keep singing, then I’ll permanently damage my voice.So for the longevity of my career, this is just a choice I had to make.

I hate it. But I love you guys, and I appreciate all the support that you always give me. I’ll see you soon and I’ll be back better than ever. God bless you.”

Tickets for the original dates will be honored for all rescheduled performances.

30-day refund window will open at point of purchase when new dates are announced imminently.

Wallen is working to reschedule any missed festival appearances to 2024.

Rescheduled dates to follow.

We at Country Swag are wishing Morgan a speedy recovery! Follow us on Instagram, @CountrySwag for future updates.

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Who Is Josiah Siska? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

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Quick Facts:

Full Name – Josiah Siska
Birthdate – August 7th
Hometown – Dacula, Georgia
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Keith Whitley, Johnny Cash, Jim Croce
Label – Black River
Current Single – “3 Tequila Floor” (As of article date – 5/8/2023)

The Beginning:

Some artists have dreams that evolve over time, but for today’s spotlight artist, Josiah Siska, music was always the goal and the dream. “I went into music without a plan B. […] It was like a calling,” shared the singer-songwriter.

Siska grew up in a small-town in Georgia, where he credits his family for his early love of music. I grew up in the church. My dad was in the ministry. I played keys, my mother would sing, and my oldest brother would play guitar and sing,” he began. “That’s where I started performing and really learning music in church. From that, I started to want to write my own songs and tell my own stories, so as I got older, I started writing.”

Despite Christian music being the primary genre in his household, Siska itched to get his hands on all different kinds of music. “I listened to everything I could get my ears on because I loved music, but it was a lot of Christian music in the household growing up. I was just waiting to find a record that my parents wouldn’t let me listen to,” he shared. Adding, “I’ll never forget the first time I heard rock and roll or Queen or other classic rock bands and some outlaw country.”

Some of Siska’s biggest musical influences stem from both that rock and roll and traditional country genre.“I would say my biggest influences on my sound, when I listen to an artist and I dissect their music and try to analyze everything they are doing, the little mundane details that make it unique, I would say I listen to a lot of Keith Whitley and Don Williams, and I take notes from them. I love Johnny Cash too,” shared the singer, who also named Jim Croce as one of his all-time favorites.

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating high school, Siska made the big move to Nashville. “When I was a little kid, I was chasing the mailman so to speak, which was the music dream. […] It’s a big dream to say that I’m going to move to Nashville and write songs, and try to get a record deal,” he reflected.

After a stint on the popular show American Idol, Siska knew that Music City was calling his name. “Right when I got done with high school, I packed my bags and started to head to Nashville,” he shared. “I did American Idol, when I was seventeen, and then when I got off the show, I came straight to Nashville, and went searching for a deal or someone to work with, and a way to get started.”

While American Idol was not Siska’s path to stardom, he credits the show for instilling a “no quit” attitude and a belief in himself. “What I think it’s really great at doing and what it did for me at a young age, it developed me in a way. […] That was probably the best situation for any young artist to just learn and grow, just because of all the pressure you’re put under right away. […] I still use some skills that I picked up from idol today.”

While in Nashville, the singer-songwriter played every gig he could. Eventually, he connected with Mark Miller, who would go on to introduce him to his team at his label, Black River. “Through some family friends, I got a meeting with Mark Miller. […] We hit it off real good and we’ve been working together and real close buddies ever since then. He brought me in to Black River and I met Doug Johnson, and we hit it off too, and he produces my record and writes them with me a little bit.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Siska is living out his dream. Last year, the artist released his debut EP, a seven song project called, Three Chords at a Time. The project is an incredible compilation of the singer’s one-of-a-kind talent as both a vocalist and as a songwriter.

“When I was writing some of the songs for the EP, especially the title track, I wanted to give people kind of a little peephole into my life. […] Look through the glass and see what my stories are, and the [title track] is really about what I feel and my relationship with country music and radio, and the way it has shaped me into who I am now. I love all the tracks on that record though. They’re all different,” he shared.

While the single, “3 Tequila Floor” is an obvious standout and a hit with fans, the final record on the EP, “Better Man” is also a special one.

One of the things that I think is cool about it though is the end of the record, the seventh song, a song called “Better Man” is a gospel song that I wrote,” he began, My thought of it was, the old-school folks, the Johnny Cash’s and the George Jones’ folks, used to finish off their records with a gospel song, so I wanted to stick it in, in the sense of traditionalism with country and do the same thing with my first EP.”

Despite an incredible first outing, this is only just the beginning for Siska. The artist has shows on the books and more songs coming down the pipeline sooner rather than later. Keep your eyes and ears on the lookout!

Connect:

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Josiah Siska’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.