who-is-mackenzie-porter

Who is MacKenzie Porter? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music 2024

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Who is MacKenzie Porter? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

who-is-mackenzie-porter

MacKenzie Porter // Photo credit: Bree Marie Fish

Quick Facts:

Full Name – MacKenzie Lea Porter
Birthdate – 01/29/1990
Hometown – Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – The Chicks, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks
Label – Big Loud Records
Current Single – “Easy To Miss”  // as of date of article: 4/22/2024

The Beginning:

This week’s spotlight artist is one that we have loved for a few years, ever since she came on to the American country music scene. Canadian country artist and Nashville transplant, MacKenzie Porter has had music in her blood since she was a young kid. We chatted with the singer-songwriter about her childhood, her move to Nashville, record deal with Big Loud Records, and her debut album slated for release this Friday (4/26).

Growing up on a ranch outside of Alberta, Canada, Porter found herself gravitating to music when she was only four years old. “We lived on a ranch. There was nothing else to do other than play music,” she shared. “Country music was just what my parents listened to, what my grandparents listed to. It was all that filled the car and the house as far as music, so I fell in love with it when I was super young because of the lifestyle and where I grew up.”

Porter recalls singing and playing the fiddle at an early age, always drawing inspiration from the iconic 90s country artists she listened to on the radio. “I grew up in the 90s, so it was the radio. Anything 90s country was kind of like how I was raised. The Chicks was my first concert,” she shared. Adding, “I feel like I can pull inspiration from anyone like Kacey Musgraves, even my friends who are songwriters that are making music. I’m just inspired by different songs that they write, and even their work ethic too.”

With artists like Shania Twain, Martina McBride, The Chicks, and Deana Carter on her radio airwaves, Porter aspired to move to Nashville and fulfill her dreams. She started writing songs and eventually began making trips back and forth to Music City.

The Turning Point:

Almost ten years ago, Porter made the big move to Nashville to pursue her dreams. “I started making trips to Nashville almost 10 years ago [before moving] just trying to write with whoever I could write with and weasel my way into parties and rooms just to get to know people,” shared the songstress.

Eventually, Porter met her now producer, Joey Moi, who changed the trajectory of her career. “Over the course of ten years, I met some really pivotal people. I met Joey Moi. He’s my producer to this day, and he signed me to my record deal. […] He’s kind of been my champion from the beginning,” she shared. “We’ve been working on music together since 2016, and we were finally at the place, where my team and I felt it was finally the time to put out my debut record.”

As a Big Loud Records recording artist, Porter has been working on her craft for years. She has written hundreds of songs a year, since moving to Nashville, as well as, continues to entice fans with her one-of-a-kind talent. “It’s so worth it to see people feel something about your music.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Porter is on the brink of releasing her major-label debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, out this Friday, April 26th. The record boasts 19 songs that all speak to the songstress’ growth as an artist and her hardworking over the last several years.

“There’s been so much love and tears and everything that has gone into this record. […] We’ve been cutting it for over a year, but I’ve been writing songs for years, trying to get the right ones for this body of work. I’m excited to because now I get to be on this schedule where they’ll never be this long of a gap between records again,” shared the singer.

While there are fun, anthemic songs on the record like her newly released single, “Have Your Beer,” most of the record showcases the more introspective side of Porter in the hopes that fans will feel heard and understood through her music.

“The theme for the record is centered around heartbreak, and not just relationship heartbreak. There’s heartbreak like in the song “Nightingale,” that’s a little bit more about my career. “Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart” is kind of like a lifestyle struggle from my whole life,” shared the singer. “I wanted it to be like we all start off so innocent and pure and life throws shit at us, and we have to be hit by it or dodge it or get scraped by it, and at the end we are this hot mess, but it’s really beautiful because it shows you loved people and went through things and took chances. I feel like each of these songs are these little scrapes that I’ve endured along the way.”

Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart will open new doors for Porter, as she embarks on the biggest year in her carer. Catch Porter at one of her live shows this year, and make sure to stream the album when it comes out!

Connect:

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

To keep up with MacKenzie Porter, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

MacKenzie Porter’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.

sam-hunt-country-house

Sam Hunt Goes Number One at Country Radio with “Outskirts”

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Sam Hunt earns a number one at country radio with his song, “Outskirts,” marking his eleventh number one single of his career. Learn more here…

On the heels of his new project, Locked Up, Sam Hunt scored his eleventh number one single at country radio. His infectious song, “Outskirts” is officially the number one song on the charts this week. The song follows Hunt’s previous number ones “Wishful Drinking” and “23.”

“Outskirts” is quite possibly one of the singer-songwriter’s best mid-tempo songs to date. The song is catchy and primed for radio. It is no surprise that the song finally found its way to the top fat country radio charts. On the song, Hunt shows off his talent and gives fans a song that is reminiscent of previous hits like, “Leave the Night On” and “Body Like a Back Road.”

Photo Credit: Steven Alan Worster

“But soon as I get out here on the outskirts // I wish I was runnin’ by your house first // Somethin’ ’bout a summer in the South, sure // Shines like gold down these old // Round bale, river valley backroads // Way back in the holler where the grass grows // God almighty, baby, we were that close // To ditchin’ this town and settlin’ down // Out here on the outskirts”

Congratulations to Sam Hunt and his team on their eleventh number one single at country radio with “Outskirts!”

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

To keep up with Sam Hunt follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Outskirts” 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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The Best Country Music Shows in New York This Spring 2024

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Country music is alive and well in New York. Here are all the best country music shows and tours in New York City this Spring!

Tim McGraw
May 9th at USB Arena, NY
Find tickets here

 

Mason Ramsey
May 14th at Gramercy Theatre, NY
Find tickets here

 

Bailey Zimmerman
March 22nd + 23rd at Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC
Find tickets here

 

MC4D Summer Kickoff Presented by Country Swag
March 224th at Bungalow Bar, Rockaway Beach
Find tickets here

 

Dylan Gossett
March 27th at The Mercury Lounge, NYC
Find tickets here

 

Morgan Wallen
May 17th + 18th at MetLife Stadium, NJ
Find tickets here

 

Tyler Childers
May 29th at Madison Square Garden, NYC
Find tickets here

 

Lainey Wilson
June 26th at Radio City Music Hall, NYC
Find tickets here

 

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

For music, check out the newest country music songs 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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Wyatt Flores: ‘Half Life’ – EP Review

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Wyatt Flores’ brand new EP, Half Life is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

If you haven’t heard of Wyatt Flores yet, it’s time you hop on the bandwagon; no country artist’s popularity has grown as fast as this Oklahoma-native’s. After releasing his seven-track EP, Life Lessons, he dropped another collection of eight songs just six months later. Like all of Flores’ lyrics, they are passionate, hard-hitting, and real, allowing listeners to get to know the 22-year-old on a personal level.

“These songs capture my perspective on relationships I’ve had with my family, friends, love, music, mental health, life, and death over the past couple years. I still have a lot of learning and growing to do at 22 but I’m thankful for everyone who’s ever given my music a chance,” he gratefully posted on Instagram. “I hope these songs help you with whatever you might be going through and remind you that you’re not alone in whatever it is you’re facing.”

No song is heavier than the title track. Directed to his family, he sings about the regret of leaving home to chase his dream without calling, and his addiction and how it affected his relationship with his now deceased father. He apologizes for living only a “half-life.” The opening track, “Running Out of Time,” speaks on making the most out of life. Sang from the funeral of someone close to him (likely his father), he says we have to hold the ones we love and do what makes you feel alive before we all die. Our time on this earth is short, and we must make the most of it. The most powerful lyric comes in the second verse, “Most people die at twenty-seven, get buried at seventy-two.”

The EP contains the previously released tracks, “Wish I Could Stay,” and “Milwaukee.” The former is the most light-hearted tune on the album. The singer talks about the difficulty of leaving the one you love; if he could keep her in his arms forever, he would. In “Milwaukee,” the singer feels remorse about his past relationship but wants to assure her it wasn’t for a lack of love. He also included his cover of The Fray’s “How To Save A Life” on the project. Just when you think a song couldn’t get more emotional, Flores adds his raw vocals to it, making listeners tear up almost twenty years after its initial release.

At the end of the project are “I Believe in God” and “Devil,” two extremely powerful songs. In the first, the singer confesses he is having a hard time connecting to his faith because he feels God lost faith in him. The latter is about a relationship, but not one with another human, the one with himself. He constantly fights with his inner thoughts when he’s lonely, singing in the bridge:

“Why do you find me at the worst times, just when I thought I was doin’ fine? // You wanna put a gun to my head and turn that ceilin’ red // Well, I won’t let you steal my soul // God damn lonely, just leave me alone”

At 22, most people are finishing college and discovering who they are and what they want to do for the rest of their life. Although Flores took a different route, he’s on the same path, which makes his music so relatable to others. From love, death, and mental health, there are a lot of intense themes for someone so young to explore, but they are real, and hearing someone overcome these hardships will aid others who are struggling with similar problems. The future is bright for the new singer-songwriter, and it’s only a matter of time before country fans all over the world know the voice of Wyatt Flores.

“I’m only getting one chance at life, so I try to be present,” he states in a recent press release. “There’s more to existence than what the average person experiences. No matter how old or young you are, life is here and gone. Death is always riding in the passenger seat. You can either be friends with it or make it an enemy. I choose to be friends with it. If you know that and start questioning what you’re doing, maybe you’ll go out and live a better life.”

Half Life Tracklist

  1. Running Out Of Time
  2. Half Life
  3. Wish I Could Stay
  4. Milwaukee
  5. If I Don’t See You Again
  6. I Believe In God
  7. How To Save A Life
  8. Devil
Wyatt-flores-half-life

Wyatt Flores shares his brand new EP, ‘Half Life,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

In celebration of the new music, Flores will embark on his “Here, There & Gone” headline tour this summer with shows in the middle, western, and southern parts of the United States. For tickets, head to his website. 

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

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Half Life 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.

mackenzie-porter-debut-album

MacKenzie Porter Shares “Have Your Beer” Ahead of Debut Album

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MacKenzie Porter shares a brand new song called “Have Your Beer,” out now, April 19th. Listen to the new track here.

Canadian-country star, MacKenzie Porter is on the brink of having a huge year. The Big Loud Records recording artist’s debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, will be out on April 26th. Porter is giving fans a final taste of the album with another brand new song off the highly-anticipated project. Her new song, “Have Your Beer” is out now.

While much of the record speaks to different iterations of heartbreak, Porter does a great job sprinkling in some anthemic and stage-ready songs throughout her umping project. “Have Your Beer” is one of those songs. The new track speaks to the “boy bye” mentality, after a break-up. Throughout the song, Porter reminds girls to know their worth and doubles down on the notion that it is his loss.

“Don’t forget who broke up with who // We both know that’s on you // Yea baby you // Can’t say goodbye then show back up // Can’t change your mind when you get drunk // Can’t shoot your shot after it’s gone // Can’t want me soon as I’ve moved on // You said you don’t now you do // But it’s too late baby you // Can’t have your beer and drink it too”

Porter is an artist to lookout for. Everything she releases feels undeniably “her.” Stay on the lookout for her debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart coming out next week (4/26).

Mackenzie-porter-4-new-song

MacKenzie Porter shares new song, “Have Your Beer,” 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 MacKenzie Porter releases.

To keep up with MacKenzie Porter, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Have Your Beer” 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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Anne Wilson: ‘REBEL’ – Album Review

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Anne Wilson’s brand new album, REBEL is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

Anne Wilson is a rebel, but not in the traditional sense. While country music tends to walk the line between faith and outlaw living, Wilson has her feet firmly planted in her faith. In fact, her debut album was 2022’s Christian mega-hit, My Jesus. However, with Christian and country often going hand-in-hand, she’s committed to both on her debut country project, Rebel, out now.

 “I am who I am — I’m Anne Wilson. I love God and that’s my everything, but I love Country music, too, and I can have a beautiful mix of both,” She says of the album that magically combines both.”I ’ve been working so hard over the past 15 months to write these songs, record them and get them into the world! I was raised on two things: the love of God and the love of all things Country. That’s what fuels the music I make and that’s what you’ll hear more of on Rebel.”

The Kentucky-native co-wrote all of the album’s 16 songs, collaborating with some of Music Row’s biggest names, including Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, Jaren Johnston, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, and more. Christian superstar Matthew West also helped Wilson craft much of the album, co-writing 13 of the 16 songs with her.

Produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith, Rebel is a beautiful work that shows a singer who is clearly in love with both her music and her God. The 22-year-old is not afraid to be herself, and if that makes her a “rebel” in the eyes of the world, than that’s just fine by her.

The album opens with the title track, perfectly weaving together the UMG artist’s Christian roots with a modern country sound. In some ways, it’s similar to something Gabby Barrett or Carrie Underwood might release, etched with genuine conviction. The twangy and bluesy stomp immediately sets the stage for what’s to come, lyrically revealing just who Wilson is over a twangy and bluesy revival stomp.

“Who talks to a man that they can’t see? // Who finds power in an old book they read? // In a world full of doubt, who still believes? // Who talks to a man that they can’t see? // Call me crazy, call me a fool I ain’t scared ’cause I know the truth // Ain’t gonna run, ain’t gonna hide // Ain’t gonna change my mind”

“I remember thinking ‘If being a follower of Jesus makes me a rebel, because Jesus was a rebel,’ I’m gonna stand up for my faith,” She says. “In that moment, it all kind of clicked. I wrote the song, then the whole viewpoint of the record came into focus. We had that title on a white board, and every song we wrote after came from that question: what does it mean to be a rebel?”   

Like the title track, “God & Country” is an immediate standout that shows exactly who Anne Wilson is, as both a person and an artist. It’s a catchy and earwormy piece of pop-tinted country that is equal parts catchy and poignant. “I wanted to write a song that explains who I am as an artist. I was writing with Matthew, Jeff, and Trannie Anderson, and we talked about what the message was and how to put all the pieces of me in it.” 

“I’m hallelujah hands high and friends in low places // Red, white, and blue and red letter pages // Back row pew and front seat Ford // New King James and old King George // I’m washed in the water and mud on the tires // I’m Friday night lights and Sunday morning choir // I’m prayers up to heaven, roots down in Kentucky // Made by God and country”

Much of the album revolves around the theme of finding strength in the Lord, as evident on songs like “Strong,” “The Cross,” “Sinners Prayer,” and “Rain in the Rearview.” The latter has her questioning how much a heart can “take before it breaks,” starting as a ballad before building triumphantly. Meanwhile, “Strong” finds her overcoming tough times by hitting her knees. “The world’s gonna try to break me,” she acknowledges, “But I know the one who makes me strong.”

The album also includes some star-studded moments including Christian superstar Chris Tomlin on “The Cross”, and country’s own Jordan Davis and Lainey Wilson. Davis and Wilson trade verses on “Country Gold,” which finds them celebrating the simple things that are important and how great it is to strike country gold. Meanwhile, Wilson (Lainey) joins Wilson (Anne) on “Praying Woman,” the incredible women trading verses about faith and the power of a devoted woman.  “When she whispers ‘Dear Jesus,’ Heaven can hear it, and the devil gets back to Hell running, that’s the power of a praying woman,” they sing, backed by a female choir that helps build the song to an ethereal level.

While the album is incredibly deep and powerful, there are also moments of fun and levity, including the guide to choosing a man, “Red Flag” and the standout and twang-laden “Songs About Whiskey,” which finds her examining her place in country music.

“I’ve heard songs about Jack Daniels // Songs about Jim Beam // Heard songs about one night regrets, neon and nicotine // I guess I’m just kind of fixed on, the only thing that’s ever fixed me // That’s why I sing songs about Jesus, instead of singing songs about Whiskey.”

“Southern Gospel” is a full on call and response revival, while “My Father’s Daughter” is a beautiful love letter to her dad and the man he is. “Dirt Roads in Heaven” finds her pondering the afterlife, while “316” shares her conviction over the Bible verse, John 3:16.

The album ends with the solid one-two punch of “Milestones” and “Out of the Bluegrass.” While the latter is a fiddle and steel ode to her home state, the former is a moment of vulnerability as Wilson wonders what she’s missing out on for her career. “This four wheel spinning dream I’m living, got me feeling like I’m skipping milestones,” she sings, powerful voice laced with emotion.

“There was a moment when I wondered if I was too country for Christian music and maybe too Christian for country music,” Wilson reveals. “I felt a little afraid that I didn’t fit in any box. But then it kind of fired me up because that’s the point! I don’t want to fit into any box. I want to be uniquely who God made me to be and I’ve got to stand up for what I believe and the kind of music I believe in,” Wilson shares with the same conviction that laces her music. “I don’t want to change who I am to fit in. Not in the music industry, and not in this world.” 

REBEL Tracklist

  1. REBEL
  2. Rain In The Rearview
  3. Strong
  4. God & Country
  5. Praying Woman ft. Lainey Wilson
  6. Song About Whiskey
  7. Sinner’s Prayer
  8. The Cross ft. Chris Tomlin
  9. My Father’s Daughter
  10. Red Flag
  11. Country Gold ft. Jordan Davis
  12. Southern Gospel
  13. Dirt Roads In Heaven
  14. 3:16
  15. Milestones
  16. Out Of The Bluegrass

Country Swag Picks:

  1. God & Country
  2. Praying Woman with Lainey Wilson
  3. Songs About Whiskey
  4. Rebel
anne-wilson-rebel-album

Anne Wilson shares her new album, ‘REBEL,’ 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 and announcements about future Anne Wilson releases.

Visit her official website for tour dates and more.

To keep up with Anne Wilson follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

REBEL 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.

frank-ray-song

Frank Ray Releases Brand New Song “Uh-huh (Ajá)” Out Now

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Frank Ray shares new song, “Uh-huh (Ajá ),” out now, April 19th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

As the country music genre continues to widen its reach and impact more and more people, we are getting to listen to new music with a fresh sound from exciting rising artists. Frank Ray is one of those artists. The singer-songwriter blends his Latin heritage and R&B influences into country music in a way that feels fresh, innovative, and fun. Today the singer-songwriter shares his newest song to date called, “Uh-huh (Ajá )”.

The new song feels summer-ready. Ray manages to appeal to both his Latin roots and fanbase, as well as, still pay homage to the country music fanbase that has fallen in love with his music. “Uh-huh (Ajá)” is the perfect song to get anyone hyped for warm weather, new relationship, new experiences, and sunshine.

“Mucho gusto señorita // It’s so nice to meet your lips // Got me feeling like // Ooo Ajá // Ooo take me dancing mamcita // Put my arms around your hips // Got me feeling like // Ooo Ajá // Oooo Ajá // No hablo ingles uh-huh // but when she kissed me like this, uh-huh // she knew exactly what to say”

Ray is one of the most fun artists out there right now. Definitely give his new song “Uh-huh (Ajá )” a listen ASAP!

frank-ray-song

Frank Ray shares new song “Uh-Huh (Ajá )”, 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 Frank ray releases.

To keep up with Frank Ray, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

“Uh-huh (Ajá )” 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.

elvie-shane-demascus

Elvie Shane: ‘Damascus’ – Album Review

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Elvie Shane’s brand new album, Damascus is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

For Elvie Shane, his sophomore album, Damascus, is a continuation of a story that began with his debut project, Backslider. Released in late 2021, his Broken Bow debut was an autobiography of sorts, sharing his personal journey, while his new LP continues to tell that story while mixing in those of others.

“I feel like I’ve grown a lot since Backslider,” Shane shares in a statement. “I’ve attained just about everything I’ve ever dreamed of…seen the world and made a living with music. I’ve been on top and back down in the mud. In that travel and experience, I’ve paid close attention to people more than anything. I’ve seen a lot of struggle, but in that struggle, I found common ground and inspiration,” he continues. “Damascus is a record that aims to pick a fight with what holds people down. Normal everyday Blue Collar America…my people. These are not all my stories, but they are all stories I believe to be true.”    

Throughout the collection, the “My Boy” singer dabbles in hip hop, blues, soul, 80’s, and of course country. He pairs his powerful voice with choirs, female background vocalists, unexpected instrumentation, and even Little Big Town. 

Produced by Oscar Charles and featuring thirteen songs written or co-written by Shane, Damascus is truly an album that makes a statement. “It’s just so raw. It makes me feel like I felt when I was a kid, pissed off at the world and rocking headphones on the school bus,” he says. “I don’t wanna ever be put in a box where I can’t explore the craziest music. And this way I had an excuse to put it all on one record.” 

The album opens with “Outside Dog,” unexpectedly pairing twangy guitars with a hip-hop-meets-scat-inspired melody that finds Shane an outsider. “I’m an outside dog howling along,” He growls over thumping guitars, comparing himself to a pup who never quite fits in. It’s the perfect opener for Damascus with its unexpected sounds and message of nonconformity.

Much of the album finds Shane exploring similar themes, appreciating his Appalachian roots, while also escaping them. “What Do I Know?” is a clear example of this, a slow and moody track that finds him looking back at his raising over a downtuned guitar. The song builds to an incredible climax as the singer-songwriter growls in an almost prayerful passion, “What do I know?”

“I think red lipstick on a woman’s lips look sexy // I think coke’s okay, but it’s way damn better with Jack // I think the outlaws, Waylon and Johnny are gone forever // I think Jesus // He’s coming back // Oh, but what do I know // what do I know // I’m just a hard-working, beer-working, son of an average Joe // Like to think there ain’t nothing that I can’t fix with a hammer and crescent wrench, oh, but what do I know // what do I know // what do I know”

“Appalachian Alchemy” and “Forgotten Man” are also nods to his upbringing, with the latter a soaring Springsteen-esque anthem. “The color of my neck is still the same as my blood,” He proclaims. “Send me off to school // Try to turn me to a scholar // Can’t unpaint the blue on my collar”

Throughout Damascus, the background vocalists often shine, adding incredible depth to these already-powerful songs. While the vocalists are not always known to the listener, there’s one exception: Little Big Town. The harmonic quartet join Shane on “First Place,” a driving uptempo that finds him drowning his sorrows in the bottle. Here, he’s drinking to forget but this is a song to remember with its incredible vocals. Shane blends seamlessly with the synchrony of the iconic band, providing an epic moment that would be a live show-stopper.

The Kentucky native also touches on more sensitive topics on the album, including prison, addiction, and seeking out a fix. “Jonesin” is a wild up-tempo that finds him on the hunt for what’s next, and what’s bigger or better to give a quick fix. Meanwhile, “215634” is a tune about one’s time spent behind bars. “These 4 cold walls, they don’t change much,” He sings. “Oh My name ain’t my name no more…it’s 215634.”

“Pill” is truly a powerful and poignant moment on the album, dealing with the Opioid crisis and the effect it has on families. “’Pill’ is my story, told from the perspective of a note to me from my little brother in my most trying times. It’s an apology to those I love for the turmoil I put them through,” Shane said in a statement. “But for me this goes way beyond just what my family and I have gone through. I want to be a vessel and share other people’s struggles and experiences, even if it helps one person, that means I did my job.”

“Fan on High” offers a moment of levity on the LP with its dancehall inspired music and incredible sliding piano. Meanwhile, “Winning Horse” is a love song that features driving percussion meant to emulate a horse running as he implores someone to “take this love to the finish line.” 

“Baptized” also offers a clever take on a love song, bluesy and punctuated with powerful choir-like background vocals throughout the slow groove of a track. Frankly, Shane is in no rush to discover heaven if it can’t top what he has on earth.

“If this ain’t heaven on earth // Not sure what heaven is worth // ‘Cause I damn sure ain’t in a hurry to get there // If there ain’t moments like this // Lost in the rush of your kiss // Found in the touch of your skin, out somewhere // Down that same Wild Creek Road // Where sins get set afloat// Washed by the want in your eyes // Baptized”

The album ends with the powerful “Does Heaven Have a Creek,” which also finds the singer grappling with the afterlife. It’s a Gospel-inspired piano ballad that came from questions he struggled with after the passing of his grandmother. It’s “simply the wondering mind of a believer,” shares Shane. “A testimony of hope that Heaven has a few of the simple pleasures we enjoy here on earth. Is Heaven only for A-List Christians? Is there room for a prodigal ‘Good Ole Boy’ from Kentucky just trying to live a decent life and be a good man?”

Elvie Shane is truly unapologetic yet triumphant on Damascus, blending styles and sounds with incredible vocals and honesty that creates a must-listen for music fans.

Damascus Tracklist

  1. Outside Dog (Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Jonathan Sherwood)
  2. What Do I Know (written by Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Dan Couch, Jonathan Sherwood)
  3. Jonesin’ (feat. Jenna McClelland) (Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Ryan Tyndell, Jeremy Spillman)
  4. Baptized  (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
  5. Forgotten Man (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
  6. Pill (Elvie Shane, Lee Starr, Nick Columbia)
  7. 215634 (Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Ben Chapman)
  8. Appalachian Alchemy (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston)
  9. First Place (feat. Little Big Town) (Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Dan Couch, Jakob Miller)
  10. Winning Horse (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
  11. Fan On High (Elvie Shane, Driver Williams, Hayes Carll)
  12. Chicken Shit (Elvie Shane, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell, Oscar Charles)
  13. Does Heaven Have A Creek (Elvie Shane)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. What Do I Know
  2. First Place (with Little Big Town)
  3. Does Heaven Have a Creek
  4. Forgotten Man
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Elvie Shane shares his brand new album, ‘Damascus,’ 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 and announcements about future Elvie Shane releases.

For tour dates and more, visit Shane’s website here.

To keep up with Elvie Shane, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Damascus 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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Who is Skip Ewing? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Who is Skip Ewing? 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 – Donald Ralph “Skip” Ewing
Birthdate – March 6th
Hometown – Redlands, California
Current City – Dubois, Wyoming
Musical Influences – James Taylor, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson
Current Single – “Windmill” // as of date of article: 4/17/2024

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight shines on an artist who has lived many lifetimes. Skip Ewing is an award-winning singer-songwriter, who has boasted multiple number ones as a songwriter. He decided to step away from the music industry, only to find himself back in it currently. We chatted with the artist about his incredible and windy path, new music, and everything in between.

“I don’t remember a time where I didn’t play guitar. I was told I asked for a guitar when I was like four,” began the California native. “I just played it incessantly, I just loved it. The joke was that I could play guitar before I could read.” At an early age, Ewing was engulfed in music. “There was so many different musical influences like classical and country. […] Country influences would have been like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and then there were people like James Taylor, and I was totally into The Police, and Sting, and The Beatles.”

Throughout his upbringing, the singer-songwriter would craft music and play different instruments during every waking moment. “I couldn’t really get very many guitar lessons, so I would stay up late at night and I would put a foam curler under my strings, all the way up the saddle of my guitar, so I could play and I wouldn’t get caught. I would just make stuff up,” he shared. Adding,“I started playing five-string mandolin, and I played bass, and piano. I just played everything that I possibly could. I sang in choir, I did musical theatre, and I didn’t know I would be a country music artist [at the time].”

While the singer did not necessarily dream of a career in country music, he always yearned to continue to express himself through music. “I just wanted to express myself artistically in the most authentic way I could,” shared the artist, who found himself landing in Nashville shortly upon graduating high school.

The Turning Point:

Once he was offered a job in Nashville, Tennessee, Ewing took it and there was no turning back. “I was an ensemble singer there. Some people heard some songs I was working on and they liked it, and I got signed to publishing deal.” Shortly thereafter he landed cuts and hits for artists like George Jones, Randy Travis, and Trisha Yearwood.

He also landed himself a record deal. Despite the fact that Ewing was seemingly “living the dream,” he was losing touch with the self-expression that he always loved in music. “What happened was that the songs I wanted to record as an artist, I was told were terrible. Some of the songs I wanted to record were number one hits. […] I tried to make people happy, and maybe I tried to make the wrong people happy, but my heart wasn’t happy. I kept trying to please everyone else, but it got to a place where it felt like my artistic soul was eroding a bit.”

He decided to leave it all behind and sell everything in favor of studying horsemanship, something he had begun to love. “On my own spiritual journey, I had fallen in love with horses. The more I worked with horses, the more I learned about myself, and the more I learned about myself, the more I realized I could be a better human if I studied that,” he shared. Adding,“The more that went along, the more powerful the journey became. I met my wife in Texas at a clinic down there, and that just led itself all the way up to us moving to Wyoming. […] We moved there on faith and we just said let’s be here because it’s gorgeous, and I feel like I’m planting my roots in the right kind of soil.”

Eventually, while his wife was away working as a videographer and photographer, Ewing began to pick up the guitar again. “She came home after I had written a few songs, and I played them for her. She said, ‘honey, I think the journeys have to come together. I think you’re in a place, where the world needs to hear what you are doing.’”

Ewing and his wife took another leap of faith, and the singer-songwriter began to write and release music again.

Today:

Flash forward to today, Ewing is as relevant today as he was many years ago. Still crafting songs that speak to his artistry, the singer is at his absolute best. “It was like being a brand new artist. What I did was I wrote a few songs, and then somehow I just knew in my heart who should produce it with me. It was someone I hadn’t done anything with for over twenty years. The very first song I ever played guitar on for someone else, that I wrote was a song for, was Randy Travis called “If I Didn’t Have You,” the number one single from his greatest hits album. I went to play guitar in the studio and the proper, his name was Kyle Lehning, and his presence in the studio struck me and I never forgot it.”

With a Christmas record and one album, Wyoming already under his belt, Ewing is about to release another new record called, Road To California. Recently, the singer released a song off the project called, “Windmill,” which truly speaks to the poetic nature of his songwriting.

“That song really describes the singer who is the windmill, who speaks to his own efforts of being still deeply in love with someone that they lost, and he experiences that person as the wind. A windmill doesn’t really have a choice, it spins towards the wind, if there’s wind, it spins. And in its own way the power of love that exists in its own way takes a small breath of a memory or anything like that to just spin us around and have us right back in it,” he shared.

While we await Ewing’s next studio album, fans can checkout “Windmill,” as well as, the songwriter’s cut on Ernest’s new duet with Lainey Wilson called “Would If I Could.” To keep up with the singer and to catch him on the road, head to his website here.

Connect:

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

To keep up with Skip Ewing, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Skip Ewing’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.

Morgan Wallen & Eric Church Hit #1 with “Man Made A Bar”

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Morgan Wallen continues his streak of number ones with his eleventh song to top the country charts, “Man Made A Bar” featuring Eric Church. Get all the details here.

Morgan Wallen continues his streak of number ones. It seems every song he sends to country radio quickly finds its way to the top of the charts.  Following his songs “Last Night,”  and “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” Wallen adds to his catalog of hits. Fan-favorite collaboration with Eric Church, “Man Made A Bar” marks Wallen’s eleventh number one single at country radio.

In previous interviews, Wallen has shared his love for Eric Church, so seeing these two superstars collaborate was a real treat for fans. “Man Made A Bar,” off of Wallen’s One Thing At a Time album, is a quintessential country song. Nostalgic, honest, and endearing the song talks about all the things God made and their purpose, especially when it comes to tending to a broken heart.

Eric Church & Morgan Wallen performing “Man Made A Bar” Live on the CMA Awards // Photo Courtesy of CMA

“Opened up back in ’85, got me over my first wife // Been stayin’ busy since the first night // It’s a story old as time // God made the world in seven short days // He said it was good, I bet it was great // And God made a man, the man got lonely // He said, “Please, Lord, if I could only have an angel to hold in my arms” // So God made a girl, his best work of art // Oh, but he didn’t make no place to go when she breaks your heart // So man madе a bar”

Congrats to Wallen and his team on their eleventh number one! There is surely more to come! Congrats to Church too!

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

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

To keep up with Eric Church, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Man Made A Bar” 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.