Conner-smith-debut-album

Conner Smith: ‘Smoky Mountains’ – Debut Album Review

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Conner Smith releases his debut album, Smoky Mountains, out now, January 26th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

With a soulful voice and storytelling prowess far beyond his 23 years, Conner Smith’s debut album, Smoky Mountains, is sure to propel him to superstardom. With a mountain-infused type of 90’s-leaning modern country that pairs his old-soul drawl with a new-school lyrical breadth, Smith crafted his Valory Music debut alongside Nashville hitmakers like Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd, Jessi Alexander, Devin Dawson, and more.

As a songwriter for over fifteen years, the Nashville native admits that every year of his life truly contributed to this record. “It very much took 23 years to make these 12 songs,” Smith says. “I felt like I found my own lane I was able to drive down, and I’m really proud of what it has become. There’s not a wasted second on the record – every song matters. And I think it really shows all the different things that make me ‘me’ – as a songwriter, a vocalist and as a performer.” 

The album opens with the groove-laden titular track, as he opens the album growling, “Sing me a song of the smoky mountains and I’ll be home by the sun.” Here, he sets the tone for the project with a bluesy and gritty intro that’s ripe with fiddle and steel before leading directly into his breakout moment, “Creek Will Rise.” On the song, he combines bluegrass-tinged instrumentation with an uber catchy melody that’s rapidly climbing the charts. “With respect to true-hearted bluegrass fans, that sound really inspired me in this season of my artistry,” he explains of the tune. “I’ve been trying to discover what I wanted to say for the last five years since I signed a record deal, and now that I’m able to present that with this album. It might surprise some people on where it landed.”

For Smith, who co-wrote all but one of the album’s twelve tracks, the viral “I Hate Alabama,” his debut collection represents a labor of love. The tracks reflect that love, weaving its way in different forms through tracks like the “will they or won’t they?” “Roulette on the Heart,” the flirty “Trouble,” and  the ode to small town upbringing in the form of “Boots in the Bleachers.” Smith is also introspective on his desire to be more than a one night stand on “Regret in the Morning,” while he’s celebrating enjoying the simpler things on “Take It Slow.”

Smith enlists rising star Hailey Whitters to join him on “Roulette On The Heart,” a ballad about the push and pull of a possible relationship. “I wanted to keep the magic of that song intact,” He shares of enlisting Whitters. “And I love where it landed.” “Are you gonna break me? Are you gonna save me?” They sing over the simple and sparse instrumentation. “Every night with you is a shot in the dark… Holding somebody shouldn’t be this hard.”

“Meanwhile in Carolina” is another clear standout, beautifully telling the tale of two people living concurrent lives, unaware that fate will eventually bring them together. Inspired by Smith’s relationship with his now fiance, the song tells the story of their lives until they found each other, wondering if their other halves were out there. “You always imagine that person, you always think about ’em, wonder where they are, wonder what they’re doing,” he shares. “I was so proud of that song after we wrote it, because I knew it was one that mattered – it was a song that meant something.”

Another clear stand out is “Heatin’ Up,” which is a punchy and driving single-ready uptempo that is sure to set live shows ablaze. Here, Smith singsongs over the catch chorus that “Everything about this love is heatin’ up.”

Likewise, “I Hate Alabama” is sure to be a crowd pleaser, initially going viral on TikTok and launching Smith to his record deal. It’s a clever twist on regional dislike, as the Nashville native muses over his disdain for the “Roll Tide” state.

“I hate Alabama // I hate Crimson Red // And I hate how they yell “Roll Tide” // When I got a Braves hat on my head // And I love Lynyrd Skynyrd // But Lord I hate Sweet Home,” He sings. “’Cause when I hear it all I see Is a girl with houndstooth on // In the stands in Tuscaloosa // Might’ve lost by 22 // But I hate Alabama // ‘Cause that’s where I lost you.”

The album concludes with the stirring “God Moments,” which finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on the ways in which “God works in mysterious ways.” It’s akin in many ways to “Unanswered Prayers,” finding Smith accepting that there’s a bigger plan at work in his life than he could even imagine or understand.

On Smoky Mountains, Conner Smith establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with in the genre. With his husky growl and introspective lyrics, the debut is only the beginning of things “Heatin’ Up” for the singer-songwriter.

Smoky Mountains Tracklist:

  1. Smoky Mountains | Conner Smith, Zach Crowell
  2. Creek Will Rise | Conner Smith, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Parker Welling
  3. Roulette On The Heart (featuring Hailey Whitters) | Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
  4. Heatin’ Up | Conner Smith, Chase McGill, Daniel Ross
  5. Baby, I | Conner Smith, Devin Dawson, Mark Trussell, Parker Welling
  6. Meanwhile In Carolina | Conner Smith, Blake Pendergrass
  7. Boots In The Bleachers | Conner Smith, Ben Hayslip, Jordan Walker
  8. Take It Slow | Conner Smith, Ryan Hurd, Mark Trussell
  9. Trouble | Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
  10. I Hate Alabama | Nick Columbia, Drew Green, Hunter Phelps, Lee Starr
  11. Regret In The Morning | Conner Smith, Hunter Phelps, Daniel Ross
  12. God Moments | Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Blake Pendergrass

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Meanwhile in Carolina
  2. Heatin’ Up
  3. Creek Will Rise
  4. Smoky Mountains
  5. I Hate Alabama
Conner-smith-debut-album

Conner Smith shares his debut album, ‘Smoky Mountains,” 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 Conner Smith releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here. 

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

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

Charles Esten: ‘Love Ain’t Pretty’ – Debut Album Review

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Charles Esten releases his debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty, out now, January 26th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

American actor, singer, and songwriter, Charles Esten cultivated an incredible fanbase, when he played Deacon Claybourne on CMT’s ‘Nashville’ and as Ward Cameron on Netflix’s ‘Outer Banks.’ Now, the singer-songwriter is ready to share his other passion with the world, music. Today, Esten releases his debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty.

With fourteen songs that speak to Esten’s talent as both a singer and as a songwriter, Love Ain’t Pretty boast songs for all different types of country music lovers. Esten leant his songwriting prowess to each and every song off the impressive record. The album kicks off with the title track, a song that fans will surely love.

Next up, “A Little Right Now” and “One Good Move” take the listener on an emotional journey. The former track speaks to a wayward path, while “One Good Move” allows the listener to have an inside look into the past and now the present, which is much brighter. On songs like “I Ain’t” and “Make You Happy,” Esten shows off his traditional-country and more funky sounds, as well as, a more fun approach to music. Both songs make you want to dance and be in love without being too on the nose. Another standout moment comes later in the track list with a song called, “Maybe I’m Alright.” On the song, Esten finds peace in expression throughout the touching and relatable song.

Love Ain’t Pretty is an album that is blessed with both quiet moments of stardom and more fun-loving tunes. Esten does a great job showcasing all different sides of his musical ability and his journey thus far. The debut album is one to listen to!

Love Ain’t Pretty Tracklist:

  1. Love Ain’t Pretty (Charles Esten, Marshall Altman, Jimmy Yeary)
  2. A Little Right Now (Charles Esten, Jacob Lyda, Brian Maher)
  3. One Good Move (Charles Esten, Sam Backoff, Zarni deVette, Elise Hayes)
  4. In a Bar Somewhere (Charles Esten, Jason Gantt, Neil Medley)
  5. I Ain’t (Charles Esten, Brad Crisler, James LeBlanc)
  6. Another Song About You (Charles Esten, Colin Elmore)
  7. When Love Ain’t Love (Charles Esten, Jeffrey East)
  8. Candlelight (Charles Esten, Kenny Alphin, Eric Paslay)
  9. Back in My Life Again (Charles Esten, Marcus Hummon, Bryan Todd)
  10. Make You Happy (Charles Esten, Gary Burr, Jon D’Agostino)
  11. Willing to Try (Charles Esten, Gary Burr)
  12. Maybe I’m Alright (Charles Esten, Leslie Satcher)
  13. Down the Road (feat. Eric Paslay) (Charles Esten, Eric Paslay, Dylan Altman)
  14. Somewhere in the Sunshine (Charles Esten, Jon Nite)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Maybe I”m Alright”
  2. “Love Ain’t Pretty”
  3. “One Good Move”
  4. “Make You Happy”
Charles-esten-debut-album

Charles Esten shares debut album, ‘Love Ain’t Pretty,’ 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 Charles Esten releases.

To keep up with Charles Esten, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Love Ain’t Pretty is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

mackenzie-porter-byBree Marie Fish

MacKenzie Porter Shares 4 New Songs Ahead of Debut Album

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MacKenzie Porter shares 4 brand new songs including, “Easy To Miss” and “Young At Heart,” ahead of upcoming debut album. Listen to the new tracks below.

Canadian-country star, MacKenzie Porter is primed to have a huge year in 2024. The Big Loud Records recording artist just announced the release date for her debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, out April 26th. To celebrate the news, the songstress is giving fans a sneak peak of what’s to come on the project, releasing four brand new songs.

The first of the sampler project is a song called “Easy To Miss.” The mid-tempo song is easily digestible and catchy, even after just one listen. While the story behind the song is about missing someone you are no longer with, the juxtaposition between the story-telling and the dynamics of the song make the song interesting and fun to listen to

“Well it’s hard waking up in the morning // And it’s hard getting sleep at night // And it’s hard when I’m reeling, staring at the ceiling with you on my mind // And it’s hard holding onto nothing with my arms round the emptiness // But it’s harder to let go // Why you gotta be so easy to miss?”

Next up, “Pay Me Back In Change,” written by Emma Klein continues the story of heartbreak in a new perspective. Porter’s vocals are beautiful, as she conveys the quiet lyrics in a perfectly effortless way. The song portrays the cracks in a relationship, where the protagonist asks their lover to change, rather than to keep putting a bandaid on the parts that need fixing.

Porter continues the beautiful story-telling on the upcoming title track. Written by Porter with Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan, and Parker Welling, “Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart” is a standout. Throughout the song, Porter shares the experiences she has been through, candidly expressing heartbreak in both an honest and vulnerable way.

“Daddy yells // Mommas eyes love like the summer rain // Old enough to know what’s going on // To young to drive away // I learned the hard way that growing up is hard // “Cause nobody’s born with a broken heart // Love’s a blade and God it’s a sharp // Smooth as steel but leaves a mark // Proof of life is dying with scars // ‘Cause nobody’s born with a broken heart // Yeah nobody’s born with a broken heart”

Rounding out the four-song release, Porter shares a song called, “Young At Heart.” Much like the previous singles, the single expresses honesty and storytelling in the most beautiful of ways. Throughout the song, Porter shares about healing, heartbreak, and everything in between.

Overall, the four-song teaser is a perfect introduction into Porter’s incredible talent. She has a knack for bringing stories and emotions to life through music. Stay tuned for the full album release, coming this April!

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MacKenzie Porter shares 4 brand new songs, 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.

MacKenzie Porter’s new songs are 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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Wyatt Flores Drops Brand New Song “Milwaukee”

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Wyatt Flores shares brand new song “Milwaukee,” out now, January 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Wyatt Flores is rapidly emerging as one of country music’s most intriguing breakout artists. In 2022, the singer-songwriter quit school and moved to Nashville to pursue his dream as a musician. He quickly gained traction on YouTube with songs such as “Losing Sleep” and “Please Don’t Go.” It didn’t take long for the 22-year-old from Oklahoma to land a record deal and release a seven-track EP titled Life Lessons. The project received many positive reviews from both new and traditional critics, citing its authentic and captivating lyrics. 

Flores continues to tell real stories in this gloomy, heartbreak tale. The singer paints the scene of a cold night in Milwaukee, as the protagonist feels remorse about his past relationship but wants to assure her it wasn’t for a lack of love. His heavy vocals shine over the thematic string-based melody. Flores showcased this song at his Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this week. 

“You can hate my hands for letting you go // Hate my lips for kissing yours cold // and hiding all my feelings in the dark // But please don’t hate my heart”

Artists are fun to root for when you feel like they can relate to them, and fans can feel the raw emotion of his voice in all his tunes. Flores’ unique ability to bring so much energy into somber songs makes him such an attractive commodity, and someone who is destined to have a career- and life-changing year. Fans can catch Flores on his Life Lessons Tour, which kicked off yesterday in Tampa and will continue until May 10. For tickets, head to his website.

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Wyatt Flores shares brand new song, “Milwaukee,” 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 Wyatt Flores releases.

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

“Milwaukee” 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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Kameron Marlowe Joins Forces with Ella Langley on New Song “Strangers”

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Kameron Marlowe collaborates with Ella Langley on new song, “Strangers,”out now, January 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Rising stars, Kameron Marlowe and Ella Langley are forces in their own right. While the collaboration might be unexpected to some, Marlowe and Langley prove that their voices gel together effortlessly. Their new duet, “Strangers” will leave you speechless and reeling from just one listen.

“Strangers” kicked off with Marlowe singing the first verse. He sets the scene of what it is like to be in the midst of a break-up. Soon there after, Langley’s harmonies come on line, and it brings a beautiful push-pull to the dynamics of the song and the story. “Strangers” conveys all the confusing feelings that we are often left with after a break-up. Both Marlowe and Langley bring their a-game vocals to agonizingly beautiful song.

“We can’t be friends // We can’t be lovers // We can’t be weekend drinking, leaning on each other // We can’t ‘be falling off the wagon // Talking ’bout what happened // Where does that leave you and me // There’s too much love // There’s too much anger // We can’t be friends // And we can’t be strangers // We can’t be strangers”

While Marlowe and Langley may not have been a collaboration we expected, the song is one of the best duets we have heard in a long time. “Strangers” is a must-listen to!

kameron-marlowe-ella-langley-strangers

Kameron Marlowe and Ella Langley collaborate on brand new song, “Strangers,” 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 Kameron Marlowe releases.

To keep up with Kameron Marlowe, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Ella Langley, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Strangers” 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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Megan Moroney Releases Fan-Favorite New Song “No Caller ID”

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Megan Moroney’s new song “No Caller ID,” is out now, January 19th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Megan Moroney emerged as one of the rising superstars of the country genre. She had a monumental 2023, even landing her first number one single at country radio with “Tennessee Orange.” After releasing her debut album, Lucky earlier last year, fans have been awaiting even more music from the singer-songwriter. Today, Moroney finally releases her fan-favorite, highly-anticipated new song, “No Caller ID.”

The self-proclaimed “emo cowgirl,” brings the emotion to the forefront of the melancholy, yet expressive new song. “No Caller ID” tells the story of an ex constantly coming around, when you are finally feeling happy again. Moroney finds a way to share her heart in her music, no matter how sad or uplifting the lyrics are. “No Caller ID” is the perfect addition to the singer’s growing catalog of music.

“I’m two months deep in therapy // Been finally getting sleep // My friends quit checking up on me // ‘Cause I’m back on my feet // I’m doing more than getting back // I’ve been seeing a stand-up guy // It’s the middle of the night // My phone starts ringing // Here you come again, and there you go // No coincidences, you always know // When I’m moving on, you move back in with a half-ass sorry, how you been”

2024 is slated to be an even bigger year for the rising star. “No Caller ID” marks just the beginning of the new era of music for Moroney.

Megan-moroney-no-caller-id

Megan Moroney shares new song, “No Caller ID,” 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 Megan Moroney releases.

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

“No Caller ID” 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.

Mitchell Tenpenny Shares New Song “Breaking My Heart”

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Mitchell Tenpenny releases new song “Breaking My Heart,” out now, January 19th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

To kick off 2024, Mitchell Tenpenny is giving fans new music to be excited for. In true M10 fashion, the singer-songwriter is sharing a song that speaks to the core of heartbreak in a way that is still somehow fun to listen to. Tenpenny’s new song, “Breaking My Heart” is officially out now.

“Breaking My Heart” is a new, mid-tempo song that touches the difficult feelings of not being able to get over an old relationship. Tenpenny sings about how hard it is to detach yourself, when the person is still coming around every weekend. While the singer is happily in a relationship in real life, he does a great job conveying the message of heartbreak and all of its parts.

“I think you need a vacation // a little time for yourself // ‘Cause you’ve been out everywhere and you’re making // my world a living hell // It’s been like 8 weeks // You’re still driving me crazy // If you don’t love me, then hate me // I was just thinking maybe // Aw, baby // Don’t you kinda wanna stay in tonight // or at least go walking into some other bar // Don’t you need a break from breaking my heart // I said, baby, won’t you let me get on with my life”

“Breaking My Heart” feels ready for the stage, and we’re excited to hopefully see M10 perform this song at one of his shows later this year!

mitchell-tenpenny-song

Mitchell Tenpenny shares new song, “Breaking My Heart,” 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 Mitchell Tenpenny releases.

To keep up with Mitchell Tenpenny, follow him on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

“Breaking My Heart” 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.

Madeline-merlo-makeup

Madeline Merlo Shares Brand New Song “makeup”

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Madeline Merlo shares brand new song “makeup,” out now, January 19th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Rising country artist, Madeline Merlo continues to share brand new music. In her blossoming career, Merlo has emerged as an artist who unapologetically speaks her truth, no matter how difficult it may be. To kick off the new year, the songstress is sharing an incredible new song called, “makeup.”

Merlo’s new song, “makeup.” reads like a diary entry from the first heart wrenching lyric. Throughout the song, the singer explores the parts of her that she has come to know. While at first, fans may think the singer is referring to the cosmetic, “makeup,” but Merlo genuinely flips the word, as she sings about her genetic makeup instead.

“Do I hate my body ‘cause my mother hated hers // Bet I can’t control my temper ‘cause my daddy never learned // Could I make love last forever if my parents never could // Will I ever know the difference between good enough and good // Can you change the way you’re made up // If you scrub it hard enough, can you ever wash off // What’s in your makeup, what’s in your makeup”

Merlo continues to show off her undeniable talent release after release. “makeup” is a true standout song that any fan of music should give a listen to. The songstress is the real deal and it is only a matter of time until everyone recognizes her name and her undeniable talent.

Madeline-merlo-makeup

Madeline Merlo shares her new song, “makeup,” 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 Madeline Merlo releases.

To keep up with Madeline Merlo, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter. 

“makeup” 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 & Luke Combs Tease Unreleased Music

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2024 is off to a good start with both Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs teasing unreleased music on their perspective social media platforms. Learn more here.


Cover Photo Credit: Luke Combs (David Bergman / Morgan Wallen (Matthew Paskert)

One of the best things about social media is the relationship fans get to have with their favorite artists. Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs are two artists that are both absolute superstars and country mainstay artists in their own rights. While we have not yet gotten the collaboration we are all hoping for, both Wallen and Combs teased unreleased music this past week.

A few days ago, Wallen took to Instagram to tease an unreleased song called, “I Guess.” The song gives life to the feeling many of us feel, when we are spinning our wheels in relationships. “I Guess” has old-school Wallen vibes, something fans have been asking for. The unreleased tune is moody, gritty, and honest.

“I guess I’m the problem // And you’re Miss Never Do No Wrong // If I’m so awful // Then why’d you stick around this long? // And if it’s the whiskey // Then why you keep on pulling it off the shelf? // You hate that when you look at me you halfway see yourself // It got me thinking // If I’m the problem // You might be the reason”

On other hand, Combs expresses and shows off his “dad side” on his unreleased song called, “The Man He Sees In Me,” something both him and Wallen can both relate to. Written by Combs with Josh Phillips, the unreleased song is a sweet sentiment about the relationship between father and son. No matter what Combs sings, every song seems perfect for his voice.

He thinks he’s learning fishing // From the man that taught Bill Dance // And I think as I untangle it and put it in his hands // I hope he never finds out that I didn’t hang the moon // And I’ve never scared a monster out the closet in his room // Someday between him leaving home and driving on my knee // Maybe I’ll finally be, the man he sees in me”

While neither “I Guess” by Morgan Wallen or “The Man He Sees In Me” by Luke Combs have release dates just yet, we anticipate that the songs will make their way on the singers’ next albums. Stay tuned!

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

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

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

Check out 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 Belles? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music (2024)

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

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Quick Facts:

Full Name – Kelli Rachel Belles
Birthdate – 06/09/99
Hometown – Omaha, Nebraska
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Selena
Label – Independent
Current Single – “I Hate Trucks” (out /1/26) // as of date of article: 01/15/2024

The Beginning:

Back in 2021, we introduced you to a singer-songwriter who was just starting her solo career after years of singing with her mom and brother. Belles has accomplished so much in the last few years, and we chatted with her all about her new music, her career, and everything in between.

Kelli Belles, who goes by Belles, grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. “I was born into a pretty musical family,” she began. “My grandma was a big band singer, and my mom and my aunts were a pop group called Mulberry Lane. So I actually grew up touring with them and backstage at fairs and festivals, watching them sing, in the van with them while they were warming up, and that’s really what sparked my interest in music.”

Throughout her entire childhood, Belles recalls being enamored with music, but specifically with powerful women in country music. “I’ve always loved country music. It was my favorite thing growing up, listening to Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, and Linda Rondstadt, and that was the music I was trying to write back then and still trying to write now.”

She spent her youth honing her skills in dance, musical theatre, and singing, as well as, started writing songs in high school. “When I was about 14, my mom was kind of playing coffee shops around Omaha and writing her own songs, and I asked to be her backup singer. It took a little bit of convincing,” she shares. Adding later, “Eventually she said yes and that kind of slowly turned into us becoming a duo.”

The Turning Point:

After taking a traditional path for a few years, Belles was reminded of her love of music, and moved to Nashville at just nineteen years old. Since being in the country music capital, the songstress worked to craft her songwriting and cultivate her artistry. “Since 2021, I’ve officially launched my solo career […] I’ve written more songs in the past two years than I think I ever have.”

Still inspired by powerful country artists, the singer is determined to share real stories through her storytelling. “Seeing Lainey Wilson’s rise has been really, really inspiring […] She has some of the best songwriting and really unique stories, and is so true to herself. I’m so excited for the future of females in country music. There’s more of a place for everyone’s stories and all different kinds of female artists.”

Belles continues to blend her country music songwriting with other genres, since finding her own voice and style in Nashville. “Stylistically, I’ve kind of been experimenting with mixing traditional elements and more modern elements. My producer, Ned Cameron was actually a rap producer in LA before moving to Nashville. […] He’s brought a lot of different elements to my music that I think are pretty unique.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Belles is on her first ever headlining tour thanks to the fanbase she has been able to grow via social media. “My social media has grown so much too. That’s what really sparked the tour idea. I really wanted to meet these people in real life that I’ve connected with, so I decided to book this club tour and it’s 20 shows, and it’s my first ever headlining tour, and a lot of venues that have been on my bucket list for years.”

The tour has been a place where Belles could finally connect face to face with her fans. Throughout the tour, the songstress is sure to play both released and unreleased music. In just a couple of weeks (January 26th), Belles will release a new song called, “I Hate Trucks.”

According to the singer, “‘I Hate Trucks’ is a fun one. Obviously in Nebraska, everyone drives trucks […] I have never really been a huge fan of trucks, I don’t really understand why you leave the back of this truck empty all the time, so I brought this idea into a writing session because I don’t really like trucks, but I always end up dating guys that drive these big, huge trucks. […] The hook is “I hate trucks, but I love the boys who drive them.” It’s kind of tongue in cheek.”

2024 is slated to be the biggest year yet for the rising artist, who is planning to release a song every six weeks for the new year. Stay tuned and be on the look out!

Connect:

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

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Belles’ 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.