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Who Is Joshua Dylan Balis? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

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The Beginning:

Today, our spotlight shines on a rising artist hailing from Texas. Joshua Dylan Balis is an incredible musician, who won us over with his unique country-folk-rock sound. The singer-songwriter is a true-blue artist, and we are excited to champion his music.

“I grew up in Dallas, Texas, where I was born and raised,” began Balis. “Music was always there. My dad played bass in a band for most of my life. He’s been in bands all of my life. From an early age, the singer was hooked on music. “I started playing guitar probably about 5th grade. I would just noodle along in my room finding melodies, and I guess I never really looked back.”

Balis recalls being inspired by his father and his love for music. He knew that this was what he was put on earth to do. “[My father] was the one who had strict standards for not listening to pop radio, and he would burn me CDs of classics or whatever he liked.” According to the artist, he took a liking to artists like Tom Petty, Coldplay, and The Strokes. Later on, in high school, Balis found more inspiration in artists like The White Stripes, Bob Dylan, and Townes Van Zandt.

His love of music transported him into different iterations of his musical career. “I made an EP a few years ago that I didn’t promote called ‘Modern Gospel.’ […] I put that out and then instead of promoting it, I started this band, and we immediately went into the studio and made this record. We made the record and then immediately broke up,” shared the singer. After the record was shelved, Balis found himself wanting to make a major change in life: enter Nashville.

The Turning Point:

“I needed a clean start, ” shared the singer, when asked about what prompted his move to Nashville. With a desire to just record in Music City, and to see what happens, Balis set his sights on just that. After a heart-to-heart with his uncle, a fellow musician, the singer connected with Omni Studios. Interestingly enough, the studio that he ended up connecting with was actually not the one he was originally recommended to.

“Come to find out three months later that the studio we had been recommended was in Austin, and we had just called the wrong one [in Nashville], shared Balis. “It was serendipitous and we flew out and we recorded three songs, and we loved the way they sounded, and decided to go all the way.”

Shortly after that, Balis made the move to Nashville, and his record We’re On Fire was born. “I need to make a change, something has to happen now,” shared the singer, just prior to committing to the project. “That was truly the impetus behind this songwriting on this record.”

Today:

After spending 2019 crafting the album, Balis was forced to wait a few years before its release, due to the pandemic. Finally, we can say that We’re On Fire will officially be out this Friday, May 13th. The album is a true record of faith, integrity, and a whole lot of talent.

According to Balis, “The process for most of these songs is me alone in the room with an acoustic guitar, early in the morning. Usually, I’ll pour a cup of coffee, and starting at 7AM., I just write and whatever comes, comes. Nine times out of ten I don’t have an objective, I don’t have something I want to write about, I just like to follow the muse and see where it goes.”

When asked about the title track, the singer-songwriter further shared his inspiration for the mesmerizing song. “‘We’re On Fire’ started out kinda as a rift, it was a little melody that I was messing with. I had all the verses and the bridge written, most of it but the hook, began Balis.
“[Then] There was an apartment fire in my building, scared the hell out of me […] It shook me a little bit, got me thinking about time and its passing, and then it ended up being sort of a driver for the hook.”

As fans wait for the record to officially come out, they can anticipate hearing the record performed live at one of Balis’ upcoming shows. Click here for a full list of tour dates.

Connect:

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

To keep up with Joshua Dylan Balis follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

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

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Dylan Scott & Jimmie Allen Join Forces on New Collaborative Song

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Dylan Scott and Jimmie Allen join forces on new collaborative song, “In Our Blood,” out now, May 6th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

There is something always enticing about collaborations. Since country music is such a big family, it is no surprise that duets are happening more often than not on songs and records across the genre. Today, Dylan Scott enlists fellow singer-songwriter Jimmie Allen to join in on his new song “In Our Blood.”

The country-rock song is the right mix of dark and anthemic. It reminds us all that we are all the same at the end of the day. It encourages all of us to let go of our differences, and just love one another. In a time of strife and divisiveness, it is especially important to have songs like this in our music catalog.

“We all get born and we all get a name // and we all get raised, might not be the same // But we all have hearts and we all feel pain // Don’t we? // And we might do things in a different way, but we all want love and we all need grace // Everybody bleeds red at the end of the day, don’t we?”

“In Our Blood” is the personification of the human experience. Both Scott and Allen bring their signature styles to this hauntingly beautiful song. This is one that is going to have us thinking about for a long time coming. Our power to love is stronger than anything that could ever divide us.

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Dylan Scott and Jimmie Allen collaborate on new song, “In Our Blood,” out now.

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

To keep up with Dylan Scott, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Jimmie Allen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“In Our Blood” 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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Midland: ‘The Last Resort: Greetings From’ – Album Review + Interview

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Midland’s brand new album, The Last Resort: Greetings From is out now, May 6th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

Country music’s favorite outlaw band, Midland is back with their third studio album, The Last Resort: Greetings From. The album is a fabulous, romantic, and glamorous record all wrapped into one. We had the chance to chat with the trio leading up to the release, so read below as we dive into the record and the conversation.

One of the first things to note is the parallels between the sonic and artistic aesthetic and lineage that runs deeply throughout The Last Resort: Greetings From. It could be considered a concept album, as the men of Midland are no longer bar regulars staying until last call. “We kind of workshop ideas around, and during Covid I moved back to my hometown of Arizona”, Mark Wystrach shared with us. “I found myself living amongst this world of tons of cacti… selfishly, I wanted everyone to come out and hang, I made some references and helped find some locations… and that set the setting for it all.”

The opener and title track does indeed set you to a desert and a smokey bar. “The Last Resort”, written by all of the band members plus the incomparable Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, has a foot-tapping groove to it along with lush pedal steel guitar. Then, there’s the standout moment “Take Her Off Your Hands” that will have listeners nodding along to the guitar riff that is obvious ear candy. “She didn’t put that dress on to be ignored by a man short on romance // To blind to give her a second glance”, they sing in the second verse. “If forever’s just not in your plans // Let me take her off your hands”. It’s a traditionally country, unrequited love song.

“Bury Me In Blue Jeans” has the perfect, witty lyrics that are classically western and country tropes. “When I’m heading home // Bury me in blue jeans”. There’s a certain kind of swag that this song entails, and it’s more upbeat than a lot of the rest of the record.

The Eagles-meets-Alan Jackson-esque “Long Neck Way To Go” collaboration with Jon Pardi feels incredibly natural. “I feel like of all the songs we cut, “Long Neck”, as we’re tracking it in the studio, felt like, ‘how is this not a song we’ve cut and recorded before?’…. Jon is someone who’s championed us since the beginning,” the band explains to us. “He took us out on our first real tour…. he’s the like the fourth member of Midland. He’s like our crazy cousin!”

The album’s middle and the album’s end both anchor the rest of the record in completely different, yet substantial ways. “And Then Some”, perhaps the strongest and saddest on the record, is a tasteful heartbreak song about being over someone, “and then somebody says your name // and I’m right back where you left me”. The moments that are subtle are just as impactful as the more outrageous moments. “Adios Cowboy” is the perfect closer to an already remarkable album. Another foot-tapper, this one is about how sometimes, the cowboy doesn’t always win the girl over. The lyrics tell a story in real-time, so plainly, that you really feel it. It truly makes the record so cohesive and will leave the listener feeling content… and ready to listen to the album again and again.

Midland continues to make amazing music, and this project is no exception. It’s great to listen to as a whole collection of songs, but will also sound wonderful live. Their album proves that Midland is here to stay in country music.

 

The Last Resort: Greetings From Track List

  1. “The Last Resort” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  2. “If I Lived Here” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  3. “Two To Two Step” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  4. “Take Her Off Your Hands” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  5. “Sunrise Tells the Story” (Jess Carson, Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere)
  6. “And Then Some” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  7. “Longneck Way to Go” (featuring Jon Pardi) (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley)
  8. “Life Ain’t Fair” (Jess Carson)
  9. “King of Saturday Night” (Jess Carson)
  10. “Paycheck to Paycheck” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Rhett Akins, John Osborne)
  11. “Bury Me in Blue Jeans” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  12. “Adios Cowboy” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Marv Green, JT Harding)
midland-album

Midland’s third studio album ‘The Last Resort’ is officially here.

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

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

The Last Resort: Greetings From 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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Kane Brown Drops New Song “Like I Love Country Music”

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Kane Brown’s new song, “Like I Love Country Music” is out now, May 6th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

Kane Brown found his niche—blending elements of pop and R&B into country, while featuring some of music’s biggest artists, to create a new and unique sound. However, Brown is also not afraid to work fiddle and steel into his songs every now and then. “Like I Love County Music” is an upbeat and undoubtedly ‘country’ jam in which he compares his love for his girl to his love for country music. He even references several country music icons such as Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Johnny Cash, and Brooks & Dunn. 

“You get me high as Willie, girl // You get me gone as Jones // You turn me on as much as I turn on my radio // Let’s take our time, walk the line // Kinda like Johnny and June did // Yeah, let’s do this // Baby, I love you like I love country music”

This name-dropping trend has become very popular in county music over the last few years. Other songs like this include Lauren Alaina’s “Ladies In The 90s;” Old Dominion’s “Song For Another Time;” Walker Hayes’ “90s Country;” Zac Brown Band’s “Old Love Song;” and Thomas Rhett’s “What’s Your Country Song.” It seems Brown and his co-writers (Matthew McGinn, Taylor Phillips, and Jordan Schmidt) wanted in on the fun of writing a puzzle-building piece like this. If released to radio, we could see this catchy tune topping the charts!

Brown left his comfort zone when he first started collaborating with artists outside the genre, but now since that’s become almost the norm for him, it is almost like making a pure country song with pounding electric guitar and a fiddle solo is uncharacteristic. It is really exciting to see him have success on both sides of the fence and says a lot about his musical creativity and talent.

With double albums also becoming a trend, it would be cool to see him release a record where one side of the vinyl has pop tunes, and the other has country tracks like this one. Speaking of albums, Brown must be close to one, with several standalone singles such as “Leave You Alone,” “Whiskey Sour,” “Blessed and Free” with H.E.R., “Memory” with blackbear, and his recent number-one “One Mississippi.” His latest project was Mixtape, Vol. 1, which came out in August of 2020. His last full-length album was 2018’s Experiment.

The second leg of Brown’s Blessed and Free Tour continues tomorrow in his hometown of Chattanooga. It hits the Tri-State area on June 4th with back-to-back shows at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. He also just announced a Canadian, Australian, and European Tour starting in September. For tickets, head to his website.

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Kane Brown’s new song “Like I Love Country Music” is out now.

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

To keep up with Kane Brown, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Like I Love Country Music” 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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Tim Montana: ‘Reno’ – EP Review

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Tim Montana’s brand new EP, Reno, is out now, May 6th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

For country rocker Tim Montana, his new EP, Reno, is something he’s truly proud of. “When I die, this will be the music I’ll be most proud of making,” he says. “We lit the rule book on fire and just went for it, focusing on creating music that was true to me— and that’s exactly what you’re getting—pure Tim Montana.”

With the six track collection, the gravel-voiced Montana is authentically himself. On the follow up to his 2021 major label debut, Long Shots, the singer-songwriter flexes his musical muscles while remaining true to his roots. The EP combines the guitar-driven country rock stylings that Montana is known for with more experimental rap and hip hop sounds, as well as a delightful duet with Colbie Caillat.

The duet is one of the collection’s finest moments, the pair trading verses on “Real Good People,” which shows off Montana’s softer side. On the breezy collab, Caillat is the perfect compliment, her twangy angelic voice supporting the grit and gravel of her counterpart. They’re both walking contradictions, musing about the fact that, “We love to get drunk // But we show up at church // Raised on 4-letter words // But we’re salt of the Earth.” 

For the Montana native, “A Guy Like Me” may be the truest representation of the singer as he growls through the driving declaration of who he is. Over heavy guitars, the singer is no holds barred, his rock side on full display. “I’m a fist full of bourbon// A freight train smokin’ // Ain’t slowing down // ‘Til the pine box closes // When hell needs raising // I’ma raising up whiskey // That’s what you get with a guy like me.”

He shows his softer side on “Stoned On You,” a love song that finds him admitting that he may be out drinking, but he’d prefer to be home “getting stoned on you.” Meanwhile, the EP’s opening track shows him dabbling with a more hip-hop sound. Here, he proclaims that he’s living his “American dream,” even if it looks a little different than one might expect.

On the EP’s title track, he finds himself alone, and at the end of his rope, in Reno. Over harmonica and guitar, he reflects on a life that’s different than what he expected. “I just wanna be lonely all alone // Messed up in Reno // Trashed in this casino // Living my life like a roll of the dice // Running on empty with nobody with me // If I’m all in tonight // And I play my cards right // I’ll be messed up in Reno.”

The EP’s final track, “California Love,” features frequent collaborator, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons as well as Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum. The song is an unexpected mix of hip-hop, rap, and rock, punctuated with a catchy chorus, as Montana revels in the fact that “California knows how to party.”

As unexpected as “California Love” may be, it also may be the best representative of Tim Montana. You may think you know what you’re getting here, but you have no idea, and that’s a good thing.

Reno Tracklist:

  1. “American Dream” – (Tim Montana, Adam Sanders, Micah Wilshire)
  2. “Guy Like Me” – (Tim Montana, Erik Dylan, Rob Snyder, Micah Wilshire)
  3. “Reno” – (Tim Montana, Jessica Cayne, Micah Wilshire)
  4. “Stoned On You” – (Tim Montana, Jeremy Bussey, Mike Florentino)
  5. “Real Good People (feat. Colbie Caillat)” – (Tim Montana, Jessica Cayne, Tina Parol, Micah Wilshire)
  6. “California Love (feat. Billy F Gibbons and Matt Sorum)” – (Larry Troutman, Roger Troutman, Ronnie Hudson, Mikel Hooks, Chris Stainton, Joe Cocker)
tim-montana-reno-ep

Tim Montana’s new EP, ‘Reno’ is out now.

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

In support of Koe Wetzel, Tim Montana will take the stage at New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom on May 11. Tickets are available here.

To keep up with Tim Montana, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Reno EP 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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Morgan Wallen Drops New Song for His Mom, “Thought You Should Know”

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Morgan Wallen’s new song, “Thought You Should Know” is out now, May 6th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

Morgan Wallen is proving that 2022 belongs to him. Between his sold-out tour and record-breaking album, the singer-songwriter continues to give fans what they want. Today, in honor of his mother, Wallen finally releases his previously teased song, “Thought You Should Know.”

Almost a year ago, the singer shared the song for the first time with fans. Inspired by the relationship with is mother, “Thought You Should Know” is one of Wallen’s most personal songs to date. He showcases the human side of fame on this track, sharing with fans the raw and real side of his life.

“What’s going on mama // Something just dawned on ya // I ain’t been home in some months // Been chasing some songs and women // Making some bad decisions // God knows I’m drinking too much // Yeah I know you’ve been worrying about me // You’ve been losing sleep since 93’ // I thought you should know that all those prayers you thought you wasted on me // Must of finally made their way on through”

We predicted that this song will become a hit with fans, and we have a sneaky suspicion that we are about to be proven right! For anyone who owes a hint of gratitude to their mothers or motherly figures, this song is for you.

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

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

“Thought You Should Know” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Who Is Taryn Papa? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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

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The Beginning:
Today our spotlight shines on east coast native, Taryn Papa. The budding star is a natural born singer from as long as she can remember, always fixating on entertaining and making the audience feel something. We chatted with the rising artist about her journey thus far.

“I was born and raised in Connecticut,” began Papa. “I was introduced to country music at a young age. It was something my mom played in the car when we would run errands or take road trips.” Despite an early introduction to country music, it was not until age thirteen, where the singer became mesmerized by Martina McBride. “I didn’t truly dive in to a lot of the artists and a lot of the stories behind country music, until I was thirteen years old, until a Martina McBride CD.”

From then on, music became a fixture in Papa’s life. She recalls both performing in a band with her uncle and singing and playing piano with her grandfather. “My family did music as hobbies. My grandfather played piano, and when he got Alzheimer’s it was something I would play for him and he would remember songs,” she shared. “It was something that let me know the impact or how important a melody can be and how it can have a time and place and it can transport you.”

During her college years, Papa had another ‘aha moment,’ when she was volunteering at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. “There was a room with this girl, her name was Jocelyn and she had [cancer],” started the singer, adding later, “I went home and the only way I could kind of pour out what I saw, I wrote a song. It was the first one I ever wrote.”

The Turning Point:

Taking her love for music and inspiring others with songs, Papa made the move to Nashville at just 23 years old. She started a band and became one of the few female-fronted bands on Broadway. “It was really cool to know how powerful music is, and from there on I decided I wanted to create other experiences for other people.”

Papa took her love for strong, female women in music to become the artist she is today.” My mom loved to listen to Pat Benatar, so naturally she became one that I needed to know every song on every record.” The songstress also professed her love for Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, and Shania Twain, as well as, The Eagles.“I love the stories that they share. I love how honest and genuine and raw and real it all was.”

“They are singing about truth and experiences and hoping others can jump on board with their story and that’s always been so inspiring to me. That’s where I formed a foundation for my music. I want it to be 1000% authentic.”

Eventually, Papa signed on with Red Light Management, which has led her to finally begin releasing her own music and create her own experiences for her fanbase.

Today:

Papa is currently releasing new songs every six weeks in preparation for her EP. “I wrote this whole EP pretty much about my experiences with finding love for the first time and what it feels like to feel totally changed,” shared the singer. Most recently, the singer-songwriter dropped her songs “Changed” and “AWAKE.”

The latter was inspired by meeting a man, who positively changed her perspective on love and relationships.“I met a guy last year and he helped me see things in a totally different way. That’s what ‘Awake’ is about.”

Similarly, “Changed” is about realizing how much of life is actually romantic in a beautiful way. “I was so afraid of falling in love before because I didn’t want to break their heart or break my heart. […] Finding the wrong heart that wasn’t meant for you, I was so afraid of that, I kind of avoided that at all costs.”

Fans can look forward to more singles coming out soon, as well as, music videos to go with the incredible songs. Keep an eye out on Papa’s new music, and make sure to head to her website to snag tickets to her scheduled shows!

“Once you touch one, there’s a million you can empower or inspire, and that’s the goal to get people to feel something from what you’re doing.”

Connect:

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

To keep up with Taryn Papa, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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

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Listen to Seth Ennis’ New Single “Hair Ties (I Don’t Wanna)” – Available Now

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Seth Ennis’ new single “Hair Ties (I Don’t Wanna)” is out now, April 29th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

Seth Ennis just dropped a new song “Hair Ties (I Don’t Wanna)” today, Friday, April 29th. The upbeat jam intertwines the artist’s country and pop influences into the unique sound that we love from him. 

“Hair Ties (I Don’t Wanna)” is about trying to move on without constantly being reminded of a past love. The tune was written by Ennis, Matt McVaney (Tim McGraw, Jimmie Allen) and GRAMMY nominee Geoff Warburton (Shawn Mendes “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back” and “In My Blood”). It was produced by GRAMMY nominee Jordan Schmidt (Blake Shelton “God’s Country”). 

On the songwriting process, Ennis shares that it is actually a song they wrote a couple of years ago. He shared that it was one of those days that they weren’t really trying to write for him, but rather just trying to write the best song that day. The song ended up not getting cut and Ennis himself went back to it a couple of years later and it just happened to be the right sound for him and the perfect fit at the right time. 

“I don’t wanna need you now // I don’t wanna drink this much // I don’t wanna see you out // I don’t wanna feel this stuck // I don’t wanna call you when I get lonely // I don’t wanna love you if you don’t love me // I just wanna stop finding your hair ties in my drawer, because I don’t wanna want you anymore”

We are looking forward to more new music from the singer-songwriter this year, as he hopes to continue to put out more and more music as it comes to him, and even hopes to make it out on tour by the end of the year!

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Seth Ennis’ new song “Hair Ties (I Don’t Wanna)” is out now.

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

To keep up with Seth Ennis, follow him on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. 

“Hair Ties (I Don’t Wanna)” 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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Chris Janson: ‘All In’ – Album Review

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Chris Janson’s brand new album, All In, is out now, April 29th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

On his fourth studio album, out April 29, Chris Janson is “All In.” Here, the singer-songwriter embraces the country sounds of yesterday and today, putting out a sixteen-track collection that is the epitome of great country music.

The album features collaborations with country superstars Eric Church, Rhett Akins, and Travis Tritt, as well as the bittersweet single “Bye Mom.” Janson co-produced the album, revealing in a statement, “I’m in my thirties and I’m super comfortable with who I am. I think it starts with that. I’m comfortable with who I am, which makes my music easy and comfortable.”

His forthcoming single “Keys to the Country” kicks the album off in high gear, an ode to the life of a country boy. He may not know the coolest places in town, but when it comes to country life, he’s the best there is. 

“’Cause I got the keys to the country // Sittin’ in my F-350 I know where to park // Way out in the dark // Where the stars shine down so pretty // Got the keys to the gate to the Johnson’s Lake // A little honey hole to take you // Honey I ain’t got the keys to the city // But I got the keys to the country.”

Throughout All In, Janson continues to celebrate the best things about the country lifestyle, including tracks like “Small Town Big Time”, “The Reall Bass Pro”, and “Cold Beer Truth.” On the latter, he admits that “life looks better after you’ve had a few.” Likewise, “We Did it Anyway” is the embodiment of a classic country tune about a youth spent living fast and free.

One of the album’s clear standouts is “You, Me, & the River,” Janson’s duet with Eric Church. It’s a dark murder ballad that is sure to be talked about for years to come. Interestingly, the track represents the first song Janson has recorded that he didn’t write, as it was written solely by the Chief. Here, the two tell the tale of a woman and her affair and the river that hides it all.

“Hey buddy, hey buddy ain’t that Mississippi muddy // And this time of year, she takes what you give her // So tonight I’ll lay me down to sleep // And pray my soul and a secret to keep // Between you, me, and a river…”

Another clear highlight is the raucous “Things You Can’t Live Without” with golden-voiced icon Travis Tritt, the pair trading verses about all of the best things in their lives. They celebrate the simple things like “Mountain Dew in my refrigerator // Kids running ‘round the house,” while Janson contributes an impressive harmonica solo.

Janson’s love for his wife Kelly can be felt throughout many of the tracks on All In, including on the mid-tempo title track. Perfect for radio, the song tells the tale of how the singer-songwriter found himself “all in” with his wife from day one, as he admits “that pounding in my heart left no doubt in my mind.” Meanwhile, “Too Far Gone” and “Love Don’t Sleep” both celebrate the kind of love that’s too good to sleep through, Janson musing “so much love to make, so little time… When you’re in this deep, love don’t sleep.”

Co-written by Eric Church, “Flag on the Wall” may just be Janson’s best vocal performance to date, his passion shining through with every word as he begs for unity. “We all blue and we all red // And we support the boys that fall // With a Bible on the table // And a flag on the wall.” Likewise, the album’s closing song, “My American Life,” celebrates all of the good things about the U.S.A. “In my American world // It’s where freedom rings // This is the land of opportunity// Yeah, we love our flag // We love listening to Merle // Yeah, I really, really, really, really love my American world.” On All In, Chris Janson continues to do what he does best, and that’s make solid country music. The singer-songwriter is as country as they come, and it’s evidenced clearly on this album from the opening notes of “Keys to the Country” to the final closing notes of “My American Life” and every minute in-between.

All In Track List

  1. “Keys to the Country”* (Chris Janson, Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley, Zach Crowell)
  2. “We Did It Anyway”* (Chris Janson, Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stevens)
  3. “Cold Beer Truth”** (Brad Clawson, Mitch Oglesby, Rob Pennington, Chris Janson)
  4. “You, Me & the River” (feat. Eric Church) (Eric Church)
  5. “Halfway to Crazy” (Chris Janson, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip)
  6. “Bye Mom”* (Chris Janson, Brandon Kinney)
  7. “Love Don’t Sleep” (Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, David Frasier, John Edwards)
  8. “The Reel Bass Pro” (Chris Janson, Mitch Ogelsby, Shane Profitt)
  9. “Too Far Gone” (Chris Janson, Marv Green, Ben Hayslip)
  10. “Flag on the Wall” (Chris Janson, Eric Church)
  11. “All In”* (Chris Janson, Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley, Zach Crowell)
  12. “Here and Gone” (Chris Janson, Casey Beathard)
  13. “Things You Can’t Live Without” (feat. Travis Tritt) (Chris Janson, David Lee Murphy, Deric Ruttan, Chris Stevens)
  14. “Small Town Big Time” (Chris Janson, Jimmy Yeary, Tim Nichols)
  15. “You Never Did” (Chris Janson)
  16. “My American World” (Chris Janson, Kelly Roland, Shane Profitt)
chris-janson-new-album

Chris Janson’s new album ‘All In’ is out now.

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

To keep up with Chris Janson follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

All In 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.

miranda-lambert-new-album-palomino

Miranda Lambert: ‘Palomino’ – Album Review

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Miranda Lambert’s brand new album, Palomino is out now, April 29th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

Out today, April 29, Miranda Lambert’s Palomino is a welcomed breath of fresh air. The fifteen track collection shows Lambert doing what she does best. She’s authentically herself, exploring different sounds and topics in a way that never feels fraudulent or forced. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Here, she co-wrote all but one track, enlisting frequent collaborators including Luke Dick, Jon Randall, and Natalie Hemby to take listeners on a uniquely magical journey. 

On her eighth studio album, the singer-songwriter is fully in her element. The album is definitely more of the rootsy, no-frills Lambert that was evidenced on 2021’s The Marfa Tapes, as opposed to the glitz and glamor from the days of “Little Red Wagon.” Palomino is a mature and cohesive offering, sure to delight fans and non-fans alike.

“The making of this record has been one of the most fun and creative experiences of my career,” reflects Lambert in a statement. “…The first one we wrote was ‘Tourist’ and that set us on a path to create something with a bit of a theme. Since we couldn’t travel at the time, we decided to go on a journey through songs… I hope y’all are ready to travel with us wandering spirits and meet some cool characters with great stories.”

On that inspired track, Lambert takes on the role of the tourist, wandering aimlessly with no place to go. “I’m just a tourist // I don’t know where I belong // It might sound foolish // Yeah, but nowhere feels like home // So I roam from town to town // Taking snapshots of the world // And I laugh away the lonely // And give a local bar a whirl // And I wanna see it all so I keep movin’ // I’m just a tourist.”

Throughout Palomino, listeners will meet an array of characters, including “Geraldene” on the earwormy song of the same name, one of the album’s surefire hits. “Music City Queen” features the B-52s and introduces listeners to another array of unique souls, punctuated by a recognizable piano solo. Likewise, despite being the sole song on the album not written by Lambert, the Mick Jagger cover of “Wandering Spirit” is a clear standout coming right at the album’s midpoint. Joined by the McCrary Sisters, Lambert explores Gospel-twinged country, her wandering spirit seemingly inspired by something divine.

The twangy “Scenes” is the perfect example of the premise of the album, Lambert doing “anything to forget about you.” She’s moving from scene to scene here, meeting the likes of Dwayne and Katie with a K, as she tries to ban an ex from her memory. Meanwhile, the twangy “I’ll Be Loving You” finds Lambert admitting that “I’ll be loving you, No matter where I roam.”

Interestingly, “In His Arms,” “Geraldene,” and “Waxahachie” all make second, slightly updated appearances, after originally being released on the aforementioned Marfa Tapes record. Yet, they fit in perfectly here. 

While Lambert takes sonic and lyrical risks on Palomino, she never strays too far from what has endeared her to the country genre since the earliest days of her career. This is evidenced on tracks such as the feisty “Actin’ Up,” the tongue-in-cheek “Country Money,” and nostalgic “If I Was a Cowboy.” Another highlight is “That’s What Makes the Jukebox Play,” finding the singer-songwriter in the narrator role as she observes the goings-on in a bar, and how they inspire the music found in a jukebox. It’s a poignant and moving take that can’t be ignored.

The album ends on a magical moment, with the ethereal and sparse “Carousel,” finding Lambert grappling with the fact that all good things must end. “Every show must end // Every circus leaves town // You don’t know the magic’s gone // Until the lights go down.”

Miranda Lambert’s Palomino is a concise and compelling piece of art, finding the Texan songstress experimenting with new sounds and coloring outside the musical lines as she takes listeners on a journey. Lambert has always excelled at being a bit of a rebel, and she does it here, but in the best way possible. She isn’t chasing trends or hits, but remaining true to her musical passions and desires. 

Palomino Track List

  1. “Actin’ Up” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Jon Randall)
  2. “Scenes” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
  3. “In His Arms” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall)
  4. “Geraldene” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall)
  5. “Tourist” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
  6. “Music City Queen” feat. The B-52’s (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
  7. “Strange” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
  8. “Wandering Spirit” (Mick Jagger, James Rippeto)
  9. “I’ll Be Lovin’ You” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Jon Randall)
  10. “That’s What Makes the Jukebox Play” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
  11. “Country Money” (Miranda Lambert, Aaron Raitiere, Mikey Reaves)
  12. “If I Was a Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert, Jesse Frasure)
  13. “Waxahachie” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall)
  14. “Pursuit of Happiness” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
  15. “Carousel” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
miranda-lambert-new-album-palomino

Miranda Lambert’s new album ‘Palomino’ is out now.

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

To keep up with Miranda Lambert, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Palomino 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.