Posts

Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins Together Again on “Hell Right”

Blake Shelton Trace Adkins

Blake Shelton has already had quite the year. With his new songs “God’s Country” hitting Number 1 and “Dive Bar,” with Garth Brooks, Shelton has already had a lot of success on the charts. You may remember one of the Oklahoma native’s older Number 1 songs, “Hillbilly Bone” with Trace Adkins from 2009. Well, the guys are back at it again with their newest single off Shelton’s upcoming album, “Hell Right”.

The new tune, which features vocals from Adkins, was written by David Garcia, Brett Tyler, and Hardy. “The first time I ever heard ‘Hell Right,’ [producer] Scott Hendricks sent it over to me—and we had pretty much decided that we were finished recording for a while, and I wasn’t even thinking about it,” says Shelton in a recent press release. “About three-quarters of the way through the song, I decided, ‘Oh, my God, I’m not done recording. I’ve gotta go cut this song. It’s just so much fun and just so infectious.” Just like that, Shelton and Adkins were back in the studio again together recording another hit single.

We got to listen to the first part of the song before it was released and it had us on our toes wanting to hear the rest. Between the opening crickets, Adkins deep southern drawl, and Shelton’s ability to tell a great story, this song is sure to climb the charts.

“I decided it would be great to have Trace Adkins on this [song] just because he’s got that low, deep, big voice and he’s so great at the ad-lib stuff,” says Blake. “He just brings a certain quality to any recording that nobody else can touch.” We agree with Shelton, the depth that these two artists bring to this song is unlike any single we have seen released this year. Shelton is expected to release a full album but has said that he is really enjoying releasing singles to the fans one at a time and watching the reaction that comes with each one individually.

To keep up with Blake Shelton follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
“Hell Right” 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.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Country Songs For Your First Dance At Your Wedding

Country music accommodates a soundtrack for all occasions. Heartbreak, falling in love for the first time, and, of course, the stereotypical feel good drinking song. Planning your wedding? We’ve got you covered with our top 11 picks for country music first dance songs.

 

“Only You Can Love Me This Way” – Keith Urban

Keith Urban has a number of love songs under his belt and this older, little less known down-home country classic is a perfect choice to slow things down and show the person you love that they will forever be the only one. “That you’re always in my heart // You’re always on my mind // But when it all becomes too much, you’re never far behind // And there’s no one that comes close to you, could ever take your place // ‘Cause only you can love me this way”

 

“Speechless” – Dan + Shay

Dan + Shay have even made a few pop-up appearances performing their famed love song live at couple’s weddings. The duo have even released an acoustic version to specifically be played at weddings: “I’m speechless // Staring at you, standing there in that dress // What it’s doing to me, ain’t a secret // ‘Cause watching you is all that I can do // And I’m speechless // You already know that you’re my weakness // After all this time I’m just as nervous // Every time you walk into the room // I’m speechless”

 

“Good As You”- Kane Brown

Considering Brown’s music video for his single depicts his very own wedding, this short and sweet ditty is absolute when picking a feel-good upbeat song to get the audience up and swaying during your first dance. “I just wanna wake up everyday here in this bed // Never leave ‘I love you’ left unsaid // It might take a hundred lifetimes to do // But baby, I just wanna be good as you”

 

“Come A Little Closer” – Dierks Bentley

One of Bentley’s most recognizable songs. It’s stripped-down, literally, romantic and slow-tempo. Everything that sums up a perfect first dance selection: “Come a little closer baby // I feel like lettin’ go // Of everything that stands between us // And the love we used to know // I want to touch you like a cleansin’ rain // And let it wash all the hurt away // So come a little closer baby // I feel like lettin’ go”

 

“Where You Are” – Tenille Townes

Although this may not be a popular choice yet, this acoustic, heartfelt-ballad tells truth of everywhere you would go to be with your loved one: “I’d stand in any ticket line // Any mountain I would climb // Just to find my way to where you are // I would swim across the sea // I would cut down any tree // Leave a trail through a forest in the dark // Pave a path to get back to where you are”

 

“Mean To Me” – Brett Eldredge

“I wanted to write a song telling someone, ‘If I could mean half as much as you mean to me, that would be amazing,'” Eldredge said about the song. If that doesn’t classify as true love, what does? “Standing here // Watching you // Turning every head in this crowded room // The lights down low // Dancin slow // Oh, if falling’s how you feel // And perfect is what you see // Then I’d be what you mean to me.”

 

“I Don’t Dance” – Lee Brice

Lee Brice confessing about his inability to dance just makes it that much more romantic. It’s not just about your ability to dance, but your willingness to do it anyway for the one that you love. “I don’t dance // But here I am // Spinning you ’round // And ’round in circles // It ain’t my style // But I don’t care // I’d do anything // With you anywhere // Guess you got me // In the palm of your hand // ‘Cause I don’t dance”

 

“God Gave Me You” – Blake Shelton

This is one of Shelton’s top love songs originally written by Dave Barnes and is great for couples who are looking for a slower-tempo. Did you know that our Managing Editor, Christina picked this one as her first dance song at her own wedding?! “God gave me you for the ups and downs // God gave me you for the days of doubt // For when I think I’ve lost my way // There are no words here left to say, it’s true // God gave me you”

 

“Then” – Brad Paisley

This song declaring the growth of love is enough to bring tears to anyone’s eyes: “And now you’re my whole life // Now you’re my whole world // I just can’t believe the way I feel about you, girl // Like a river meets the sea // Stronger than it’s ever been // We’ve come so far since that day // And I thought I loved you then”

 

“From The Ground Up” – Dan + Shay

To be honest, Dan + Shay should be the soundtrack for all weddings. This generational filled love song is the perfect foundation for a new, beginning love story: “And we’ll build this love from the ground up // For worse or for better // And I will be all you need // Beside you I’ll stand through the good and the bad // We’ll give all that we have // And we’ll build this love from the ground up”

 

“Butterflies” – Kacey Musgraves

Different from the last couple of piano ballads, “Butterflies” provides a uniqueness to your first dance choice. It’s like feeling that spark for the first time all over again: “Now you’re lifting me up, instead of holding me down // Stealing my heart instead of stealing my crown // Untangled all the strings round my wings that were tied // I didn’t know him and I didn’t know me // Cloud nine was always out of reach // Now I remember what it feels like to fly // You give me butterflies”

 

We hope that this list provides perfect insight and inspiration in choosing the right first dance song for your special day.

 

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Devin Dawson Reimagines His First Songwriting #1, “God’s Country”

God's Country Devin Dawson

It’s safe to assume that most country fans know “God’s Country” as Blake Shelton’s newest monster hit. Likewise, country fans know Devin Dawson as the genre’s newest man in black with hits like “All On Me,” “Dark Horse,” and “I Don’t Care Who Sees.” What fans may not know is that Dawson is one of the musical masterminds behind “God’s Country.”

This week, Dawson is celebrating his first number one hit as a songwriter, having co-penned the Shelton single with Michael Hardy and Jordan Schmidt. To celebrate the two-week chart-topper, Dawson has released his own acoustic take on “God’s Country.”

Filmed on producer Scott Hendricks’ farm, the video, shot in his signature black and white, shows Dawson sitting on a stool with his guitar. While Shelton’s take on the tune is big and bombastic, Dawson’s version receives a much more tender treatment. What’s apparent here is that there’s a place in the world for both versions. Shelton’s take feels like it was made for an arena, while Dawson’s feels like he’s sitting in the famed Listening Room Cafe playing for his peers.  Maybe due to his part in penning the track, Dawson’s take seems more emotional and impassioned. And frankly, as much as we love Shelton’s rendition, we’d love to add Dawson’s version to our playlist too.

To keep up with Devin Dawson, follow him onInstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

He’ll spend the majority of the summer playing festivals across the United States and abroad, with stops at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Country Fanfest, Citadel Country Spirit USA Festival, and more. He’ll play in Clearfield, PA on July 31 and Baldwinsville, New York on August 2. For tickets and more information head to www.devindawsonmusic.com.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Blake Shelton Chats About His New Movie ‘Ugly Dolls’ on Ellen

Superstar Blake Shelton appeared on NBC’s ‘Ellen’ with host Ellen Degeneres earlier today (5/1). The pair discussed Shelton’s many ventures, his new music, and of course his relationship with pop icon Gwen Stefani.

Ellen introduced the singer, sharing, “Our next guest went from being People magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ to the mayor of Uglyville in the new animated film ‘Ugly Dolls’, please welcome my friend, Blake Shelton.” She also joked earlier in the show that Shelton’s real name is “Mr. Stefani.” Shelton shared how much he loves reconnecting with Ellen stating, “Thanks for having me back. You have me on this show all the time now. I love it!”

Although known primarily for being a successful country music singer-songwriter and performer, the interview focused more around Shelton’s other ventures, including his judging gig on The Voice, his new movie, ‘Ugly Dolls,’ and of course his relationship with long-time girlfriend, Gwen Stefani. Ellen and Shelton had a witty, friendly, and humorous banter going throughout the entire segment.

The entertainer shared with Ellen about his new role as the voice of a character in the animated children’s film ‘Ugly Dolls,’ as well as how he brought Stefani and her children to the premiere. Both had a laugh when Shelton shared that he only has “one voice,” as it was easy to recognize it in the clip of the new movie that was shown. When it came to The Voice, Shelton boasted about his stacked team, shouting out one of the contestants, who he shares is a “rapper and singer.”

Of course, the interview wouldn’t be complete without Ellen boldly encouraging the performer to propose to his girlfriend. She gifted him with a clock, adding that he should give it to Stefani, and maybe she’ll propose to him! To cap off the segment, the pair played a game, inspired by Shelton’s new film, which showed off the lighthearted and fun nature of their working relationship and friendship.

Make sure to check out Shelton’s new movie, ‘Ugly Dolls,’ in theaters this Friday, May 3rd, and don’t forget to watch Season 16 of The Voice, Monday and Tuesday nights on NBC. As far as music goes, keep an eye out for more new music, following the release of “God’s Country”, most likely coming soon.

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

 

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Blake Shelton Releases Powerful Visuals for “God’s Country”

God's Country Blake Shelton

Photo Courtesy of Warner Music Nashville

We didn’t have to wait long for Blake Shelton’s music video for his new single “God’s Country.” Less than a week after performing the hit live for the first time and receiving a standing ovation at the ACM Awards, the official video was released, and boy is it a good one.
The powerful video, directed by Grammy Award-winning director Sophie Miller, certainly shows Shelton’s dedication and love he has for his home state of Oklahoma.

“Well I can tell you one thing for damn sure, Oklahoma is God’s Country, so that’s where we shot the music video for the song,” said Shelton in a recent press release. “We spent four days shooting there in and around Tishomingo, getting connected to the land, the environment and the spirit of the music. As I’ve said before, I was born in Oklahoma, and I’ll be buried there and Sophie Muller, who’s a well-known video director, really captured the countryside in a stark and vivid way.” Tishomingo is where Shelton resides today.

Going back and forth between black and white footage of the Dust-Bowl and Shelton facing heavy weather elements in the present day, the video highlights the challenges that all farmers face. However, it also shows how breathtaking nature and the countryside can be, giving the message that no matter what comes our way, we should be proud of where we come from and to be able to stand in “God’s Country”.

Written by Michael Hardy, Devin Dawson, and Jordan Schmidt, it is already a hit for Shelton, making it into the top 25 on the Billboard Country Chart and jumping up 41 spots to number five on Billboard’s Hot Country.

While we wait for the singer-songwriter’s 12th studio album you can catch him on NBC’s The Voice on April 26.

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

“God’s Country” 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.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Blake Shelton Releases Boot-Stompin’ “God’s Country”

God's Country Blake Shelton

It’s not uncommon for a country artist to sing about their roots and that is exactly what Blake Shelton did in his new single “God’s Country”. Written by Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, and Devin Dawson, the lyrics discuss what it was like growing up in his town of Oklahoma.

“We pray for rain, thank him when it’s fallin’ / ‘Cause it brings a grain and a little bit of money / We put it back in a plate / I guess that’s why they call it God’s country.”

The town Shelton calls “God’s Country”, Tishomingo, is the town where he grew up and now owns a franchise of restaurants and entertainment complexes called Ole Red. However, he tells Billboard that God’s country is not a specific place; it’s a state of mind.“‘God’s Country’ is a song that has a strong and deep meaningful lyric, but at the same time it leaves it up to the listener’s interpretation,” Shelton said in a recent press release. “But no matter where you are from or where you’re standing it is my belief that you’re standing in God’s Country. It’s really about a state of mind. Wherever you’re from and how you feel about that place. For me, it’s about being from Oklahoma – where I was born, raised and still live today.”

Texoma Shore was released in November of 2017 and less than a year and a half later, we have the first single off his next album. “God’s Country” will have listeners across America stomping their boots, no matter which town they call home.

Shelton has had a lot of success in his 18-year career as a country artist and television personality. He has released eleven albums (including his Christmas album), charted 24 number one singles and won nine CMA Awards, five ACM Awards, and seven CMT awards. He is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

There are no New York tour dates available yet but you can catch him at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachutes with George Strait on August 17th.

To keep up with Blake Shelton follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“God’s Country” 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.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

[Watch] The Voice Season 15 Finale Contestants Perform With Country Stars

Last night, NBC’s hit singing competition show The Voice wrapped up its 15th season with the last four contestants, Chevel Shepherd, Chris Kroeze, Kirk Jay, and Kennedy Holmes. The four finalists were competing for the winning title and a record deal that will change their lives forever. The two-hour season finale was jam-packed with performances from a multitude of different artists like Dierks Bentley, John Legend, Marshmello and Bastille, Panic! at the Disco, and Halsey. While even bringing out judges Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson to join forces for a powerful Christmas duet. That wasn’t all for the finale performances, the finalists had a special musical collaboration for their last performance in the competition.

Luckily for us country music fans, there were some country stars in the making, Chevel Shepherd (Team Kelly) and Kirk Jay (Team Blake.) The two finalists got the opportunity to perform with artists we all know and love, Rascal Flatts and Dan + Shay.

Throughout the competition, Kirk Jay and Blake Shelton have become great collaborators and friends. Shelton has embraced Kirk’s undying love for country music and even praised the contestant saying, “Kirk has got this twang that nobody has ever had in country music before.” Giving the Shelton stamp of approval, Jay has won the hearts of many and even turned fellow judge Jennifer Hudson into a fan of the genre. Last night, his dream came true to share the stage with one of the best selling country groups of all time, Rascal Flatts, performing their latest single, “Back To Life.” The trio and the finalist poured out their hearts, giving the crowd a beautiful performance filled with emotion and undeniable talent.

Next up, was Kelly Clarkson’s very own country Tinkerbell, Chevel Shepherd. The champion coach took Shepherd under her wing, bringing the pure country singer all the way into the final four. Over their time in the competition, the two have formed a sister like bond with one another, ending with Clarkson praising her saying, “She’s everything you want your daughter to be, I hope my daughter sings and she sings like you!” The country Tinkerbell took the stage with Grammy Nominated Best Country Duo, Dan + Shay singing their latest number one single, “Speechless.” The duo and the finalist joined forces, giving everyone watching a female perspective of the hit song, while she stood in the middle belting out the lyrics and captivating the audience with their powerful vocals.

Before the big winner was announced, country superstar Dierks Bentley took the stage to perform his latest hit single, “Burning Man” off his ninth studio album, The Mountain. Bentley gave all he had while performing, not leaving the crowd disappointed for a moment. Throughout the performance, he was seen interacting with the audience, even stepping into the crowd to get as close as possible, while the camera panned to the fans cheering and singing along. The performance was energized making those watching at home wishing that they were there.

Voice Finale

Photo Credit Trae Patton/NBC

After the final four performed for the last time, it was the moment everyone was waiting for. Coming in fourth place was Team Jennifer’s Kennedy Holmes while following in third place was Team Blake’s country singer, Kirk Jay. The final two contestants came down to Team Blake’s Chris Kroeze and Team Kelly’s Chevel Shepherd. Leaving the audience waiting on the edge of their seats…and the winner is country Tinkerbell, Chevel Shepherd! A big congratulations to the winner and Team Kelly, who has now won two years in a row.

Luckily for us New Yorkers, Dan + Shay have recently added a New York City date to their spring 2019 tour, playing at Hammerstein Ballroom on March 7, 2019, with support act Morgan Evans.

 

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Sundance Head

Sundance Head

Photo Credit: Tara Bone Photography

You may recall our next Swag Spotlight, Sundance Head as the winner of season 11 of The Voice back in 2016. Growing up in Porter, Texas about twenty miles north of Houston, his father was in the music business so he grew up around musicians, never really knowing that people had other jobs other than playing music. “It was more of like a lifestyle, I wrote songs because everyone I knew wrote songs, played guitar because everyone around me playing guitar,” Head says. In order to pay the bills, he took a job in construction which allowed him the freedom to work outside, listening to the radio all while keeping his musical dreams on the back burner.   When his girlfriend at the time suggested he try out for American Idol. Making it to the top 13, he learned a lot about the television competition process during that time. “I didn’t know myself as an artist and I wasn’t a great vocalist at the time. I didn’t realize that you needed to have a strategy,” Head explains.

After working an office job for five years after American Idol, he got sick of sitting at a desk and decided to try his hand once again in the music industry. He started up a band and they played every bar and venue they could in Texas, cutting their teeth and honing their craft.  When that same girlfriend who now was his wife suggested that he try out for another television competition, he was skeptical. “I said that’s the last thing I want to do is do that, it’s taken us four-five years to prove ourselves to Texas Radio, if we go do that and it doesn’t work out, I can’t come back to Texas,” he explains. “They look at that like you are selling out, they don’t always understand that you are just trying to do what it takes to pay your bills.” He does think that that mentality is changing, however, with the help of artists like Cody Johnson and Aaron Watson. “We’ve cultivated this great sound down here, why should we just keep it here”.

Taking one more chance, with more experience under his belt he tried out for The Voice, making it on to Team Blake and eventually going all the way to win the season. Since then, he has been on tour, performing over 280 dates last year alone, especially opening for Blake Shelton for his arena tour. When discussing what he learned from touring with Shelton he explains that the main takeaway is, always be yourself, be true to who you are and people will respect you for that. “Blake is so good at singing to 80 thousand people but he makes each individual there think that he is performing the show for them personally,” he says.

He then comments about rising superstar Luke Combs and how his genuine nature and incredible songs are making waves in the genre and how that will affect the path he takes to the industry. “He is singing great songs about real stuff and he is a real dude…This is a dude that’s lived it, people can feel that. That’s super exciting for me too, other than me being in incredible shape and very tall and handsome, we have a lot in common,” he laughs.

Looking ahead, Head has worked with and befriended legendary songwriter Dean Dillon (“The Chair”, “Tennesee Whiskey”) to pick the right songs and produce his album that has become highly anticipated since winning The Voice. Some of the greatest songwriters in Nashville has contributed songs to the record, slated for release very soon he tells us. Lori McKenna (“Girl Crush”, “Humble and Kind”) and JT Harding (“Sangria”, “Somewhere With You”) collaborated on the debut single from the record, “Leave Her Wild”. He comments about the song and how he knew it was the right single for him explaining, “I fell in love with it, it has that sexy kind of rock n roll backbeat on the kick drum but then it’s got these hip lyrics, it talks about this amazing woman, I can visualize her being smoking hot, free, goes around being happy and being sweet to everyone, lives as hard as she loves. I know who that girl is, that’s my wife.”

Anticipating his album, Stained Glass and Neon to be released in early 2019, Head can’t wait to release his own brand of soulful country to the world. For all news and updates be sure to follow Sundance Head on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Blake Shelton Appears on Ellen & Laughs About Halloween Costume

Blake Shelton Ellen

Photo Via YouTube (EllenTube)

The Voice judge and country music icon, Blake Shelton, appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show today and he had a lot to talk about!  Shelton sat down with Ellen DeGeneres to talk about his time as People Magazine’s 2017 Sexiest Man Alive. “I feel like sexy ends when… I’m not Sexiest Man Alive any more” he laughed. DeGeneres also questioned how it has affected his relationship with girlfriend Gwen Stefani. “It’s supposed to be like a superpower or whatever, you know what I’m saying? I don’t think she felt the power,” Shelton jokes.

Shelton also dished that Stefani was to blame for his Halloween costume debacle. The duo planned to dress up for a Halloween birthday party, and Stefani had bought Shelton a costume from the Disney movie, Incredibles. The joke was on him when he ended up wearing a sailor costume and another guest had mistaken him as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters.

“So it’s the birthday party and Gwen had gotten me an Incredibles costume, the dad. And I put it on and it literally — this was here in L.A. — it was like putting on a thick coat because it had muscles and I don’t have real muscles… So I didn’t like that, it was too hot,” Shelton says. “So she said, ‘There’s a sailor costume you can put on. Just put that on. I don’t care.'” He continued…”So I put that on and I swear to God, Ellen, I swear, I walk into the party and the very first person walked up to me and asked me if I was the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man,” Shelton continues. “I swear! And they’re right. They’re exactly right!”

The two also talked about Shelton’s vodka brand Smithworks, which they both took a shot of right in the middle of their interview. After they drank together, they talked about his unfortunate fall on stage.  Watch the clip here.

At the end of their chat, Shelton revealed details about his upcoming “Friends & Heroes Tour”. The tour will begin in February 2019. Lauren Alaina, the Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson, and Trace Adkins are acting as direct support for the tour.  Although the tour isn’t hitting New York City, Shelton will be in Uncasville, CT at Mohegan Sun Arena on March 21st and 22nd. You can also catch him on The Voice every Monday and Tuesday night.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Valerie Ponzio

Valerie Ponzio

Photo via www.valerieponzio.com

Recently, the country music umbrella has expanded thanks to artists like Maren Morris and Florida Georgia Line bringing pop influences, The Cadillac Three bringing a southern rock vibe and even Lady Antebellum adding a horn section into their latest album.  This week’s Swag Spotlight focuses on Valerie Ponzio, a singer-songwriter who grew up in a West Texas town, El Paso which borders Mexico and New Mexico, she hopes to bring her own blend of country music and Latin music to a new fanbase.  “I like to play different places and shed light on the region that I am from and the interesting Latin/country mix that they are known for,”  Ponzio tells us.

Her influences growing up and currently, range from strong female vocalists such as Sheryl Crow and Mariah Carey to Sting, Johnny Cash, and Luke Bryan as well as Shakira and the mariachi bands that she grew up listening to in Texas. Those sounds all come together to create Valerie’s undeniable signature sound, something that she prides her self on. “In the writing room, I try to bring Latin artists, as well as country artists as my influences and as far as where I want my songs to go,” she tells us, “It’s a funny mix between country and Latin, where I am at, it is where I steer all of my music and my live performance too.”

Most recently, Ponzio was a four-chair turn on season 12 of the popular singing competition, The Voice, ultimately choosing Blake Shelton as her mentor.  She chose to sing the Johnny Cash classic “Ring Of Fire” which although is traditionally a country song, sonically has a Latin energy, with mariachi horns in the chorus. “People are very passionate about Johnny Cash, you want to make it your own but do it as much as you can to pay your tribute and the style of the song,” she explains of her audition. Her sultry and slowed down version caught the attention of all four of the judges, Adam Levine exclaiming, “You are the most well-rounded singer, I think, for this particular panel of judges that I really kind of ever heard.”

She explains that the opportunity to be showcased on one of the most popular singing competitions is a crazy rollercoaster ride. “It was such a high moment in my life that I got to share with the people I love,” Ponzio tells us of her entire family being present for her blind audition. “It helped me grow as a singer and a performer.”  After the show, she moved to Nashville and is grateful for all of the connections and opportunities that have come her way.  She is writing as much as she can and taking every chance to spread her unique blend of music to new fans.

Her debut EP, Timeless, was released in July and features four original songs and the title track in English and Spanish.  Three of the four songs were written by Ponzio herself, as she represents her journey of moving to Nashville to further pursue her dreams and falling in love.  She explains that moving to Nashville has taught her so much about music and writing and even learning to let go and let the best song win.  When she heard “Morning” which was written by fellow Latin/country artists Sammy Arriaga she knew she had to record it for her own project although she didn’t write it herself. “The song is king here, you learn to respect that, even if I didn’t write it, there is something so amazing and putting that first and then seeing people react to it,” she says.

She is currently playing shows in Nashville, promoting the new music and looking forward to bringing her sound to other places around the country including places that primarily Latin markets that may not specifically listen to country music.  She hopes to put a tour together for early 2019.  Be sure to follow Valerie Ponzio on social media including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook: