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CMT Crossroads Featuring Brett Young and Boyz II Men

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Crossroads Boyz II Men Brett Young

Photo Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Held at Stage A at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and broadcasted on CMT last night, Boyz II Men and Brett Young were featured last night for another incredible episode of CMT Crossroads. Who knew this was the collaboration everyone needed?

In last night’s broadcast, Young shared the stage with the iconic group in their first country collaboration. Young and Boyz II Men had met the day before this was filmed, however, their mesh of musical styles and stage presence appeared like they were old friends, performing together. The night kicked off with “Motownphilly” getting the crowd singing along and ready for what’s to come.

In between the songs, Young and Boyz II Men talked about how similar their two genres are and how love songs connect with everyone. “There’s country, there’s R&B and those two genres are exactly the same, we just change a couple of instruments to make one country and one R&B,” Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men says. “We are meshing genres but at the same time, we do very much of the same thing, and I think that’s really cool” Young continued. “But that’s the whole point of Crossroads, it gives the viewer something that they might not have seen on their own,” Shawn Stockman explained.  The group and Young jumped right into a beautiful rendition of Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know”. They also performed the group’s hit “Water Runs Dry,” which is also the song that Young covers in his set on tour. It has the elements of a hit country track that engages the group and Young’s voice flawlessly.

Before singing Young’s next couple of songs he mentioned his single “Here Tonight” was the first time he put an actual tempo song out to radio. “Sometimes it’s nice to write a song that even though the topic is obvious, the story is so vague that anybody can make it their story,” Young says. “We don’t say where here is, here is here for you, it’s here for me, it’s wherever that is for anybody.” The single is currently climbing the charts sitting at #3 on the Mediabase chart and in the top three on Billboard. Young also explained to Boyz II Men that his track “Mercy,” was the song the crowd would cheer for to encore before it was even a single. Arguably, one of the most impactful songs of the night was “End Of The Road” which gave each artist a chance to really harmonize together, even allowing the fans in the audience to sing the final chorus acapella.

To end the night, they performed Boyz II Men’s smash single “I’ll Make Love To You.” “This was a challenge I was excited for, “ Young said of the collaboration and working with the band. “The process might’ve taken longer or gone differently if you guys weren’t so genuine and warm and open and fun about it.” There were roses placed on the stage for them to hand out to the audience. The artists took advantage of this opportunity by handing them out to the ladies in the crowd. Between the sultry vocals, amazing harmonies and beautiful roses it was a definite ‘’swoon’ moment for those in attendance.

As members of the Grammy award-winning band talked earnestly with the rising country throughout the show, it was apparent that they appreciate the country music genre, as much as Young appreciates them and the way their music has influenced him. “Country music leaves space for the song to breathe, they leave space for the artist to sing the lyrics so you can hear the story, ” Morris stated. “All of those beautiful things that country is known for, that’s why people love it still, it still touches the heartstrings,” Stockman concluded. This collaboration was an unexpected yet clever decision made by CMT.

To keep up with CMT’s Crossroads future shows, make sure to visit http://www.cmt.com/shows/cmt-crossroads. To keep up with Boyz II Men follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and Brett Young on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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What We’re Listening To: March Picks

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NYCountry Swag’s “What We’re Listening To” playlist highlights the wide range of our team’s favorite songs and artists when it comes to the country music genre.  At the end of the day, we are all fans first with a passion for country music and are eager to share with you all what we’ve got on repeat each month.

Find below each of our team member’s favorite songs and why in our March picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

MARCH PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere” – Chad Brownlee
Songwriters: Cary Barlowe, Donovan Woods, Todd Clark

This month I’m listening to Chad Brownlee’s “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere”. The song paints the picture of making that first move whether in a dive bar, on a train, in a crowded room, etc… the idea that for any relationship to begin, it’s got to start somewhere, anywhere first. 

“I know what you must think /Another guy tryin’ to buy your drink / Two for one on a Tuesday /
How can a good thing start this way / Well it could end up anywhere / Forever’s gotta start somewhere”

I love the idea behind these lyrics and paired with the catchy rhythm of the song, it makes it easy to sing along to and keep on repeat.”

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Ten Year Town” – Hailey Whitters
Songwriters: Brandy Clark and Hailey Whitters 

“I’m twelve years into a ten-year town”  That is the opening line of this incredible song. From the moment I heard it the day it was released, I knew it would be my pick this month.  Hailey Whitters moved to Nashville when she was just 17 years old and has been paying her dues since the day she got there. In a time when pop production has taken over the country genre, this track is simple and Whitters’ voice is delicate, almost melancholy as she explains the struggles she’s dealt with.

“Waiting tables another month, waitin’ on that break to come / all it’s ever done is break my heart”

Whether it’s a songwriter like Whitters who is waiting for that big break, just like a ton of artists in Nashville or co-writer, Brandy Clark who has been nominated for six Grammys but can’t get airplay on country radio, we are all looking to find our little place in this industry.  For me, this track can resonate with anyone waiting for validation in any career, music industry or not.

“Payin’ dues don’t pay the bills / Dreams come true, and I think mine will / lesser fools would have given up, they don’t go for broke like a dreamer does, ya gotta get back up when you get knocked down, I’m twelve years into a ten-year town, this next song could turn it all around”

I hope that I can be a small part of allowing others to hear this song and to take notice of amazing artists and songwriters striving for the spotlight.

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Chapters” – Brett Young feat. Gavin DeGraw
Songwriters: Brett Young, Ross Copperman, and Gavin DeGraw

Like Young, I am also a huge Gavin DeGraw fan. He has always been one of my favorite artists so I was very excited to see him on Ticket to LA’s track listing.

“Chapters” is a true story about Brett Young’s life and his love for baseball growing up. Young received offers from Tampa Bay and Minnesota after high school but turned them down to play in college. However, an elbow injury ended his career which made him get into songwriting. Clearly, it worked out well for him, but his ability to turn the page and start a new chapter is what got him through that tough time in his life. Young and DeGraw explain throughout this very powerful and moving song that just because things didn’t work out the way you intended, doesn’t mean you failed; God had a plan the whole time.

“Every page you’ve turned is a lesson learned / And we all, and we all, just tryna get it right /
These are the chapters of my life.”

Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Brand New Man” – Brooks & Dunn feat. Luke Combs
Songwriters: Don Cook, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn

“Brand New Man” by Brooks & Dunn is one of my favorite country songs. I grew up listening to it with my family during BBQs in the summertime. When I heard that Luke Combs was going to be a part of a reboot for the song I couldn’t contain my excitement. I heard Combs cover this song the first time I saw him live and let me tell you, he does an awesome job and the crowd sings every word with him. Having one of your favorite artists cover a song you love is one of my favorite moments at a show. He’s such a great addition to this song and I’ve had it on repeat since it was released.

 

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “Keep Abilene Beautiful” – Carlton Anderson
Songwriters: Carlton Anderson, Tom Douglas, Tony Lane

“You don’t have to be from Abilene or Texas to love this song. It’s lyrical, vocal and (traditional-leaving) instrumental perfection, evoke a very palpable sense of longing for the familial and familiar warmth we’re sometimes too far away from. And, needless to say, Carlton’s performance of this personified song coupled with his personal connection to the said city in Texas really bolsters the impact “Keep Abilene Beautiful” has on our heartstrings. Personally, I’m rooting for this to be his next single at country radio. With the standing ovation, he got at his Opry debut and the reaction this song is seeing, it could very well be a career-defining one for him— if given the chance to be heard on the radio.”

 

Taylor Felvey, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Sad Song” – Mike Ryan
Songwriters: Mike Ryan, Brent Anderson, and Clint Lagerberg

“San Antonio native, Mike Ryan gives a soulful take on a love song on his Album Blink You’ll Miss It.  The ballad tells the story of a love affair caught in a vicious cycle. It’s a relationship that’s headed nowhere, and will certainly end in heartbreak as the lyrics take you through the tumultuous situation.

“I watched the taxi cab take you away / I was the one left alone in the rain / I’ve drained a few bottles /
Stared a hole through my phone / I’ve come to grips with the fact that you’re gone /
And here you are standing in tears at my door / I don’t know what to tell you / I’ve heard this one before”

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Try Saying Goodbye” – John King
Songwriters: Paul DiGiovanni, John King

“I have always loved John King’s upbeat songs from “Tonight, Tonight” to “Heat Wave” although I feel King has never got the attention he deserves. As an amazing songwriter, including Randy Houser’s “We Went”, his newest slow song “Try Saying Goodbye” hits a new chord. The song explores the difficulties of relationships and singing in the chorus, King thought sorry was going to be the hardest thing he would have to say, turns out goodbye is. The main theme of the song is to not take things for granted and be okay with admitting when you are wrong, never letting your pride get in the way.

With such a powerful message, I thought I could not be more compelled to press replay, but I was wrong. The paired music video was also done so well and certainly makes you emotional listening to the song and reflecting back on your own past relationships. Looking ahead, King has new music in the works for the coming year and I cannot be more excited to support him as an independent artist.”

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain” – Reba
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Mark Narmore, and Shelley Skidmore

“In country music, there are few voices that are as instantly recognizable as Reba’s. In the weeks leading up to the release of her new album, Stronger Than the Truth, the Queen of Country has been releasing a string of new tracks, each showing a different side of the superstar. On “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain,” co-written by the genius that is Brandy Clark, Reba sings of a cheating man, admitting that “standing by your man, well that’s a broken plan.” Lyrically, the song is absolutely brilliant, weaving in and referencing various Wynette songs to tell the tale of a broken heart. However, it’s Reba’s delivery that makes the song a true masterpiece, as you can absolutely hear the sorrowful ache in her voice. Knowing that Reba went through her own divorce a few years ago, it’s hard not to wonder if she drew upon her own heartache when recording the song. Either way, it’s a powerful performance that once again reestablishes her as the undisputed Queen of the genre.”

 

Olivia Reese, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Gone West” – Gone West
Songwriters: Colbie Caillat, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves, Justin Kawika Young

“I’ve absolutely loved the message in “Gone West” by Gone West. Although it can be difficult to leave what you’ve always known the adventure can be worth risking it all, “Sailin’ off to search the islands / Gone west for somethin’ new.”

Additionally, the harmonies with folk undertones are what initially drew me to the song as I have a proclivity for loving harmony bands. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Gone West.”

 

Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Give Up The Ghost” – Lauren Jenkins
Songwriters: Emily Shackleton and Lauren Jenkins 

“From the moment I first heard Lauren Jenkins’ song “Give Up The Ghost” off her soon to be released debut album, No Saint, I instantly fell in love with it. From the very first listen I knew this was going to be one of my go-to songs to sing at the top of my lungs while blasting in my car. She combines the essence of rock and country into this song creating the ultimate jam, while the lyrics tell a story about a former flame causing a disruption in a present relationship.

“I know I could make you happy / Baby, if you’d only let me / But two of us is one too many / Open the door and set her free / Give up the ghost, hold onto me”

It’s my favorite song released from the album so far and I can’t wait for No Saint to come out this Friday!”

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

Pick: “To Hell and Back” – Maren Morris
Songwriters: Maren Morris, Jessie Jo Dillon, Laura Veltz

“I’ve had Maren Morris’ new album GIRL on repeat all month long and I absolutely love every single song, but this one sticks out to me as being the most vulnerable track on the record. The story told in this one is so beautiful. It’s about a partner’s willingness to love you fully and freely and I just love everything about it.”

“You didn’t save me / You didn’t think I needed saving / You didn’t change me/
You didn’t think I needed changing / My wings are frayed and what’s left of my halo’s black /
Lucky for me, your kind of heaven’s been to hell and back”

 

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Ol Muddy River” – Dee White
Songwriters: Dee White

“This month, I have Dee White’s “Ol’ Muddy River” on repeat. I heard White and his band perform last year when opening for Ashley McBryde and I was hooked on this song ever since he sang it live.  “Ol Muddy River” is a classic vintage country song with a catchy guitar twang and fiddle.  White singlehandedly penned “Ol’ Muddy River’ and tells a story about going to a river that brings him peace and tranquility.  He sings about his admiration for a place where he can go to escape problems with lyrics:

“All my life’s been wild like the river, so he and I really get along just fine /
Everything’s easy at the Ol’ Muddy River / You know that’s where I like to spend all of my time”

When I listen to “Ol’ Muddy River,” I can easily picture myself fishing and not worrying about a thing!  White released his debut album Southern Gentleman on March 1st, and a week later he made his debut at The Grand Ole Opry.  I am so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for him!”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “A Song For Everything” – Maren Morris
Songwriters: Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, Maren Morris

“My March song pick came super easy this month.  The second I heard Maren Morris’ sophomore album GIRL, I instantly fell in love with the nostalgic ballad “A Song for Everything.” It is everything I never knew I always needed in a song. The song is essentially an ode to music for always being there for us, as we go through good and bad experiences in life.

“When I was looking for the words / Somebody said it first like they knew me / They were singing right to me /
One danced you through love / One rocked you through lonely / Mixtaped your heartbreak and made you feel holy / For the hits and the misses / For the fire and rain / Close your eyes and listen /
‘Cause there’s a song for everything, yeah / There’s a song for everything / There’s a song for everything”

Ironically, I’m sure that this song will be one of those memorable tracks that I attach to future experiences for a long time coming. Thank you to Maren Morris and her co-writers for penning this monumental song.”

Listen to our picks on our “What We’re Listening To” playlist on Spotify and be sure to give it a follow, so you can catch our monthly updates.

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Brett Young Releases Two New ‘Spotify Singles’

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Brett Young Spotify

Photo Via Spotify

California born and ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, Brett Young brings his unique Caliville style to the “Spotify Singles” playlist today. The singer-songwriter recorded a new take on his chart-topping hit “Mercy” which has been streamed over 62 million times globally. He also covered his longtime friend and fellow songwriter, Gavin DeGraw’s hit song “Not Over You.”

“Mercy” was written by Young and Sean McConnell for his eponymous debut self-titled album. The new take on the song includes an additional minute and a half to the original mashed with a verse from electronic music producer and DJ, Marshmello’s and Khalid’s “Silence”. The song was intended to as Young said “to hurt people’s feelings – but in the best way” and he definitely accomplished that.

“Not Over You” is one of DeGraw’s smash hit songs that everyone knows and loves. Young put his Caliville twist on the track which was released today. The two became such great friends and eventually collaborated for his recently-released sophomore album Ticket to L.A. Take a listen to both “Mercy” and “Not Over You” below.

Beginning in April, he will be hitting the road with Kelsea Ballerini on her Miss Me More Tour with Brandon Ratcliff. Unfortunately, the tour does not stop in New York City but Young makes a stop in New Jersey at Starland Ballroom on March 7. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 1. For additional information and tour dates, visit BrettYoungMusic.com.

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Brett Young Performs “Here Tonight” on Ellen

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Brett Young

Last Friday (Dec. 7) Academy of Country Music New Male Vocalist of the Year, Brett Young released his sophomore studio record Ticket To L.A. Today, he continues to promote the album with his first appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show with a performance of his latest single “Here Tonight.”

Two-time Emmy nominated actress, Ellie Kemper guest hosted the daytime talk show and introduced the country star to the audience. The electronic walls displayed the Ticket To L.A. album cover before sliding open to reveal Young and his four-piece band. Young delivered with his impeccable vocals while strumming along to his own acoustic guitar. The infectious feel-good tune had the audience up on their feet, clapping and swaying along to every beat.

Kemper returned to the stage to greet the powerhouse vocalist while the audience filled the air with applause and shouts, little did they know the guest host had a surprise up her sleeve for them. “The name of his CD is Ticket To L.A. AND everyone in the audience is getting a copy,” shared Kemper and the shouts evolved into screams.

Young will wrap up his ‘CMT Here Tonight Tour’ this weekend, visit www.brettyoungmusic.com for a full list of remaining dates and additional information.

For fans who couldn’t make it out to see the ACM winner on this tour run, he will be performing live from the Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville event during NBC’s New Year’s Eve celebration, which will air Monday, December 31st on NBC from 10 p.m. – 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Ticket To L.A. is now available everywhere you stream or buy music.

 

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Brett Young Performs Two Songs on TODAY

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Brett Young Today songs

Photo credit: @todayshow on Instagram

Just two days after selling out PlayStation Theater as part of the ‘CMT Here Tonight Tour’, Academy of Country Music New Male Vocalist of the Year, Brett Young visited the Today Show studios right here in New York City to perform two tracks from his brand new sophomore record, Ticket To L.A.

The singer-songwriter assisted in collecting toys for donation outside on Rockefeller Plaza before joining co-anchor Hoda Kotb inside studio 1A for his first performance, his current single “Here Tonight.” Kotb spoke briefly with Young regarding his incredible year of success in his career, as well as his personal life with his brand new bride. Young referred to the past few years of his life as a “collection of pinch-me moments.” With visuals of beaches lighting up the jumbo screen behind Young and his four-piece band, the New Male Vocalist of the Year manifested his title. Watch the full performance here.

Young returned to the stage during the 10 a.m. hour with Kotb and co-anchor Kathie Lee Gifford to perform the album’s title track, “Ticket to L.A.” Gifford and Kotb congratulated him on all of his success before questioning the meaning behind the title of the album and song. Young responded, “We just wanted to write a song about something different. A guy meeting a girl in an airport, instead of the bar or the coffee shop or what we’ve all heard and then I realized when we were naming the album, we were going through the normal process and we realized that that’s something that I do all the time now being from Southern California and living in Nashville. I’m holding a ticket to L.A. all the time.” Watch the full performance here.

Young will also be performing live from the Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville event during NBC’s New Year’s Eve celebration, which will air Monday, December 31st on NBC from 10 p.m. – 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Ticket To L.A. is now available everywhere you stream or buy music.

Tyler Rich and Brett Young Warm Up a Cold Times Square Crowd

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While most people were having the Sunday scaries last night, New York country music fans fled to the heart of Times Square to catch CMT On Tour featuring Rachel Wammack, Tyler Rich, and headliner Brett Young at PlayStation Theater. The line of freezing fans wrapped around the corner all waiting to get inside, check their coats at the door and dance and sing along to some great country music for the evening.

Brett Young Tyler Rich Rachel Wammack

Rachel Wammack, one of Sony Music Nashville’s newest artists kicked things off, proving her incredible vocal ability to a new set of fans in the Big Apple.  She sang songs from her self-titled debut EP including the powerful, heartwrenching ballads “Closure” and her current debut radio single “Damage”.  “This is my very first tour and NYC, Y’all are freakin’ sweet,” she said to the packed floor.  She also put her own spin on 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Youngblood” which had the crowd dancing along.

Brett Young Tyler Rich Rachel Wammack

Next up was Tyler Rich, the proud California native took “warming up the crowd” to a new level, playing a bunch of upbeat songs and infusing his own signature style of country music into the set. He sang all four songs from his self-titled EP including “Adrenaline” and “Take It Or Leave It”, as well as covering a country-rock version of The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” which had every single audience member jumping up and down in unison.  “We’ve been counting down the days until we got to play NYC and Y’all just sold this shit out and you didn’t just sell it out but you sold it out on a Sunday, that is quite the accomplishment,” Rich laughed. He took time out of his set to thank the first responders that were present in the crowd as well as send a shout out to all of those who helped fight the recent wildfires in his home state of California.  He explained that fellow California born artists, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Devin Dawson, Gary Allen and himself teamed up to create a shirt where the funds would go directly to aiding in relief from those devastating fires. You can find your Cali Love shirt and donate here.   Rich closed out his set with his two radio singles “11:11” and the song that he says got it all started for him, “The Difference”.

Brett Young Tyler Rich Rachel Wammack

The Sunday night crowd was good and ready when Brett Young took the stage just after 9 PM.  Although most of his radio singles are mid-slow tempo ballads, Young captivated the crowd with his genuine nature and compelling storytelling.  He kicked off the night with the first single from his sophomore album, “Here Tonight” and continued throughout the evening to play songs from Ticket to L.A as well as some of the biggest hits from his debut self-titled album.  Closing out his album release week for Ticket to L.A.  He thanked CMT for sponsoring this tour as well as country radio for the success he has seen over the past few years.

“I thought forever, if I could just get a song on country radio, that’ll do it, I didn’t understand what that meant or how hard that was…” Young explained. “All that to say, country radio took a chance on me anyway and I’ll never be able to say thank you enough,” he said humbly before singing his second number one single “In Case You Didn’t Know”.

Brett Young Tyler Rich Rachel Wammack

Two highlights from the night included Young stopping to give credit to his band who also just happen to be incredible singers.  After revealing that his very first concert was BoyzIIMen and Mariah Carey, he allowed his band members to each sing a verse of their soulful hit “Water Runs Dry”. He also welcomed back to the stage Rachel Wammack and Tyler Rich to sit on either side of him to perform Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.

Young closed out the night by singing a cover of Gavin DeGraw’s “Not Over You”, as well as leading the audience in a sing-along to his very first number one hit “Sleep Without You”. Head to NYCountry Swag’s Instagram for exclusive videos from last night’s incredible line up.

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NYCS First Impression: Brett Young ‘Ticket To L.A.’

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Brett Young - Ticket to L.A.

Since the release of his self-titled debut album, Brett Young has been one of country music’s fastest rising stars. Today released the highly anticipated follow-up, Ticket to L.A., produced by Dann Huff and Jimmy Harnen, only furthering his future superstardom. With a soulful voice and a penchant towards heart-wrenching ballads, Young has that undefinable X-factor. His music stands out in the sea of sameness that sometimes plagues other young male country singers, combining powerful lyrics, different tempos, and the delivery of a true storyteller.

“I decided to name the album Ticket to L.A. because flying home to Los Angeles has become such a big part of my life,” Young revealed in a statement to RollingStone.com. “A lot of the first record reflected a kind of hard point in my life when I was moving from Los Angeles to Nashville, but I’m in a completely different place now. I’m so happy, and I think you can really hear that shift on the new record.”

Young co-wrote 10 of the album’s 13 tracks, including the opening title track and the album’s first single, “Here Tonight”. Of the single, Young revealed to entertainment-focus.com “‘Here Tonight’ is about those moments, if you’re lucky enough to have them in your life, that are so good that you wish they could last forever. It’s very light—intentionally—and sonically it’s upbeat. That doesn’t exist as much on the first album, so I wanted to showcase a bit more versatility this time around. I think it’s the perfect way to cap off the summer.”

While Young can do uptempo with the best of them, he truly shines on the mid-tempos and ballads. “Catch” is a highlight of the album, both lyrically and musically as seen in the video above from an early sneak peek of the track during a special Nash FM 94.7 Up Close & Country event. Co-written by Young, Ashley Gorley, and Ross Copperman, “Catch” is about a person who unexpectedly changes your life. The writers here use the word “catch” creatively, formulating a masterful chorus, “I thought that I’d catch a buzz, catch a game / Catch up with the boys the same old thing / Catch a cab back to my place / But then I saw your face / Now you got me trying to / Catch you a ride, catch your name / Catch a spark and start a flame.”

One of the album’s highlights is “Chapters,” which features Young’s idol and mentor, Gavin DeGraw. The track, co-written by Young, Copperman, and DeGraw, is a reflection on the various chapters of one’s life, including Young’s idolization of his father and his baseball career-ending injury. “Every page you’ve turned/ is a lesson learned / and we all, and we all/ just trying to get it right/ These are the chapters of my life,“ DeGraw adds the last verse of the song, and his background vocals on the final chorus of the song compliment Young’s perfectly, and this is truly a magical musical moment.

Other highlights of the album, include “Change Your Name” (Ross Copperman, Matt Jenkins, Jon Nite), which should become a huge wedding song. Alternatively, there’s the heart-breaking “The Ship And The Bottle,” (Nicolle Galyon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite) about letting someone go, as to not hold them back. The ship and the bottle metaphor is used exceptionally throughout this track, perfectly conveying the song’s sad sentiment. “You just might have to break me/ to do what you’re meant to do/ You’re the ship, I’m the bottle/ And I can’t do that to you.” Additionally, the subtle use of a phrase from The Police’s “Message in a Bottle” is a unique and clever way to conclude the track.

The album closes with “Don’t Wanna Write This Song,” a melancholy ballad co-written by Young, Zach Crowell and “Mercy” co-writer, Sean McConnell. “Maybe the hardest part/ Is we didn’t break this heart/ Nobody cheated or lied/ I still have to live with goodbye/ But how can I just move on?/ I’ve loved you for way too long/ I don’t want to admit that you’re gone/ I don’t want to write this song.” While this may immediately seem like a breakup song, the lyrics go so much deeper, and the album’s last verse are sure to raise goosebumps as Young deals with the ultimate loss.

With an undeniable talent for turning a phrase and an unmatched voice, Young is poised for hit after hit with this new album. There’s no sign of a sophomore slump here, and on Ticket to L.A, Brett Young offers an utterly delightful and delicious piece of perfectly-crafted pop country.

Ticket to L.A. 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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Brett Young Releases Song “Catch” & Acoustic Video

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Fans have been eagerly anticipating the next album from breakout star, Brett Young and the wait is almost over. As we gear up for the release of Ticket to L.A., which drops December 7th, the singer unveiled a new song from the forthcoming record, “Catch”, accompanied by a video of an acoustic performance of the song.

NYCountry Swag first heard “Catch” back in September, seen in the post above, when the singer teased new music at Nash FM 94.7’s Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17 in New York City, during a special Up Close & Country recording with the entertainer. According to a recent press release, Young shared, “‘Catch’ is about that person, who comes along when you least expect it and completely changes all your plans. I think most of us have felt that way at some point – being so captivated by someone that nothing else seems to matter, so I hope fans can really connect with this one.” The track features catchy lyrics with a fresh take on the singer’s signature sound that fans know so well, due to the mega-success with his debut album.

For the stripped down performance of the song in partnership with Vevo, Young sung the heartfelt lyrics, while a guitarist provided some acoustic guitar in the background. The song takes on a different feel than the melody of the recorded track, seemingly more like some of the singer’s hit love songs like “In Case You Didn’t Know”. As usual, Young’s style shines through in both the recorded and acoustic version of “Catch.” Check out the performance below.

New Yorkers, who want to ‘catch’ a live performance of this song and sure to be others off the new record, can purchase tickets for the special ‘CMT on Tour Presents: Brett Young’ concert heading to New York City’s PlayStation Theater on Sunday, December 9th. Special guests Tyler Rich and Rachel Wammack will also be performing as openers for Young. Make sure you are following @NYCountrySwag on Instagram for snaps from the night.

Take a listen to ‘Catch’ 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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Brett Young Lyrics To Use For Instagram Captions

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Brett Young Here Tonight

Photo courtesy of The GreenRoom PR

Brett Young has the ability to pull on everyone’s heartstrings with his incredibly written songs about love and heartbreak and we have the perfect lyrics to go along with your Instagram captions of pictures from the next time you catch him live.

It is no surprise that his lyrics can relate to anyone going through the ups and downs of a relationship and they definitely can make for a worthy Instagram caption.  Recently, Young married his longtime love Taylor Mills.  It was his on-again-off-again relationship with Mills that influenced his debut album, but this couple is the epitome of a country music love song with a fairytale ending.

Here are some of the lyrics that are perfect for Instagram captions:

1. “We can just stay here in this minute, lose all track of time, let the world spin on without us for a while” – Here Tonight

2. “If you ever loved me, have mercy” – Mercy

3. “No matter how late, baby I’ll be staying up, I can’t sleep without you” – Sleep Without You

4. “Even though I don’t tell you all the time, you had my heart a long long time ago, in case you didn’t know” – In Case You Didn’t Know

5.  “Close my eyes and there we are, you’re still the only place that feels like home, cause your memory won’t let me go.” – Memory Won’t Let Me

6. “It won’t be long til I forget to call you every time that I’m drinking, and you ain’t the love song I can’t keep from singing.” – Like I Loved You

7. “Looks like it’s just me and the whiskey, cause you ain’t here to kiss me” – You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me

8. “Girl you got me saying good lord, God bless, Amen, again and again…” – Makin’ Me Say

9. “When the only thing you want is the only thing that you can’t have” – Left Side of Leavin’

10. “When I feel I’ve lost my way, she leads me home. She don’t know how much I need her, a beautiful believer” – Beautiful Believer

11. “Every page you’ve turned is a lesson learned. Ain’t we all, aint’ we all just tryna get it right? These are the chapters of my life” – Chapters

12. “The way you smile and I can’t help myself. Girl, you got me trying to catch my breath”- Catch

13. “You’re the ship, I’m the bottle and I don’t wanna hold you in”- The Ship and the Bottle

14. “I was born to run, always out there chasin’ the sun”- Where You Want Me

15. “Looking like you walked out of a dream”- Olivia Mae

 

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Brett Young Marries Longtime Love Taylor Mills

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Multi-platinum selling artist, Brett Young and longtime love, Taylor Mills are officially married! The two tied the knot in a beautiful Palm Springs, California wedding in front of 200 of their closest friends and family, according to People. 

“Being able to be best friends with a person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with is the most important thing. She has a very pure, kind heart,” says singer-songwriter about his bride.

While Young has previously revealed very few details about the special day, one thing he has mentioned is that he did not want to perform at his wedding. Instead fellow country singer, Lee Brice performed “I Don’t Dance” for the newlyweds, followed by Young’s “idol” Gavin DeGraw, performing “More Than Anyone”.

“We chose people in terms of performers that are really important to us and are close friends,” says Mills. Adds Young: “If everybody in the country music family could’ve been there, we would’ve asked them all to sing!”

Brett Young Wedding

Mr. & Mrs. Brett Young, Photo by @dukeimages via People.com

Next up, the couple are heading off to celebrate their new life together with a beachy honeymoon and looking forward to starting a family right away. “We’ve been together for a long time and we do want kids soon,” Young tells People, “This is the beginning of our life together, and I’m excited to say husband and wife!”

Young’s sophomore album Ticket to L.A. is out December 7th and is available for pre-order now. New York country music fans can catch him on his next New York City tour stop on December 9th at PlayStation Theater with guests Tyler Rich and Rachel Wammack.

 

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: