Tag Archive for: Cody Johnson

NYCS Swag Spotlight Hayden Haddock

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Hayden Haddock

Hayden Haddock, our Swag Spotlight this week doesn’t have the traditional story that most current country artists boast about, growing up singing in a church or knowing from a young age that this is what he wanted to do with his life. In fact, it wasn’t until the last 5 years or so that Haddock even had an inkling that this was something he could do for a living.  He recalls watching Eric Church open for Kenny Chesney when he was fourteen years old, and between the Cheif’s incredible stage presence, his fancy guitars and fireworks display it sparked something in the Texas native. “He was just a really good entertainer, something about watching him, I went home and told my parents I wanted to take guitar lessons,” he explains.  Growing up, he was shy and although learning to play guitar came rather easy for him, Haddock had never planned on even playing in front of anyone, let alone up on stage for fans.

Currently, he is a full-time student at Texas A&M in College Station and is studying Construction Science, however, bored one day in his dorm room he started picking on his guitar and singing and as soon as his roommate and a girl who lived next door heard him play, they loved it and after a lot of convincing, he overcame his shyness and started to play gigs and write music just a month later. “I’m really glad that it all turned out the way that it did, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be doing all of this,” Haddock says.  That fateful day in his dorm room was just a year and a half ago and already the singer-songwriter had connected with people in the music industry in Nashville and recorded and released his debut EP, First Rodeo. He worked with Trent Willmon, who produced Cody Johnson’s last four albums and he tells us how big of an inspiration Johnson is to him professionally and personally.

“Nashville is so concentrated with people trying to make a name for themselves, so it’s hard to do it since there are so many people there,” Haddock says. “You can be the best singer in the world but it’s going to take longer to get it done, so for me, Texas is a great place to start.” Willmon gave Haddock insight on Johnson’s career path, building his fan base and honing his craft in Texas in order to have something to negotiate with when and if you want to pursue a record label in Nashville.

His debut album features songs that were written by not only Haddock but people who live in his town and found out that he was looking for music to cut for his first project. Quite the whirlwind, only 6 months had passed between sitting in his dorm room picking on a guitar to getting into the studio and writing and recording the first seven songs that the world would hear.

Finishing up his degree at Texas A&M, Haddock is taking classes during the week then Thursday night jumps in his van and plays gigs all weekend. He is already working on writing and recording his next project which he says he hopes will be out before the end of the year. Listen to First Rodeo below.

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

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Cody Johnson Brings Texas Country to Sold Out NYC Crowd

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Friday night, country music fans packed Irving Plaza in New York City for a rowdy night of traditional Texas country by none other than our Swag Session album Cody Johnson.

Jobe Fornter

The opening act singer-songwriter Jobe Fortner, who is dubbed one of the hardest working guitarists from Monroe, Georgia kicked off the night. His powerful Stapleton-esque voice rocked Irving Plaza as he sang songs influenced by his southern rock background. Fortner told the crowd, “It’s damn good to be playing some country music in New York City tonight, and it feels real damn good coming from the south y’all, thank you for that.” He energized the crowd and set the stage for Johnson, and performed his brand new song “Wherever She Is.” Fortner definitely made a ton of new fans in New York City.

Cody Johnson NYC

The much-anticipated part of the night came when former professional bull rider turned rising country superstar Cody Johnson took the stage to the sold-out Irving Plaza crowd. Johnson said, “New York, are you ready to get wild?” And that they were. Dedicated COJO nation fans sang along to favorites like, “With You I Am”, “Wild as You”, “Ride With Me”, “Dance Her Home”, “Diamond in My Pocket”, and “Noise.” You could feel the intensity and emotion behind each song, especially right after singing “Noise,” Johnson told the crowd, “I think this the most intimate part of the entire set.” “The whole time God had a plan to put me on this stage right here tonight. I don’t care if this offends you or not, I’m going to go ahead and give all the credit for me being here tonight to Jesus Christ.” Johnson then sang “Dear Rodeo” a song that depicted his life immensely. His passionate lyrics and emotional tracks create such an incredible connection and bond with his fans. But if he was not singing heartfelt songs, you bet Johnson turned Irving Plaza into a good timing honky-tonk with other hit songs like “Y’all People,” and “Honky Tonk Mood.”

Cody Johnson NYC

It was not an easy road for Johnson to get where he is today, and he explained, “As for me personally, there’s a lot of people along the way that said your music will never work outside the state of Texas, there was a lot of people that said if you sign a record deal you’re gonna have to sell your soul – well here we are proving them, wrong ladies and gentleman,” He continued, “If you’re doubting yourself about something in your life tonight, I want you to dig down deep, and I want you to think about this – I am living proof that we live in the kind of country that you can step outside your box and chase your dreams and be successful. This song is for every hater in your life and everybody that wants to hate on this country its called ‘Doubt Me Now.'”

Cody Johnson

Johnson also took time during his set to invite all of the first responders, firefighters, police offers, military and the retired act of duty to raise their hands and be acknowledged. He graciously thanked each and every one of them for sacrificing and allowing everyone in the audience the freedom to be there listening to him chase his dreams. Johnson played his collaboration of “Red Dirt Road” from Brook’s and Dunn’s Reboot album, along with cover songs by his idol Chris LeDoux, Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, George Strait and more. The crowd was loving every moment and screaming for more.

As Johnson pointed to his huge Texas tattoo, he told everyone, “Thanks for making us feel at home.” New York City fans sure did welcome Johnson with open arms, especially when he ended the incredible night with his current chart-topping single “On My Way to You” and the crowd sang back every single word to the powerful ballad. Johnson left it all on stage Friday night and fans did not want the night to end. It is no surprise that he is selling out show after show on his tour and will be joining Luke Combs at future amphitheater shows. For all upcoming tour dates head to https://www.codyjohnsonmusic.com/tour.

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NYCS First Impression: Cody Johnson ‘Ain’t Nothin To It’

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Ain't Nothin To It

Singer-songwriter Cody Johnson has had an incredible career thus far, building up a huge fanbase in Texas and creating the music he is proud to put his name on.  While predominantly putting music out on the Texas Radio Airplay and the 8-12 states it consists of, this is the first time Johnson receiving mainstream recognition. In 2018 he signed with Warner Music Nashville and is gearing up for the release of his very first major label studio album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It out today.

Johnson’s traditional country sound and real-life experiences are reflected on Ain’t Nothin’ To It and the songs are more true to Johnson than ever before. While on the road, Johnson has been performing new songs off the album in his live show, so fans have gotten a preview of what is to come.

The title track sets the tone for the whole album with its pure country vibes. “Ain’t Nothin’ To It” is about relationships, looking back on them, and timelessness advice. Between not telling her everything your thinking, quitting smoking, and crawling into bed and listening, it is a song everyone needs to hear. “One says dad now how’d you do it the other just laughs and says there ain’t nothing to it.” These lyrics make a relationship seem easy although shortly after addresses that “when you see her turn 55 you will be glad you quit drinking, got up and went to work and church, and just listened.”

One song that touched our heart was “Fenceposts”. The intro is a classic old country feel that makes you feel like sitting on a porch in a rocking chair. The song stems from Johnson and his wife looking at a piece of property in the country. While walking around he can picture her coming up the hill leading up to a house with flowers on the window sill. He begs his wife not to tell the in-laws about new land until the paperwork is done and not to worry about the money because he has a couple things he can sell but right now it is “between you and me and these here fenceposts.”

Bringing a more upbeat tone to the album are songs “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Honky Tonk Mood”. Each one has a solid Toby Keith vibe and it sounds like Johnson is about to bust into a bar and raise some hell.

While every song on this album speaks volumes, the last few tracks really do a great job of wrapping it up although stand tall on their own. Johnson’s latest single “On My Way To You”, which has broken the Top 25, is a current fan favorite. Two other songs including “Dear Rodeo” and “Where Cowboys Are King”, take you back to the George Strait era with their smooth sound and real cowboy vibe. “I get back there every now and again, I turn a few steers and rope in pens…Just Couple of days and I am gone again, chasing this ol’ six-string oh but I sure would love to be where cowboys are king”

Johnson joined us for our Swag Session earlier this week told us, “Because of ten years of being on my own, I wasn’t afraid to step out of the box a little bit, I felt like it was still going to be me,” speaking about the full-length album.

Ain’t Nothin’ To It 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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Cody Johnson Makes His ‘Today’ Show Debut Singing “On My Way To You”

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Cody Johnson Today Show

Photo Courtesy of Today.com

Just days before the release of his new album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It, CoJo Music / Warner Music Nashville recording artist Cody Johnson, made his debut on NBC’s Today Show. He took the stage during the 9 AM hour with co-anchors, Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer, and Craig Melvin, to kick off the first installment of The Artist Lounge presented by Today. The Artist Lounge is where our favorite singers will be performing stripped down versions of their hits and first up was Johnson with his album’s lead single, “On My Way To You.”

Before performing his heartfelt chart-climbing single, co-anchors, Roker, Jones, Dreyer, and Melvin came to the stage to introduce and talk to the singer-songwriter. While chatting with Johnson, each co-anchor got a chance to ask a question, giving viewers at home a chance to get to know him as an artist. Dreyer mentioned, “I’m sure it’s not lost on you how wild 2018 was, I mean selling out stadiums just rising to the charts, you’re winning all kinds of critics awards, how does this feel to you?” With Johnson responding, “It feels good, you know I spent the last 10 years being an independent artist, doing what people call the hard way and so it’s really nice whenever you start to make some momentum. It’s fun but you know I try to keep my head down and just do my job, I don’t really think about all of it too much.” To end the interview, Roker asked the final question, “And “On My Way To You,” what does that say to you?” Johnson replying, “To me, it describes the journey to my wife and my two little girls. You know from growing up and being a boy, turning into a man with a good life and also my career, you know there’s been some bumps and bruises it hasn’t always been great.”

After the quick interview, it was the moment country music fans were waiting for. Johnson brought his Texas roots to kick off the first Artist Lounge, showcasing his raw talent with the stripped down version of “On My Way To You.” Giving viewers at home a passion-filled performance, showing off his smooth vocals. At the end of the song, the studio erupted in cheers, while the co-anchors came back on stage clapping and ending with Melvin saying, “Couldn’t think of a better person than Cody to start the Artist Lounge. Thank you!”

Make sure to check out Cody Johnson’s new album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It, out this Friday, January 18th! Johnson is currently on tour and luckily for New Yorkers, we can catch him live at Irving Plaza on May 17th.

 

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Swag Sessions: Featuring Cody Johnson

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For over ten years singer-songwriter Cody Johnson has built his fan base across the country and has had one of the most successful independent artist careers, selling out arenas and releasing incredible music.  In 2018 he signed with Warner Music Nashville and is gearing up for the release of his very first major label studio album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It out this Friday.  Just before hitting up the Today Show for his debut performance, Johnson joined New York Country Swag to perform his latest single and a song from the new album.  He also explained to our Managing Editor, Christina why he decided to sign with Warner and what fans can expect from this new album.

Watch the full Swag Session above and take a listen to Cody Johnson’s music here. After our Live Swag Session, Johnson answered some fan questions, head to our Twitter for the full videos of answers.

 

For more music from artists we’ve featured during our LIVE Swag Sessions, check out our Sessions Playlist below and give it a follow for updates.

Keep up with Cody Johnson on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

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Cody Johnson Releases New Video & Makes Album Announcement

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CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville recording artist, Cody Johnson has some exciting news for fans. His smash hit “On My Way To You,” off his anticipated album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It, continues to rise on the country charts, and has already reached Number 1 on the iTunes Top Songs Chart (all genres), as well as, Top Country Singles Chart. The singer just released a music video for the track, premiering simultaneously on CMT and online at People.

Johnson’s music video beautifully embodies the essence of the single and its lyrics. The relatable love song speaks to the singer-songwriter’s journey to find his true love, which the musician shared on his Twitter. The visuals showcase multiple couples reconnecting with one another, as well as, some groups of friends. The smiles and love on each person’s face are evident in the way the video was filmed. The music video ends with Johnson’s actual wife, Brandi, coming outside on their porch and greeting him with a beer and a kiss, effortless and simple.

Watch the video above.

If premiering a music video wasn’t enough, the singer officially announced the release date of his first major-label studio album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It, giving CoJo Nation fans, even more to be excited about.

Johnson shared with Billboard, “I cannot wait for January. I’ve never been more excited about a set of music. It’s different from any other record I’ve ever recorded. Ironically enough, you would think that the record that had the most songs that I wrote on would be the one I’m excited the most about, but it’s not. This is the most excited I’ve ever been about any music. I feel like it’s gonna change some things for me. I think it’s going to change some things for the music industry. It’s always been a goal of mine, is to be able to make a mark, and to change the industry in a positive way. So, I guess we are about to find out, aren’t we?”

 The record drops on January 18th, 2019 and will be available for pre-order beginning October 26th. Fans, who pre-order the album will receive an automatic download of the lead single, as well as, four additional tracks.  Johnson will continue to tour around the United States, at various venues, such as honky tonks and rodeos, making a special stop in Nashville at Marathon Music Works on October 19th for a sold-out show. For more information head over to codyjohnsonmusic.com.

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Cody Johnson Performs New Song on Fox & Friends

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Cody Johnson Fox and Friends

Photo via: @codyjohnson on Instagram

If you were up early Friday morning (Aug. 10) odds are you got a chance to see Cody Johnson’s National television debut. Johnson the self-proclaimed ‘god fearing, hard working, beer drinking, fighting, loving cowboy’ was true to his roots dress in a plaid button-down, straw cowboy hat, and cowboy boots.

After ten years of hard work in the rodeo, honky tonks and even a brief stint as a prison guard, Johnson knows making music and performing is what he was put on the Earth to do. And he sure is good at it! He spoke to the newscasters about growing up surrounded by music and how it was just something they did.  He explained it wasn’t a dream he thought he would chase until he saw Garth Brooks perform right there in the same city he was in, New York City, during his epic Central Park performance. “I don’t know if I thought I could do that, but I thought ‘Man I sure want to’,” he told them. Watch a clip from the interview on here on Fox.

Johnson performed his new single “On My Way to You” in front on hundreds of ‘CoJo Nation’ fans. He lovingly sang the words he wrote for his wife into the microphone, most of the times with his eyes closed –  giving off a strong sense of emotion to each word. Johnson was accompanied by his band (2 guitarists, a drummer, and a violinist) which he loving calls ‘the future farmers of America’.

In true cowboy fashion, Johnson ended the performance with a tip of the hat and the words ‘God Bless Y’all’.  Within hours of this performance, Johnson’s new single hit #1 on iTunes.  Take a listen to his new song below.

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New Music Friday – The Playlist

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It is Friday y’all!  Our New Country Music Spotify Playlist is up and features brand new singles from Morgan Evans as he releases his debut EP featuring “Young Again”, Cassadee Pope “One More Red Light”, a new love song from Cody Johnson “On My Way To You”, “Feels Like A Party” from LOCASH and many more. Check it out below and be sure to give us a follow.


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Lee Greenwood to Kick Off Fox and Friends 2018 ‘All American Summer Concert Series’

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Lee Greenwood

Greenwood will pay tribute to veterans all week long including a special performance in New York City for Fox and Friends

 

‘Fox and Friends’ announced its 12th annual All American Summer Concert Series featuring some great country music acts including Lee Greenwood, Thompson Square, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery and more.

Lee Greenwood, the “God Bless the U.S.A” singer, kicks off the series, and Memorial Day Weekend, with a performance this Friday that will take place on board the flight deck of The Intrepid at Pier 86.

The rest of the concerts will take place on the plaza in front of the News Corp. building. Don’t miss a single summer concert! See the full schedule below.

 

Concert Schedule

MAY 25 – LEE GREENWOOD
JUNE 1 – THOMPSON SQUARE
JUNE 8 – MERCY ME
JUNE 15 – 3 DOORS DOWN
JUNE 22- LYNYRD SKYNYRD
JUNE 29 – TOBYMAC
JULY 6 – PHIL VASSAR
JULY 13 – PHILLIP PHILLIPS
JULY 20 – DEE SNIDER
JULY 27 – TBA
AUG 3 – TBA
AUG 10 – CODY JOHNSON
AUG 17 – SCOTTY MCCREERY
AUG 24 – LEE BRICE
AUG 31 – SCOTT STAPP

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