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Devin Dawson: The Pink Slip EP – Review I NYCountry Swag

Artist and songwriter, Devin Dawson’s latest project, The Pink Slip EP is officially available now, January 15th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new record and take a look below as we dive into the new music.

It has been three years since singer-songwriter Devin Dawson graced music fans everywhere with his debut record Dark Horse. The soulful crooner proved right then and there that he was going to continue to make great music throughout his blossoming career. Flash forward to today, we finally have a brand new EP to dig in to, Dawson’s latest project The Pink Slip EP.

Keeping up with his soulful, eclectic, and edgy vibes, the collection of music proves that Dawson knows exactly who he is as an artist. The six-song project features heartfelt lyrics, groovy instrumentals, and a whole lot of heart. Opening up with two out of the three previously released songs, “Range Rover” and “I Got A Truck,” Dawson showcases his talent and charm right off the bat.

“Range Rover” depicts a story of a girl that everyone thinks is perfect, but in actuality, she is a gold digger. Without saying it per se, Dawson finds a way to convey that message pretty clearly through the hooky song. With a killer production to back the lyrics, Dawson creates something innovative and unique.

“I Got A Truck” is just as anthemic, featuring truth-telling and a meticulous knack for song-writing. We first got a taste of the incredible song two years ago at his sold-out show at the Bowery Ballroom and learned about the song’s evolution from a true story about Tim McGraw to now.

“I tricked myself into writing a song for myself. […] It’s become more evident every single time I play it now that it’s part of my repertoire. I was writing a song about his [McGraw] life, but it’s also about my life too, and the parallels between it,” shared Dawson in a recent conversation with our Managing Editor, Christina. Check out the full virtual interview in the video above.

“Not On My Watch” continues the standing your ground mentality that was fermented in the opening tracks. Dawson once again proves that he knows how to create songs that personify all sorts of emotions.

The next set of tracks off the new project lean into a more romantic and vulnerable side of the singer. One of our favorites, “Whatever Forever Is” is all about that one of a kind love that led him to his wife. “I used to write love songs about where I wanted to be and now I write love songs about where I’m at,” shared Dawson in our virtual interview. The statement is a perfect statement to describe “Whatever Forever Is”.

Next up, “He Loved Her” is the last song Dawson pre-released prior to the record drop date. The song honors his grandfather, calling it “one of the most important songs [that he] has ever written or released.” Infused with funky beats, when stripped down, “He Loved Her” is true-blue country music, story-telling at it’s finest.

Finally, the record ends with “Whose Gonna Hold Ya.” The song is as rhythmically pleasing as the lyrics are catchy. Inspired from thinking about faith and fidelity, Dawson finds a way to resonate with fans, while still remaining true to his authentic roots as an artist.

You can really picture the singer-songwriter just jamming with his friends and the excitement on his face, while this project came to fruition. It is clear that our dark horse has found a semblance of peace and happiness. The Pink Slip EP represents the evolution of Dawson, and we are here for it!

Devin Dawson's The Pink Slip EP is available now

Devin Dawson’s ‘The Pink Slip EP’ is available now

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

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

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

Devin Dawson Interview: Up Close & Virtual with NYCountry Swag

In our recent chat with songwriter and artist Devin Dawson, he updated us on his process of creating his latest project, The Pink Slip EP. Dawson specifically talks about the songs “I Got A Truck” which was inspired by Tim McGraw, as well as “He Loved Her”, the emotional tribute to his grandfather.

Check out our full review of The Pink Slip EP here and watch the full interview below.

WATCH ON FACEBOOK

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

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

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

HARDY’s “One Beer” Earns Him His First Career #1 Single as an Artist

HARDY’s “One Beer” featuring Devin Dawson and Lauren Alaina has hit the top spot on the charts this week, earning him his first number-one single as an artist.

One of our favorite songwriters and artists in country music, HARDY, just scored his first number one as a recording artist with “One Beer”. We fell in love with the song long before it was chosen as a single and are so excited to see it land in the top spot! Check out our Swag Session below, where we talk to HARDY about all of the incredible touches that the song has to offer. With several number ones as a songwriter under his belt, the talented artist can officially celebrate another major feat with “One Beer”!

The song, “One Beer” features fellow country musicians, Devin Dawson and Lauren Alaina on the track. The story-telling, yet catchy tune, depicts a situation where a young couple finds their lives changing with a surprise pregnancy. Despite the specific nature of the song, “One Beer” is captivating and electrifying. New York fans definitely agreed as they sang along to every word of the song back in 2019, when the singer performed an acoustic version of the track during his NYC show, shortly after its original release.

It was in that breathtaking moment that we knew the song was something special. A little over a year to the date, we all get to celebrate “One Beer” at the top of the charts. We honestly cannot champion HARDY enough! He truly has got what it takes to become a bonafide superstar! His debut album, A ROCK is a masterpiece that leaves fans wanting more and more. Check out our Up Close & Virtual Interview below, where we chat with HARDY about the record. Congrats to HARDY, Devin, Lauren, and their teams on this incredible accomplishment!

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

To keep up with HARDY, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

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

 

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The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police, and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Devin Dawson’s New Song “He Loved Her” Honors His Grandfather

The third of six new songs off new The Pink Slip EP from the Dark Horse singer, “He Loved Her” honors the simplistic life of the man who ‘lived life like a country song’, who Dawson hopes to follow the path of.

Devin Dawson He Loved Her

Devin Dawson “He Loved Her”

 

Devin Dawson just released another track “He Loved Her”, off of his upcoming EP,  The Pink Slip, set to release on January 15th. The song is a tribute to Dawson’s grandfather, who he says is “one of the most important people I’ll ever know.” He describes it as “one of the most important songs I’ve ever written or released.”

“He Loved Her” speaks to the simplistic lifestyle of Dawson’s grandfather, how much he admires the life he lived, and how he aspires to live a life like his. He hopes he can follow in his Grandfather’s footsteps, and he will know he has made it if he lives a life like his. He was “just a small town simple man, lived his life like a country song”.

“People like to talk about / what they’re gonna leave behind / and how they’re gonna change the world / what’s gonna define their lives / I guess I set my sights on / a different kind of legacy”

Dawson wrote the song with Nicolle Galyon and Jordan Reynolds. Galyon was behind Keith Urban’s “We Were Us” and Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic”. Reynolds was behind Dan + Shay’s “10,000 hours” and “Speechless” as well as Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes”. The two worked together on Dan + Shay’s “Tequila” and “All to Myself”.

Dawson has toured with superstars Maren Morris, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill and with fellow label-mates, Dan + Shay and Brett Eldredge. “I Got A Truck”, another song off the EP, was actually inspired by a conversation with McGraw while on tour, that Dawson wrote as the story of McGraw’s path to success in the industry.

Dawson is still admiring the successes of his current feature on HARDY’s Top 5 single “One Beer” alongside Lauren Alaina, as well as the hit single “God’s Country”, the Grammy-nominated, ACM and CMA Single of the Year and multi-week No.1 that he co-wrote for Blake Shelton. Coming off of a largely successful year, Dawson returns to solo releases with The Pink Slip, after his 12-track 2018 album, Dark Horse, which he co-wrote every song on, including the Platinum-hit “All on Me”.

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

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

“He Loved Her” 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

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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 Releases “Range Rover” + Announces New EP, ‘The Pink Slip’

Devin Dawson’s new single, “Range Rover” is available now, October 2nd on all streaming platforms. The track comes with a surprise announcement from Dawson who revealed that he will be releasing a brand new EP, The Pink Slip due out January 15th, 2021. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new track from the forthcoming project.

Devin Dawson’s new single “Range Rover” is what he does best. Dawson delivers a cheeky, catchy, and fun new jam for fans who are anxiously awaiting another full-length project. Ironically following his latest single, “I Got A Truck,” “Range Rover” also uses car imagery to depict an enticing story.

Dawson is a master wordsmith, and it is clear on this brand new single. “Range Rover” depicts the story of a girl, who everyone thinks is perfect, but really, she is a gold digger. Without saying it per se, Dawson finds a way to convey that message pretty clearly through the hooky song.

Devin Dawson's new song "Range Rover"

Devin Dawson’s new song “Range Rover” is available now on all streaming platforms

The Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records recording artist sings about the girl preferring the fancier side of life, and later, admits, that he needs a girl that can hang and isn’t necessarily expecting the finer things of life. He also talks about his beloved pick-up truck.

“I’m looking for a girl that’s fine if I drive a pickup // And she does not mind ridin’ in it // With the windows down crankin’ Keith Whitley loud next to me // I’m looking for a girl who sees past blown speakers // And a broke AC and a bench seat // With a quarter-million miles on the motor // But she was looking for that Range Rover // She just wants that, just wants that Range Rover”

With a killer production to back the lyrics, Dawson creates something innovative and unique. You can really picture the singer-songwriter just jamming with his friends, as this song came to fruition. We love Devin Dawson’s unapologetic way of creating. His new single, “Range Rover” is just another notch on his belt!

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

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

“Range Rover” 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

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 is Back With New Music “I Got A Truck”

Devin Dawson I Got A Truck

The ‘Dark Horse’ himself, Devin Dawson is finally back with brand new music. Back in January 2019, we heard him sing “I Got A Truck” for the first time and learned about the touching story that inspired it during Dawson’s NYC Bowery Ballroom show. Check out a clip of the performance below. Now, we get to celebrate as the song is finally released to the public!

If there is one thing that sets Dawson apart from his peers, it is his meticulous attention to songwriting. His lyrics always have a deeper meaning, and “I Got A Truck” fits the bill. Dawson shared in an exclusive industry interview over Zoom that the song was inspired by none other than superstar, Tim McGraw.

“So the whole story started, I wrote this maybe 1.5-2 years ago. We were on tour with Tim McGraw. It essentially started with a conversation I had with Tim McGraw. It was the first night of the tour,” he explained, adding, “Somehow the conversation quickly turned to kinda like wisdom or advice or just like encouragement from the superstar to the new kid on the block. I think he saw a lot of himself in me.”

Dawson went on to share that he learned that McGraw cut his teeth in Nashville by finding one person to take a chance of him. Since the superstar never quite wrote the song of his story to greatness, Dawson took it upon himself to translate arguably one of the biggest stars in our format’s story from thought to lyrics. The singer ended up gifting the song and a handwritten copy of lyrics to McGraw at the end of the tour run.

I got a song / I got something to say / I got a will to survive / I got a dollar to my name / I got a heart / I got a little bit of luck / I got this go and get it feeling in my gut / And I got a truck / I got a truck”

Like all of us, Dawson believes he has something to say and stories to tell. Although at first, it might masquerade as just another country song about a truck, “I Got A Truck” is a humble story about strength, perseverance, and belief in yourself. Of course, the song also boasts a killer guitar solo that we cannot wait to jam out to in-person when live music returns. To Dawson, the song stood out from the get-go, “It just felt like it had heart, it had tempo and it had lyric, and it had something that I hadn’t said before.” We tend to agree.

“I Got A Truck” marks the first release of Dawson’s highly anticipated next project, which should be out sometime at the top of 2021. Until then, make sure you’re supporting the singer-songwriter and streaming the new jam!

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

“I Got A Truck” 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

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:

If You Like John Mayer, Then You’ll Love…

John Mayer is one of the few musical artists that most people seem to love. And there’s a reason. He is one of the smartest songwriters, he has an effortless voice and is perhaps, the most influential guitar player of this generation’s wave of musicians. It’s hard to put his music into a genre; he combines the best parts of pop, rock, jam-band, singer-songwriter, and folk-country to create his signature sound. He tells his stories through introspective lyrics and hooky melodies, which is exactly what makes country music special. This season is the perfect time to discover new music, so if you are a fan of John Mayer but aren’t too familiar with country, NYCS has some recommendations for you!

 

Devin Dawson

The self-proclaimed “dark horse” of country music has one of the most unique sounds in Nashville. He’s a little bit brooding but a whole lot of heart, similar to Mayer. Both have the same slick, easy-going voice that makes every song listenable and individuality as people to make their songwriting stand out. Despite both having moodier aesthetics, they both bring so much excitement to their sound. Dawson is the perfect mix of old school country and current indie, and new fans should check out “Secondhand Hurt” and debut single “All On Me”, both off his album Dark Horse.

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

 

Josh Kerr

Music City’s best-kept secret is the array of talented songwriters and producers. They are the people behind many of your favorite songs, and there’s a chance you didn’t even know it. Josh Kerr is one of them, garnering hits from stars like Camila Cabello, Kelsea Ballerini, and Keith Urban. He released his debut project late last year, and his soft-spoken voice and intense lyrics and cinematic production are perfect for fans of John Mayer. Highlights from his album How Do You Remember Me are “If I’m Being Honest” and “Love Me Now”.

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

 

Lindsay Ell

Last but certainly not least on this list is the woman who covered John Mayer’s Continuum front to back. Lindsay Ell is one of the industry’s brightest new artists. She can write, she can sing, and, like Mayer, is one of the best guitar players of this generation. Every song of hers is great already because of their shared passion for a mix of vulnerable writing and fun hook, but her guitar and added production skills take every song to the next level. Songs you need to listen to by Ell are “White Noise” and current single, “I Don’t Love You”.

To keep up with Lindsay Ell, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

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 Premieres His Version of “Truck I Drove In High School’

Devin Dawson My Take Truck

While we anxiously wait for more new music, singer-songwriter Devin Dawson is putting his own spin on some of our favorite songs that he has penned for other artists. Back in July, he released his version of Blake Shelton’s “God’s County,” which fans automatically gravitated towards. And just last week, Dawson announced his new project, a video series showcasing his rendition of songs he has written for other artists. He officially released the first video in the series last week singing Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Truck I Drove In High School.”

“I thought it would be cool to record more songs I’ve written for other artists… but from my perspective,” shared Dawson in a recent press release. Filmed in his signature black and white, Dawson continues to stay true to his “Dark Horse” mentality in his reimagined rendition. The stripped-down version features the singer in a dark and moody room, sitting on a stool with his guitar. Despite the ambiance, the usually serious looking vocalist lets a few smiles slip out, as he played the song.

Dawson’s version feels personal, nostalgic, and emotive. Although we love Tenpenny’s version too, the juxtaposition of Dawson’s laid-back rendition is equally as fresh and cool. Tenpenny even shared on his Instagram that he almost didn’t want to record the song because of how much he loved Dawson’s demo. Check out our Swag Session with Mitchell Tenpenny from 2017 where he played the track for us in the middle of Times Square.

According to Dawson, “MY TAKE is a vehicle to show songs that have been really important to [him] before releasing new music; it is really inspiring to get back to the songs that I loved that maybe weren’t 100% me at the time,” adding, “recording them was freeing and fun and I hope my fans dig MY TAKE on these songs as much as I do.” It will be interesting to see how other songs on the ‘MY TAKE’ project match up against the originals!

The California native will be touring throughout Europe this October, returning to the United States in the latter half of the month as a supporting act on Kip Moore’s ‘Room to Spare: Acoustic Tour.” For tickets and more information head to devindawsonmusic.com.

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

“Truck I Drove In High School” 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

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.

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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 Delivers Haunting Visuals for “Dark Horse”

Devin Dawson Dark Horse

Photo by: Tyler J Conrad

About a month after the one year anniversary of singer-songwriter Devin Dawson’s critically acclaimed debut album Dark Horse, the singer-songwriter released a music video for the title track. Arguably the most vulnerable and revealing song on the record, Dawson delivers haunting visuals for his autobiographical song.

In his signature black and white, the music video for “Dark Horse” begins with Dawson covered in dirt and bruises, getting his mug-shot taken at an old-school, 1920s police station. Treated like a criminal, he was escorted to an interrogation room, where he was forced to take a polygraph test. It seems as though the singer-songwriter had to both suffer and prove his truth, as the lyrics of the song are a testament to who he is as a person. He appears to pass the polygraph test, and the visuals shift to present-day, more clean-cut version of Dawson, in a recording studio booth, belting the meaningful words into a microphone, while people watch him through the window. The video, which was directed by Justin Clough is a testament to Dawson’s message to fight for your truth and stay true to who you are, regardless of the consequences or the adversity you may face. Check out the impactful video below.

Dawson just wrapped up his extended, ‘Stray off Course Tour,’ with country newcomer, Jillian Jacqueline this month. We were lucky enough to catch his show at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom last month, where the singer played “Dark Horse,” as well as every other song off his debut LP. Next, Dawson travels to Australia for a series of the shows with artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Combs. To keep up with Dawson, head to devindawsonmusic.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

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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 InstagramTwitter & Facebook: