Drake White’s brand new album, Low Country High Road is out now, September 20th on all streaming platforms. Learn more here and listen below.
Drake White is an incredibly talented musician. The country swooner continues to garner more and more fans with each and every project that he releases. Today, the singer-songwriter is sharing his new album entitled, Low Country High Road.
“This culmination of songs has given me so much FAITH and Joy in my journey. I hope it helps you as much as it has me,” shared White, via social media. Each song off the project is reflective of the entertainer’s own unique journey. The record is an embodiment of the simple pleasures in life and everything in between. It is celebratory and prolific, two qualities that White often brings to his music.
Low Country High Road is one of White’s best projects to date. Listen to thirteen new songs now, and let us know which one is your favorite!
Low Country High Road Track List:
Low Country High Road
Keep It Movin’
Miracles
10LBS of S#!T
The Last Time
Everyday Yours
Faith
Life, Love and War
Wildflower
This Hat
Hometown Healing
Tequila Mockingbird
Stompin’ Ground
Drake White shares brand new album, ‘Low Country High Road,’ out now on all streaming platforms.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Drake White releases.
To catch White at a show near you, check-out his tour dates here.
Low Country High Road is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/drake-white-album-low-country.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-09-20 00:08:242024-09-20 00:08:24Here Is Drake White’s New Album, “Low Country High Road”
Drake White releases his brand new EP, The Bridge, out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.
With one of country music’s most compelling voices and stories, Drake White is back with his new EP, The Bridge. The 7-song collection marks the followup to 2022’s LP, The Optimystic, which chronicled White’s recovery from a career and life-altering stroke.
For the Alabama native, The Bridge is a collection of both the old and new. “The Webster dictionary defines a bridge as a structure carrying a pathway or roadway over a depression or obstacle,” White says. “This is the bridge taking me [to] back to why I started making music in the first place.”
All seven songs were co-written by the Alabama native, including reimagined versions of “50 Years Too Late” and “Power of a Woman,” both which appeared on The Optimystic. While the newly released version of “50 Years” is a gritty and soulful “ruff cut” of the ode to simpler times, “Power” is reimagined as a duet with Colbie Caillat. Here, the breezy singer-songwriter’s warm voice perfectly complements the grit and gravel of White, breathing new life into the track that celebrates an amazing woman.
“Makin’ Me Look Good Again” is also a new version, originally appearing on White’s debut album, Spark. On the new take, aptly dubbed a “wedding version,” his stunning vocals soar over slowed and stripped down instrumentation, making it perfect for a first dance. “And then those loving arms, they pull me back in,” He croons, voice full of emotion. “Oh there you go, baby, yeah, Oh making me look good again.”
“Turn You On” offers another romantic moment, with a seductive invitation to slow things down and enjoy the moment. Co-written with Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, the track can be likened to a modern day “Let’s Get It On,” with White seductively offering to “turn it all off so I can turn you on.”
As one of country music’s most prolific optimists, Drake White shines on introspection in the forms of “Spirit” and “Ladder to the Sky.” The former finds White as a drifter, his soul meant to wander, while “Ladder” offers an especially poignant moment of reflection as a small part in a bigger picture.
“Where it leads nobody knows //Past the stars and left at the rainbow //Ya everybody, everywhere, everyday is trying to climb //Up that ladder //The ladder to the sky // Ya the view gets better from way up high //So climb that ladder // the ladder to the sky”
While the Alabama native shines on romance and introspection, he also knows how to have fun, as evidenced on the EP’s final track, his collaboration with Hayes Carll, “Happy Hour.” On the twangy up-tempo, the pair find themselves asking life’s biggest questions, musing “Who says happy only gets to last an hour?”
“Why do mommas always worry? // Why can’t payday come on time // Why does agave tequila taste, better with salt and lime // Why are sunsets so romantic? // Why are fun things all so wrong? // Why can’t I ever stop singing them sad ol’ country songs? // And why can’t stopping time be my superpower? // And who says happy only gets to last an hour? “
On his new EP, Drake White continues to prove why he’s one of music’s most unique and powerful artists. With his unique output on life and his patented blend of country, soul and Muscle Shoals, each new release offers listeners something truly special, and The Bridge is no exception.
The Bridge EP Tracklist:
50 Years Too Late (Ruff Cut) (Leith Loftin, Drake White)
Spirit (Drake White, Phil Pence, Leslie Satcher)
Power of a Woman (ft. Colbie Caillat) (Kelli Johnson, Lindsey Hinkle, Drake White)
Makin’ Me Look Good Again (Wedding Version) (Drake White, Monty Criswell, Shane Minor)
Turn You On (Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Drake White)
Ladder To The Sky (Drake White, Vanessa Olivarez, Andy Skib)
Happy Hour (Drake White, Hayes Carll)
Country Swag Picks:
Ladder to the Sky
Happy Hour
Makin’ Me Look Good Again
Drake White shares new EP, ‘The Bridge,’ out now on all streaming platforms.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Drake White releases.
The Bridge is 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.
Drake White’s new album, The Optimystic is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.
Less than three years ago, Drake White didn’t know if he’d ever be able to perform again. After suffering a hemorrhagic stroke on stage in August of 2019, the golden-voiced White went through multiple surgeries and rounds of physical therapy just to relearn to walk. Yet, somehow he always stayed optimistic.
Today, March 11, he’s ready to tell his story through the release of his sophomore album, The Optimystic. Featuring twelve tracks co-written by the Alabama native, each song drips with personality and flair. From the opening chords of “50 Years Too Late” to the swoon-worthy “Power of a Woman” and the final notes of “The Optimystic” that bleeds into a prayerful moment of “Amazing Grace,” it’s clear this album is something special.
“50 Years Too Late” launches the album with fire straight out of the gate, White’s gritty country twang proclaiming that he’s a man who doesn’t quite fit in the modern world. Here, White introduces himself, appreciates the simpler things in life, and admits he should’ve been born way back when things were easier. It truly sets the stage for the rest of the album, which White admits was intentional as the track is a sonic fave of the soulful singer-songwriter.
White is eager to remain optimistic throughout The Optimystic, many songs touching on the idea of overcoming obstacles. “You can’t go through a near-death experience, or a pandemic… without it changing your perspective, or your songwriting,” shared White in a recent press round. “You don’t really know if you’re optimistic until you go through something. You kind of have to battle test it,” He continues of the spirit behind his album. This attitude is reflected in songs including “Rainbow State of Mind,” “Giants,” and “Hurts the Healing.”
“Rainbow” reminds us that it’s sometimes necessary to look on the bright side, and let go and let God (or fate or whatever you believe in) take control. “When you give up control // You’ll find that pot of gold,” He sings. “And you’ll get the rainbow.”
Meanwhile, the deeply personal “Hurts the Healing” is especially meaningful for White. “I think, line for line, it is probably the best song I’ve ever written, as far as writing goes. It is my song, it says exactly what I was feeling…I just think there was some magic.”
Another of the album’s highlights is “Giants,” a triumphant proclamation that it’s possible to overcome whatever it is that holds us back. Over twangy instrumentation, White’s voice booms as he challenges life to “bring on those giants.” With a hand-clapping second half, it’s impossible not to feel jubilant alongside White on this track, as he invites each listener along for the ride. “We all feel like a David facing Goliath sometimes // Well they make us feel so small back against the wall,” He proclaims joyfully. “But they don’t know they’re turning dogs to lions // Bring on those giants.”
White also uses his album to pay tribute to the special people in his life. In “Power of a Woman,” he honors the amazing women in his life, including his mother and his wife, Alex. Meanwhile, “Legends Never Die” tells the story of an older mentor whom he aspires to be like. “When he leaves this world // There won’t be no goodbyes // ‘Cause heroes are remembered // But legends never die,” He sings. “He’s pushin’ eighty and going on twenty-one // Pushin’ daisies will have to wait ’til he gets done.”
“Can’t Have My Dog” may be White’s most country track on the album, a tongue-in-cheek jaunt of love gone wrong. He’s ready to give up everything except his four-legged friend. “You can have my truck // The old house too // The Winnebago, the fast boat, and the pontoon // Take this old guitar // Take my buddy John,” He muses. “You can have it all // You can’t have my dog.”
The album concludes as solidly as it starts with the title track finding White longing for the days “before we knew ’bout this big bad world.” Finally, the haunting notes of “Amazing Grace” close the album, sung by White’s grandfather’s church community. And if that doesn’t sum up Drake White, and this album, we’re not sure what can.
For Drake White, The Optimystic is a true reflection of his character. “It’s been five years since my last album,” He shared in a statement. “I’ve had two record deals, six brain surgeries, a hemorrhagic stroke, and a pandemic that has tried to rip us all apart. Through it all, I’ve always fought to keep my glass half full.”
For listeners, The Optimystic just may be the album we all need. It’s truly impossible not to smile when listening, and in a time that’s been full of uncertainty due to the pandemic, politics, war, and seemingly endless chaos, it’s nice to look at the glass half full. Here, White reminds us that everyone has struggles, and that’s what makes us all human. Yet, with a little faith and hope, we can all overcome… And do so jubilantly.
The Optimystic Tracklist:
“50 Years Too Late” (Drake White, Leith Loftin)
“American Thunder” (Drake White, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)
“Rainbow State of Mind (Feat. The Woods)” (Drake White, Dan O’Rourke)
“Pawn Shop Rings and Double Wide Dreams” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Jonathan Singleton)
“Giants” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Phil O’Donnell)
“Hurts the Healing” (Drake White, Aaron Chafin, Allison Veltz Cruz)
“It Takes Time” (Drake White, Chris DeStefano)
“Power of a Woman” (Drake White, Lindsey Hinkle, Kelli Johnson)
“Legends Never Die” (Drake White, Jeremy Bussey, Adam Sanders, Ron Womack)
“Can’t Have My Dog” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Ava Paige)
“Angel Side of You” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Eric Paslay)
“The Optimystic” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Lauren Weintraub)
“Amazing Grace”
Drake White’s new album ‘The Optimystic’ is officially here.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Drake White’s announcements and releases.
The Optimystic 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.
As we wait for Drake White’s second studio album, THE OPTIMYSTIC to be released March 11th, we chatted with the singer-songwriter to learn more about the record. Check out 5 things to expect here…
1. This is his first album since 2016, and second full studio album.
“I [was inspired]… I wanted to write 2-3 songs a day, I couldn’t get enough.”
2. This project features a lot of independent songwriters.
“I’ve been so lucky and blessed to meet my people, you come to Nashville and hit the ground with your boots. Kelly Johnson, [for instance] is not signed, she came out here and took a leap of faith.”
3. He was able to incorporate his family into the project, selecting a rendition of “Amazing Grace”.
“My grandfather… he could play piano, he could jitterbug dance, he could preach these sermons… he was just amazing. I found his old sermons on tape and I started listening to them… he had this vernacular. This is sonic gold. In a Pink Floyd-esque way, I want to put these sermons on my record.”
4. After a stroke left White nearly paralyzed, he has recovered very well and has a whole new perspective on life, music, and touring.
“It’s been a life-changing perspective shift for sure… this was the test. You don’t really know you’re optimistic until you go through something you have to battle test.”
5. White’s health problems and the pandemic resulted in him being even more inspired to write new music and release THE OPTIMYSTIC.
“I’ve had to keep a good sense of humor about it because of all of the things that have come our way recently…. you can’t go through a near-death experience like that or a pandemic without it changing your songwriting.”
Drake White’s new album ‘The Optimystic’ out this Friday, March 11th.
Check back in on Friday, March 11th, for a full review of Drake White’s THE OPTIMYSTIC.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Drake White releases.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/drake-white-new-album.jpg6301200Lucie Bernheimhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngLucie Bernheim2022-03-10 16:17:282022-03-10 16:17:285 Things to Expect from Drake White’s Album ‘The Optimystic’
Singer-songwriter Drake White premieres two brand new songs for fans including “Power of a Woman” and “Giants,” out now on all streaming platforms.
There are many talented country music artists, but there has always been something special about Drake White. The singer-songwriter creates music that is both soothing and captivating. Most recently, White released not one, but two brand new songs entitled “Power of a Woman” and “Giants.”
Both new songs are airy and powerful. On “Power of a Woman,” White croons about romance and the love he has for his wife. The song is as romantic as they come.
“And oh she’s sweet like Sunday morning // She got a mind of her own, Lord, ain’t she something? // Gets me high like lightning storming // I believe in the power of a woman //I believe in the power of a woman, yeah.”
The latter, “Giants” is an ode to strength and hope. As someone who suffered from a stroke back in 2019, the singer knows all about the importance of resilience. “Giants” reminds music lovers to never give up and to keep believing.
“We all got giants // we all feel like David // facing Goliath sometimes.”
Congrats to Drake White for creating music that really speaks to the soul! We are excited for music to come down the pipeline next.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Drake White releases.
“Power of a Woman” and “Giants” are 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/drake-white-new-songs-music.png6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2021-10-19 22:21:162021-10-19 22:21:16Drake White Premieres Two Brand New Songs For Fans
With one of music’s biggest and most underrated voices, country’s soul man Drake White is back with a new EP, Stars, out today (April 24). The EP is the follow up to 2018’s Pieces EP, and marks White’s first release on his own label, Reverend White Records.
The soulful songwriter co-wrote three of the EP’s five tracks, and also enlisted the songwriting talents of Josh Kerr, Cary Barlowe, Ross Ellis, Ryan Beaver, Rodney Clawson, Adam Hambrick, and more. Produced by Cadillac Three singer-songwriter Jaren Johnston, Stars is a passionate, grooving, and honest collection of some of White’s best work to date.
The EP opens with “Luckiest Man,” and one can’t help but wonder if the track was inspired by White’s health issues over the past year. In early 2019, White revealed to PEOPLE that he was suffering from Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), which is an abnormal configuration of the arteries and veins in the brain, causing issues with blood flow. In July, the energetic singer suffered an on-stage scare and underwent a serious of embolizations to remedy his condition. Yet, none of that gets him down on this EP.
White’s positivity and spirit are evident throughout the EP, but maybe no more so than on “Eat, Drink & Dream,” which White called “a declaration of relentless optimism.” Speaking to Billboard, he says of the song, “In the face of adversity, when no one is looking, that is when an individual’s true character is revealed. That’s what this song is — a power dose of optimism that you can!”
The entire collection stays true to White’s brand, combining soul, funk, groove, and country with his clever lyrics and sense of humor. “My Favorite Band” is a groovy uptempo where White sings about his musical influences, before putting a fun spin on the track. While he calls out a ton of his favorite artists here, he pivots the fun track into a love song. “Baby look down at your left hand,” He sings. “That’s my favorite band.”
The EP ends with “All Would Be Right With the World,” a song that we could all use in the crazy times, as White celebrates all the things that would make the world right. “What if beer and friend chicken/ Didn’t make us fat and sicken?” He muses here, “What if cigarettes and whiskey/ they didn’t try to kill me?” In true White form, he spins the track again, making it about love, as he proclaims, “If every morning I woke up right beside you girl/ All would be right with the world.”
Stars tracklist:
1. Luckiest Man (Ben Burgess, Josh Kerr, Alysa Vanderheym, Cary Barlowe)
2. Mix ‘Em With Whiskey (Ryan Beaver, Rodney Clawson, Adam Hambrick, Andrew DeRoberts)
3. Eat, Drink & Dream (Drake White, Tommy Cecil, Greylan James)
4. My Favorite Band (Drake White, Ross Ellis, Dan Fernandez, Michael Whitworth)
5. All Would Be Right With The World (Drake White, Tommy Cecil, Matt Alderman)
“Stars” 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.
The Hero Collectionby 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!
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/drake-white-stars.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2020-04-24 00:03:272020-04-24 00:03:27NYCS First Impression: Drake White ‘Stars’
Here at New York Country Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers, finding and championing new and up-and-coming artists and introducing our followers to the best of the best of the rising acts. Back in 2017, we named the 10 artists below in our “Artists to Watch in 2017” and we are proud to say, we know rising talent before they make it big. Check out what each of these artists has done over the past two years and what is coming up for them in 2019.
10. Seth Ennis- Last year, Ennis followed his debut single, “Woke Up In Nashville” and “Look at You” with the captivating “Call Your Mama,” featuring A-list superstars, Little Big Town. The singer-songwriter went on to make his TODAY Show debut with that song, taking his career to new heights. This year, Ennis also opened up for Dylan Scott on his headlining tour.
9. Trent Harmon- Continuing to ride the high from dropping his debut album You Got ‘Em All, Harmon released the title track to country radio last year. The song peaked in the Top 40 on Country Airplay.
8. High Valley- The Canadian country duo continues to take the country music world by storm. Back in April, they released their new single, “Single Man” from the forthcoming studio album. The song already reached the number two spot on the Canadian country charts. Earlier this month they released “Your Mama” and the video features real-life shots of their families. We hope 2020 brings more music from the rising duo.
7. Runaway June- The ladies of Runaway June have had arguably the most successful year! The trio released their debut record Blue Roses, and their radio single “Buy My Own Drinks” cracked the Top 5 on the Country charts, making history as the first song by a female trio to break into the Top 5 in a decade. Additionally, the ladies joined superstar, Carrie Underwood on her sold-out headlining tour. Check out how they expressed their excitement for their success with us here, during our interview with the girls at Taste of Country Music Festival and our most recent Swag Session below.
6. Brett Young- 2019 was a big year for Young, both personally and professionally. The singer-songwriter’s beautiful wife Taylor gave birth to their first child together in October, after they celebrated one year of marriage. As a recording artist, Young released his new project, The Acoustic Sessions EP, which followed the release of his Number 1 sophomore record Ticket to L.A. Fans of Young have his newly announced headlining tour to look forward to in the new year. The tour stops at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom on February 2nd.
5. Ryan Hurd- In 2019, Hurd focused on advancing his career as a solo artist. The talented singer-songwriter sold-out Bowery Ballroom in New York City this past January. We got to catch up with him at Taste of Country, where he shared what it’s like playing for New York fans. Hurd upped the ante by releasing both his EP Panorama and Platonic this year, including lead single “To a T.” Just recently announced, he will be headlining the Platonic Tour with Niko Moon, the tour hits NYC for a two night run on March 4th and 5th.
4. Russell Dickerson- We are proud to continue to champion the very first artist that New York Country Swag ever featured at our very first event back in January of 2016. Dickerson continues to be one of the most promising rising artists and infectious entertainers on the scene right now. This year, the singer-songwriter achieved a rare feat, as his first three singles to ever go to country radio hit the number one spot on the charts! Even better, the entertainer finally made it to the big stage at Madison Square Garden, where he opened up for Thomas Rhett on his sold-out tour and even shouted out our company, during his set!
3. Walker Hayes- Hayes continues to release music that he can be proud of and that his fans can always relate to. This year, he released a beautiful tribute to his wife, Laney, titled “Don’t Let Her,” headlined his own tour, and is about to release Volume 3 of 8Tracks. Check out our interview with the Swag Session alum below, as he talks about “Don’t Let Her,” and his journey.
2. Luke Combs- Combs has officially solidified himself as a bonafide country superstar in just a few short years. The singer recently accepted his membership into the Grand Ole Opry and released his record-breaking sophomore record What You See Is What You Get. Combs’ has had seven consecutive singles reach the top spot on County Airplay and continues to sell-out shows in arenas across the country. 2020 is shaping up to be another mega-successful year for the entertainer.
1. Drake White- It’s been a relatively quiet year for the White; however, that has not stopped him from bringing his unique talent to stages across the United States. The singer-songwriter captivated fans in New York City back in February when he played at Irving Plaza. He continues to be a mainstay at country music festivals as well.
Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for an update on all the artist we named to watch in 2018 and 2019, and then coming soon, our carefully-cultivated 2020 Artist to Watch list.
The Hero Collectionby 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!
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/runaway-june-msg-nycs.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2019-11-26 14:28:152019-11-26 14:28:15Where Are They Now? Our 2017 Artist to Watch Update
Here at New York Country Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers, finding and championing new and up-and-coming artists and introducing our followers to the best of the best of the rising acts. Back in 2017, we named the 10 artists below in our “Artists to Watch in 2017” and we are proud to say, we know rising talent before they make it big. Check out what each of these artists has done over the past two years and what is coming up for them in 2019.
10. Seth Ennis – In 2017, Ennis released his debut EP, Mabelle, which featured his first single “Woke Up In Nashville” which put him on our radar early on. Most recently he released a heartfelt song “Call Your Mama” which features Little Big Town and has garnered over a million streams on Spotify. The singer-songwriter joins Dylan Scott on tour which hits Gramercy Theatre on January 17th. Grab your tickets here.
9. Trent Harmon – Harmon spent 2017 writing and working on his debut album, You Got Em All. The American Idol winner of season 15 set out to prove to his fans and critics that he wasn’t just a competition winner that could sing covers but that he had something important to say with his songwriting. We caught Harmon back in February in Nashville as he performed his single “You Got Em All” for radio programmers and the audience was blown away by his delivery of the breakup song. He told New York Country Swag during a recent interview: “I had one job that day and that was to solidify myself a slot for the next year as a relevant up-and-coming artist in the country format,” which he certainly did. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for fans in 2019.
8. High Valley – This Canadian duo since making our Artist to Watch list has toured the country on the Sirius XM The Highway Finds Tour and released brand new music, The Farmhouse Sessions which was recorded appropriately on a farm outside of Nashville. When we caught their infectious, high energy set a little over a year ago, the brothers, led the audience in a dance off and played their top 15 hit “She’s With Me” which elicited a crowd singalong. The duo has tour dates booked through the new year, playing shows in the U.S as well as Canada. For all of the tour dates head to their website.
7. Runaway June – The ladies of Runaway June are at such an exciting time in their career. The week that New York Country Swag hosted them for a Live Swag Session, they had just announced they would be joining Carrie Underwood and Maddie and Tae on her Cry Pretty 360 Tour. Since then they have also released their debut self-titled EP and their single “Buy My Own Drinks” is garnering plenty of spins on Spotify. Watch their performance and interview with New York Country Swag below and grab your tickets to see this powerhouse group of girls at Madison Square Garden on October 2nd, 2019.
6. Brett Young – Arguably the artist who has made it the biggest over the past two years, Young released his debut, self-titled album in February of 2017 and since then has had four no. 1 hits including “Sleep Without You,” “In Case You Didn’t Know,” “Like I Loved You”, and “Mercy.” His brand new single from his forthcoming album, “Here Tonight” is already Top 40 on the Country Radio Charts and steadily climbing. Young is coming to New York City on December 9th with Tyler Rich and drops his sophomore album, Ticket to L.A just two days prior.
5. Ryan Hurd – We highlighted Hurd’s incredible songwriting career back in 2017 however since then he has written and recorded songs for himself that have proved he isn’t just a songwriter anymore. Recently he released two songs, “Diamonds or Twine” and “To A T” which were both inspired by another huge milestone Hurd has accomplished since 2017, he got married. Marrying fellow singer-songwriter and chart-topper Maren Morris earlier this year has given Hurd the opportunity to write about his love for her and when he sings those songs, his delivery and devotion is evident. We are hoping for a full-length album in 2019 and will keep you posted about future tour dates heading our way.
4. Russell Dickerson – We are proud to champion the very first artist that New York Country Swag ever featured at our very first event back in January of 2016 just a few weeks after our launch! Dickerson played on top of a bar at Libation, a New York City nightclub, the event was sold out long before he had signed his record deal with Triple Tigers. Since previewing his music for 300 of our lucky followers and a handful of NYCS events later, Dickerson has garnered not one but two no. 1 songs on the Country Radio Charts. His love song for his wife, “Yours”, made it to the top of the charts and appropriately was the title of his debut album which was released this time last year. Most recently, his second single to radio “Blue Tacoma” took the top spot. He toured all summer with Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker, increasing his fanbase. Looking to the new year, Dickerson is working on new music and will hopefully get back on the road. Take a look back at our Country Night with the rising superstar from September 2016 below.
3. Walker Hayes – In January of 2017 when our list was published, Hayes had only released his 8Tracks Vol. 1 and 2 to his fans, a unique take on the storytelling country music is so accustomed to. Over the past two years, the lines of genres have blended, country music has sonically changed and become more fluid and no artist has benefitted more than Hayes. His blend of hip-hop, R&B and pop all infuse with country lyrics and have created a sound that is undeniable all his own. We hosted Hayes earlier this year for a Live Swag Session after he released his major label debut album boom. and garnered plenty of success with his debut radio single “You Broke Up With Me”. He just released a new single, “90’s Country” which name-drops 22 different 90’s country songs that Hayes tells us in a recent interview, influenced him growing up and is the first of new music we can look forward to in the new year. Watch the Live Swag Session from April below.
2. Luke Combs – Another artist who had huge success since 2017, Combs released not only a debut album but a deluxe version with five additional songs. The album entered the Billboard charts 73 weeks ago and continually makes its way back to the top of the charts, including this week where he holds the top spot for not only album but also the top song with “She Got The Best of Me” at no. 1 for the second week in a row. This marks the fourth chart-topper for Combs, previously he landed the top spot with “Hurricane,” “When It Rains It Pours,” and “One Number Away”. He joined Jason Aldean this summer on his High Noon Neon Tour which made its way to Madison Square Garden in August. The sold-out crowd knew every word to each of his songs, even the deep album cuts proving that the country crooner has grown his fan base so wide and is here to stay.
1. Drake White – White’s ability to captivate a crowd during his live performances landed him an opening spot on Zac Brown Band’s tour and at festivals across the country. He just released five new songs in an EP titled Pieces which highlights his signature groove and sultry vocals. Next year he is heading overseas to play the C2C Country to Country Festival in Glasgow along with Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum.
Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for an update on all of the artists we named to watch in 2018 and then coming soon, our 2019 Artist to Watch list.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2017_Recap_Cover.jpg288480Christina Boschhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngChristina Bosch2018-10-30 18:02:272018-10-31 17:47:02Where Are They Now? Our 2017 Artists to Watch Update
