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Gabby Barrett & Ingrid Andress Break Into The Top 10 on the Charts

Ingrid Andress Gabby Barrett

We named last year, 2019, the year of women in country music, but 2020 is continuing the momentum. Earlier this month, we celebrated International Women’s Day at Refinery Rooftop with Madison Kozak, Nicolle Gaylon, and of course our NYCS family, and today we get to celebrate womanhood yet again. Two rising female songstresses in the industry, Gabby Barrett and Ingrid Andress, two of our 2020 Artists to Watch, have broken into the Top 10 on the Billboard charts with their debut singles.

 

 

Historically, female country artists have not had the same recognition on the charts, as male country artists, so this is a big deal. After rising in popularity, former American Idol star, Gabby Barrett’s debut single “I Hope” has finally reached the number 9 spot. The song has been one of our favorites for a while, and we are so proud to see Barrett soar to new heights! As for Ingrid Andress, her song “More Hearts Than Mine” also broke the top 10. We believe she is one of the most powerful new voices in the genre.

 

Both artists have made history, as this is the first time that two lead solo female artists have had debut hits rank in the top 10 together! Together, the ladies are breaking down barriers and representing women across the country genre. This major feat happened to occur, when a leading lady in country music, Maren Morris has snagged the top spot on the chars with her single “The Bones.”

We hope that this is just the beginning for Barrett and Andress, and we cannot wait to see other female artists get the recognition, praise, and support that they deserve on the charts and in their careers as well! As Kristen Williams of Warner Music Nashville shared in an article for Billboard, “Let’s make this habit instead of history.”

To keep up with Gabby Barrett follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Ingrid Andress 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.

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Gabby Barrett Celebrates Classic Love in “Hall Of Fame”

Hall of Fame

One of our 2020 Artists to Watch just released her first song of the new year entitled “Hall Of Fame.” The enticing new love song follows the songstress’ radio single, “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.”

Barrett rejoices about a one of a kind type of relationship in the new track. She sings her lover’s praises, as she explains how comfortable she feels in her relationship. “Livin’ to the rhythm of your heartbeat / Beats everything I’ve ever felt.” Anyone who has ever been in love can relate to the joyous emotions that come from being with the right person.

“I am so blessed to have found a husband that makes me feel cherished, cared for and treasured,” shares Barrett in a press release. “We wrote this song to celebrate the goodness and the details of love – the little things, the feeling of truly loving someone and feeling that in return. I hope this song inspires everyone to reflect and say an extra ‘thank you’ to the people that make them feel the same way too, and I hope they love it as much as I do.”

Wishing for a love that would be included in a “Hall Of Fame” is a clever way to describe an otherwise indescribable feeling. Co-written by Barrett with a team of writers, including, Trannie Anderson, Zachary Kale, and one of our other artists to watch, Adam Doleac, the song is the ultimate compliment to the special person and relationship that the songwriters drew inspiration from.

“If love had a hall of fame / For a summer kiss in the rain / For making me wanna stay / Wrapped in your arms all night, all day / For the way you look at me / It should go down in history / They’d hang your picture on the wall / And write your name / If love had a hall of fame / If love had a hall of fame”

We’re excited to see what this year has in store for Barrett, as she continues to gain momentum in the industry. Fans can catch the singer at various festivals this season, as well as, playing additional shows across the country. For more information, head to gabbybarrett.net.

To keep up with Gabby Barrett follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Hall Of Fame” 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 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!

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NYCountry Swag’s 2020 Artists To Watch

The New York Country Swag team loves to support rising artists and introduce our followers to the best new music in the genre. Since our inception four years ago we have named rising stars like Russell Dickerson, Luke Combs, Brett Young, Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Jimmie Allen as our Artists to Watch. Check out our picks in 2017, 2018, and 2019 before checking out the 10 artists we picked to have a huge 2020 below.

 

Parker McCollum

10. Parker McCollum – This Texas native may have just released his first song on a major label, “Pretty Heart” this past summer after signing with MCA Nashville/UMG Nashville but in the past, he has independently delivered two full-length projects. Focusing on the depth and artistry behind songwriting, McCollum has found a clever balance between traditional Texas country and what is coming out of modern Nashville. We are looking forward to more new music in 2020 and to catch a live show.

For Fans Of: Cody Johnson, Riley Green

Listen: “Pretty Heart”

Stay Connected: @ParkerMcCollum

 

Madison Kozak

9. Madison Kozak – Growing up in Ontario but moving to Nashville when she was only 14 years old, Kozak has been chasing the music dream, honing in on her incredible ability to write a song that is filled with emotions for years. We first heard of the songstress in May we were instantly hooked and since then 2019 was a whirlwind for the budding star, signing a record deal as the flagship artist on a female-driven label, Songs & Daughters and touring the country on three different tours.  Label head, Nicolle Galyon in partnership with Big Loud Records saw something special in this songwriter artist after hearing “First Last Name”, a song she wrote for her father and ever since has been releasing exceptional songs. She kicks off the new year by heading overseas to tour with Chase Rice.

For Fans Of: Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood

Listen: “OMG ILY”

Stay Connected: @Madison_Kozak

 

King Calaway

8. King Calaway – Last January we were introduced to a brand new band comprised of six talented musicians from different places, Caleb Miller (Ohio), Chris Deaton (Nashville), Simon Dumas (Gibraltar), Jordan Harvey (Scotland), Chad Michael Jervis (Delaware), and Austin Luther (Minnesota). One of the very first time they played for fans before their music was released, King Calaway performed a showcase with NYCountry Swag in New York City and all in attendance were blown away.  Their impeccable harmonies, catchy tunes, and larger than life personalities have since caught the attention of country music fans across the nation. Their debut record, Rivers features 12 tracks written by some of Nashville’s biggest songwriters and covers an array of topics.

For Fans Of: One Direction, Rascal Flatts

Listen: “Rivers”

Stay Connected: @KingCalaway

 

Chris Bandi

7. Chris Bandi – When a song is streamed 60 million times, you know there is something special about it. St. Louis native, Nashville based artist and songwriter Chris Bandi is pushing his major-label debut, “Man Enough Now” to country radio this year and the tale rings true of realizing your mistakes, owning them and hoping for a second chance. Bandi will hit the road with Matt Stell in the upcoming months and sources say plans to release an EP as well.

For Fans Of: Gavin DeGraw, Chris Lane

Listen: “Man Enough Now”

Stay Connected: @ChrisBandi

 

Ingrid Andress

6. Ingrid Andress – We first caught songwriter/artist Ingrid Andress last February during an NYC showcase right after she was signed to Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records and her unique presence, storytelling ability, and hilarious realness caught our attention immediately. With songs like “More Hearts Than Mine”, “Both”, and “Lady Like”, Andress pushes the boundaries of topics usually discussed in the country format, forcing new followers to pay attention. She was named one of CRS New Faces for the class of 2020, a prestigious honor and she joins Dan + Shay on the first leg of their arena tour in 2020.

For Fans Of: Kacey Musgraves, Ashley McBryde

Listen: “More Hearts Than Mine”

Stay Connected: @IngridAndress

 

Ross Ellis

5. Ross Ellis –  Although a bit more undiscovered than the rest of our list, Ross Ellis has a powerhouse, unique voice and his latest single “Buy and Buy” is compelling and begs for repeat spins. By weaving a powerful visual of religion, addiction, and wasted time, “Buy and Buy” is as profound as it is innovative. As a songwriter, Ellis co-wrote one of Tim McGraw’s latest singles, “Neon Church” and a song on Home Free’s new album, Dive Bar Saints called “Dreamer” but in 2020 we hope to hear new songs from Ellis as we continue to champion rising artists and songwriters like him.

For Fans Of: Brett Young, Dan + Shay

Listen: “Buy and Buy” 

Stay Connected: @RossEllisMusic

Avenue Beat 2020 Artists to Watch

4. Avenue Beat – Our most unique, fresh, and different act on this year’s Artists to Watch is Avenue Beat. Comprised of three girls from Illinois, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, and Sam Backoff they are original and their creative new wave country is as endearing as it is inventive. Their harmonies, melodies, and frankly genius lyrics are relatable to a niche of young women that are thirsty for someone to sing about what they are going through. Signed to Big Machine Label Group’s Valory Music Co. in partnership with Tape Room Records they released their debut self-titled EP in July and toured with Mason Ramsey in 2019. If you are looking for some sass with a side of sensational lyrics, look no further than Avenue Beat.

For Fans Of: Walker Hayes, Kelsea Ballerini

Listen: “Be A Bro” 

Stay Connected: @AvenueBeat

 

Jameson Rodgers

3. Jameson Rodgers – Last February we interviewed Jameson Rodgers for our Swag Spotlight feature, right after he released his EP which featured his break out hit, “Some Girls”. This Mississippi native is now planted firmly in Nashville, writing and creating music as a Sony Music Nashville artist and has toured with Luke Combs on his Beer Never Broke My Heart tour and just announced that in 2020 he will embark on his very first headlining tour. Relatable lyrics that are set to a modern-day twang, Rodgers has already garnered a ton of fans and hopefully the new year we can expect a full-length album.

For Fans Of: Jon Pardi, Luke Combs

Listen: “Some Girls”

Stay Connected: @JamesonRodgers

 

Gabby Barrett

2. Gabby Barrett – She may have become a household name because of her stint on American Idol but Gabby Barrett is showing Nashville and the country music community that women want to hear a female write a song from her own perspective. Her debut radio single, “I Hope” not only features her sultry voice but has a twist in the chorus that will make men and women fall in love with her honest take on a bad breakup. Having toured with Chris Lane, Barrett is already included in major festival line ups including Stagecoach, Tortuga, and New York’s own TrailBlazer.

For Fans Of: Maren Morris, Lauren Alaina

Listen: “I Hope”

Stay Connected: @GabbyBarrett_

HARDY 2020 Artists to Watch

1. HARDY – Already having a huge break out year in 2019, HARDY celebrated four number one songs as a songwriter, “God’s Country”, “I Don’t Know About You”, “Simple”, and “Up Down”. He also released one of the most prolific albums of the year, HIXTAPE Vol. 1 which features 17 different artists, all singing about growing up in a small town. Emerging as an artist, HARDY has created a persona that makes you envy his Mississippi upbringing, making ‘redneck’ cool. In October we caught his sold-out headlining NYC show and just announced, the songwriter and artist will join Cole Swindell and Thomas Rhett on the Center Point Road tour which will make it’s away across the country this summer.

For Fans Of: Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line

Listen: “One Beer” 

Stay Connected: @HARDY

 

 

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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:

Chris Lane Announces Coast To Coast Big, Big Plans Tour

Big Big Plans Chris Lane

Announced today, Chris Lane is heading out on a headlining tour once again and this time the singer-songwriter is bringing along Gabby Barrett, Blanco Brown, and Ernest along for the ride. The coast to coast, Big, Big Plans Tour will kick off in Cincinnati on Halloween (October 31) and make stops in major cities including Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; Boston, Massachusets; and finally wrap up in Detroit, Michigan on February 22nd. We most recently caught Lane when he opened for Brad Paisley on his WORLD TOUR this summer, read our recap from the show here.

The platinum-certified singer is currently sitting in the top 10 with his single “I Don’t Know About You” and the song that he wrote to propose to his girlfriend, now fiance, Lauren Bushnell, “Big, Big Plans” has garnered a ton of fan reaction and over 5 million views on YouTube. Watch the adorable video below.

American Idol finalist Gabby Barrett has released two great songs since her stint on the singing competition, “I Hope” and “Good Ones”. While Blanco Brown is breaking records with his viral sensation “The Git Up”, amassing over 3 billion views across social platforms. We caught Brown at an exclusive New York City showcase and were impressed with his vocal ability and charisma. A cowriter on “Big, Big Plans” and a recording artist in his own right, Ernest rounds out the bill on this incredible tour.

Presales for fans who want to purchase a VIP ticket package begin today (9/3) at 12 p.m. EST, along with presales for Citi Cardmembers. Meanwhile, ticket presales for Spotify users begin Wednesday (9/4) at 10 a.m. local; Live Nation, Live Nation Mobile App, and Ticketmaster presales kick off Thursday (9/5) at 10 a.m. local. For all tickets and information head to iamChrisLane.com.

Full list of Big, Big Plans Tour Dates below

October 31 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s^
November 1 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom^
November 2 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre^
November 7 – Morgantown, WV – Metropolitan Theater^*
November 8 – Freehold, NJ – iPlay America’s Event Center^*
November 14 – Columbia, SC – The Senate^*
November 15 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz^*
November 22 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues^*
November 23 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues^*
December 7 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall^*
December 8 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot^*
January 9 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)*+
January 10 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring*+
January 11 – Boston, MA – House of Blues*+
January 16 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theater*+
January 17 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live*+
January 23 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works*+
January 31 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues*+
February 1 – Los Angeles, CA – Belasco Theater*+
February 5 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren*+
February 6 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues*+
February 7 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades*+
February 8 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore*+
February 13 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater*+
February 14 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues*+
February 15 – Houston, TX – House of Blues*+
February 20 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues*+
February 21 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live*+
February 22 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit*+

^ with Gabby Barrett
* with ERNEST
+ with Blanco Brown

To keep up with Chris Lane follow him on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

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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!

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Gabby Barrett Sings About How She Got One Of “The Good Ones”

Gabby Barrett The Good Ones

After the success of her debut single, “I Hope”, Gabby Barrett is back again with her brand new song, “The Good Ones.” The rising country star who first appeared on American Idol in 2018 worked with songwriters Emily Landis, Jim McCormick, and Zachary Kale to craft this romantic and uplifting song. The track definitely strays in meaning to her first single. Whereas “I Hope” was all about getting revenge on an evil ex, “The Good Ones” highlights Barrett’s favorite qualities about her very own ‘good one.’ The inspiration behind the adorable ‘good one’ in the song– her fiance, Cade Foehner.

Barrett shared that, “When people ask me about Cade, how he’s doing or how we’re doing, I always end up saying, “oh he’s great, he’s a keeper, he’s a good one.” That’s where the song came from – appreciating what I’ve got and what he means to me.” Barrett’s appreciation for her fiance shines through in the song, making listeners not only want a good one for themselves but also hopeful that there’s someone out there to fill that void.

With lyrics that can make anyone swoon like, “A love me like he should one / Like he wrote the book one / The kind you find when you don’t even look one / Anybody can be good once / But he’s good all the time / He’s one of the good ones,” Barrett’s love and admiration for her fiance is beyond clear. As she’s been in the studio with GRAMMY-nominated producer Ross Copperman, “The Good Ones,” teases listeners with what to expect from her debut album which is in the works.

Spending her summer playing various festivals and even getting the opportunity to headline some of her own shows, Barrett is a must-see act for any country music lover. This is just the start of what should be an extremely exciting and successful career.

To keep up with Gabby Barrett follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“The Good Ones” 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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

[Watch] Gabby Barrett’s Vindictive Video for “I Hope”

It’s been nearly a year since country music newcomer, Gabby Barrett placed third in season 16 of American Idol. Last week, she debuted her first single entitled “I Hope.” Co-penned with Jon Nite and Zachary Kale, the sultry and vulnerable tune puts a cheating ex on display. In a recent press release, Barrett shared that the vindictive song says all of the things “girls really want to say when done wrong.”

“I hope you both feel the sparks by the end of the drive / I hope you know she’s the one by the end of the night / I hope you never ever felt more free, tell your friends that your so happy / I hope she comes along and wrecks every one of your plans / I hope you spend your last dime to put a rock on her hand / I hope she’s wilder than your wildest dreams, she’s everything you’re ever gonna need / And then I hope she cheats / Like you did on me”

The music video complies with the song’s message. The video starts off with Barrett falling for said cheater, showing tender moments between the couple.  The story then unfolds, showing his infidelity then scenes from his new relationship. It doesn’t stop there, what Barrett “hopes” for, comes to be a reality. The story is the perfect “what goes around comes back around” tale.  The comparison can be made to another American Idol alumni’s revenge song, Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”, Barrett has a similar power behind her vocal range and the sass needed to make it big in this industry.

To keep up with the songstress for future song releases and more, be sure to visit gabbybarrettofficial.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

 

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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Chris Lane Sells Out First NYC Headlining Show & Is Surprised On Stage

For a cold, wet Thursday night, country fans completely packed Irving Plaza to the gills to watch Gabby Barrett, Mason Ramsey, and Chris Lane play their first New York City show.  Fans arrived early, catching the American Idol second runner-up and east coast native Gabby Barrett in her opening set.  Next up, yodeling sensation and pre-teen Mason Ramsey took the stage to absolutely deafening screams.  This little cowboy has stolen the hearts of people across the country and it was obvious from the moment he walked on stage wearing a western fringe shirt that New York City had fallen in love with his innocent charm as well.

Chris Lane Mason Ramsey Gabby Barrett

Playing songs from his debut EP including, “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” and “Lovesick Blues” this small singer packed his set with traditional country music and the fans were loving every second of it.  His dance moves, tossing his cowboy hat and tipping his hat to thank the crowd was all a part of his set, he even held up a water bottle to ‘cheers’ with the audience.  They don’t call this pint-sized star ‘Lil Hank Williams’ for no reason, he brings the legend’s songs into 2018 and New York City fans who probably haven’t heard the original versions of these songs have now taken a liking to the traditional country vibe. He closed with “Famous” his debut radio single and there were points during the chorus when the crowd’s singing along drowned out the band.  Whether he was picking along on his guitar or stomping his feet, Ramsey’s set was accepted and brought a wonderful cheer to the entire room.

Chris Lane Mason Ramsey Gabby Barrett

The ‘Laps Around the Sun Tour’ headliner, Chris Lane is the perfect act for a New York City crowd, he brings undeniable swagger and modern country to fans who love him for his original music as well as his energetic stage presence. Commercially, Lane has had success on country radio and he sang all of those songs during his 90minute set including “Fix”, “Broken Windshield View” and his country version of Mario’s “Let Me Love You”.  From the opening lines of the very first song in his set, the fans from the front row to the back of Irving Plaza were singing along, an incredible moment not only for the artist but for his entire team standing in the balcony.

Chris Lane Mason Ramsey Gabby Barrett

Engaging with the crowd, even bringing two girls on stage to serenade “For Her” and his latest single “I Don’t Know About You”, they both were genuinely surprised to be plucked from the stage and clearly enjoyed every minute of the special moment. Before ending the latter, Lane asked the audience to help belt out the chorus one last time, which prompted one of the loudest sing-alongs we have heard in New York City. Check out our exclusive video of the chilling moment below.

Just like Ramsey, Lane took a moment of his set to bring his favorite traditional country songs into the mix, wearing a black cowboy hat, singing a medley of 90’s favorites like “Chattahoochee”, “Friends in Low Places”, “Check Yes or No” and others that would make the country greats proud.

Chris Lane Mason Ramsey Gabby Barrett

Surprising the ACM New Male Vocalist Nominee on stage, his team from his record label Big Loud Records and his publicists from Sweet Talk PR walked on the stage in the middle of his set, saying ” I never have interrupted your show right?, well we are out here for a very, very special reason and New York, just for you tonight we are here to tell Chris Lane that the very next song you are about to sing, “Take Back Home Girl” has been certified platinum!”  With a shocked look on his face, Lane gratefully held up his new plaque hugging each and every member of his team while the audience cheered along. “I’m literally at a loss for words, thank you guys so much for how hard you work each and every day to make sure that this happens, and it takes a whole team of everybody, even country radio, I love you guys, thank you so much for believing in me,” he humbly stated.  “To the fans, thank you so much for this, I love you guys”.

Chris Lane Mason Ramsey Gabby Barrett

He then welcomed Gabby Barrett back to the stage to sing Tori Kelly’s part on his now certified platinum single “Take Back Home Girl”. The duet was the perfect ending to the night, as Lane and Barrett stepped off the stage the crowd was left wanting more and will look forward to the next time he rolls through town.

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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: