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Jordan Davis Releases “Trouble Town” and Announces Headlining Tour

October 28, 2019/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

Mike Spotz (@illkoncept) for NYCountry Swag

With both a number one and number two single under his belt “Singles You Up” and “Take It From Me” from his critically-acclaimed debut record Home State, Jordan Davis decided to up the ante, finally releasing new music. “Trouble Town” premiered last Friday (10/25) and it has the signature Davis vibe that fans are sure to love. Fan club ‘The Parish’ members got to hear the song first, as Davis made it available early for diehard fans.

The new mid-tempo song is laid-back, cool, and enticing, fitting into his catalog of songs effortlessly. Its sensual message is clearly meant for lovers, as Davis laments about knowing that he’s headed for ‘no good,’ but that he cannot help himself. Written by the singer with songwriters, Josh Jenkins and Matthew Jenkins, the song is as relatable as it gets. We all can relate to knowing that something or someone is bad for us, but yet, it is still desirable. As always, Davis conveys honest and vulnerable lyrics that make his music so refreshing.

“Gimme those ‘Leave here’ eyes / I’ll follow you out that door / Ain’t even left the parking lot / Already know that I’m heading for / Trouble town”

Davis just ended a successful opening gig on tour with Old Dominion. We caught his performance when the tour stopped in New York City back in May. Going forward, the recording artist will be a staple at country music festivals this season, including Tortuga as well as his headlining tour, announced early this morning. The “Trouble Town” Tour will feature two rising female artists that we love, Hailey Whitters and Kassi Ashton. Both ladies just joined Maren Morris on her GIRL The World Tour and we caught the show at Radio City Music Hall.

“I’m really excited to get back on the road and in front of my amazing fans,” Davis says in a recent press release. “Kassi is just a true artist in every sense of the word and Hailey is an extremely talented songwriter, I’m glad the rest of the world is getting to know both of them. Not only are they incredible songwriters, singers, and artists but they are even better people and I’m honored to have them out with me.”

TROUBLE TOWN TOUR Dates:

Jan. 10 Milwaukee, WI The Rave*
Jan. 11 Rosemont, IL Joe’s Live*
Jan. 16 Springfield, IL Boondocks*
Jan. 17 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater*
Jan. 25 Detroit, MI Majestic Theatre**
Jan. 30 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theater*
Jan. 31 Charlotte, NC Coyote Joe’s*
Feb. 1 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre*
Feb. 6 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s*
Feb. 7 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre*
Feb. 20 Council Bluffs, IA Whiskey Roadhouse**
Feb. 21 Denver, CO Grizzly Rose**
Feb. 22 Denver, CO Grizzly Rose**
Feb. 27 Boise, ID Knitting Factory+
Feb. 28 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory+
Feb. 29 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre**
Mar. 5 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades+
Mar. 6 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre**
Mar. 19 New York, NY Webster Hall**
Mar. 20 Verona, NY Turning Stone Resort Casino**
Mar. 21 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live**

*Featuring Kassi Ashton
**Featuring Hailey Whitters
+Show Opener TBD

To keep up with Jordan Davis, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Trouble Town” 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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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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NYCS Swag Spotlight: Hailey Whitters

September 16, 2019/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

“I just became obsessed with the city and just the energy that circulated Nashville, and so I went home from that trip, and was pretty much like once I graduate high school, I”m going to Nashville, Tennessee.”

Our Swag Spotlight artist this week just released her newest project The Days EP last Friday, which is chock full of stellar songwriting and sonically beautiful songs, including one of our favorites “Ten Year Town”. On top of that, the blossoming songstress recently opened up for Lori McKenna and most recently, performed her heart out at Radio City Music Hall, opening up for Maren Morris on her sold-out headlining tour. We got a chance to chat with Whitters about her musical influences, her journey to where she is now, and of course what she has in store for us going into the rest of this year and 2020.

Growing up in small-town Iowa, radio greatly impacted her love for music. She grew up listening to artists like The Spice Girls and The Dixie Chicks. Whitters shared, “I was on my own little planet in Iowa. I grew up on country radio, and at the time, it was all these really powerful females, and they all had a point of view and perspective, and I wanted to be in a girl band. I remember asking my guidance counselor, how do you do music because I just had no idea how that worked,” she recalls. “He asked me who my favorite artists were and I said The Dixie Chicks. And he was like ‘ya know they wrote their own songs.’ That was where I learned that I needed to write songs, so then I got a guitar, and I started writing.”

After playing gigs in her hometown wherever she could and a life-changing trip to Nashville, when she was 16 years old, Whitters went on to graduate from high school and made the move 9 hours away from her hometown to Music City. “Nashville was kinda like my crash course into the industry and how it works. I didn’t know anyone when I moved here, and I just kinda started getting on the internet and contacting bookers and showing up at the bar and being like “hey can I play?!” I really had to feel my way through the dark, but being young and ignorant to this business, I was able kinda to make mistakes, and feel my way through it without having too much of an idea of how it all works,” she explained.

Like many artists, the singer-songwriter had to persevere through many struggles to make it in the industry. Although she’s been dedicated to her craft for 12 years now, she’s had times where it felt like her dreams weren’t going to come true. As fate would have it, this led her to write her song, “Ten Year Town,” which revitalized her career and reignited her drive to chase her dreams.

“I kinda felt very broken hearted and kinda sick of Nashville honestly. Two years ago I was coming up on my ten-year mark, and I was looking at my life and looking at my career, and feeling like ‘is it the end of this chapter for me’?” she tells us. “I had to do a lot of internal work and tune out a lot of voices that I had in my head, and just go make a record that I love and so ya know, getting to do that and seeing this response to it, it has been so rewarding and just like good for my soul, I keep saying I needed to find the music and magic in Nashville again.”

Whitters wrote “Ten Year Town” with the extraordinary Brandy Clark, after being turned down by many other co-writers. The two powerful women created a relatable, yet deeply personal tune. According to the Whitters, the song felt like therapy at the time, but two years later, it became the first song on her upcoming record. She agreed with us that the ending lyric “This next song could turn it all around / I’m twelve years into a ten year town” was one of the ‘aha’ moments in the writing process, adding, “The fact that we threw out that line- it ends on the hope that we all when we’re in our co-writes and in our sessions. That’s just the crux of the dreamer like hanging on and hope that the next set or the next day or the next song or the next whatever can turn anything around.”

Ironically, the success of that poignant song has opened doors for the songstress, and her career is finally taking off. Throughout this interview, we learned quickly that Whitters is wise beyond her years and primed for success, due to her can’t quit attitude and unique talent. We cannot wait to see what she has in store for the new year and look forward to the release of her full-length record The Dream, which will be related at the top of 2020.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Days 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

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NYCS First Impression: Hailey Whitters ‘The Days’ EP

September 13, 2019/in Blog, First Impression /by Erica Zisman

Photo Credit: Harper Smith

We love when a strong female artist delivers a record with an undeniably unique perspective and songs with the depth and emotion that we so crave. Rising artist, Hailey Whitters delivered just that with the first part of her newest project entitled The Days.

The EP opens up with arguably the most prolific song off the record, “Ten Year Town.” Our Managing Editor Christina picked this song as her ‘Song of the Month’ back in March, and it’s been one of our favorites ever since. Whitters wrote the song with the exceptional Brandy Clark, during a time in her life, where she was falling out of love with Nashville, after a decade of trying to ‘make it’ in the music industry.

She shared in a recent press release that she was tired of trying to “water herself down to fit in,” and that she was “craving something that [was] raw, real, and imperfect.” Those statements embody the opening track to a ’t.” Although highly personal, the track is as relatable as it gets for anyone who is feeling lost in their current situation. Last Friday evening during her opening slot on Maren Morris’ GIRL The World Tour stop at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Whitters said “To anyone out there tonight hanging on to the tail end of a dream, and wondering if you should just give it up…don’t,” before playing the track for the audience who hung on to every last word.

“Lesser fools woulda given up / They don’t go for broke like a dreamer does / Gotta get back up when you get knocked down / I’m twelve years into a ten year town.”

Next up, the title track is rhythmic and sonically-enticing. Drawing inspiration from her childhood and all the moving moments since, Whitters sings about all the little things that make up this adventure we call life. She flips the script and focuses on the little moments that we sometimes let pass us by. “The other day it hit me like a hammer / that you can’t get back those moments that really matter.”

“Red Wine & Blue” is a bluesy slow-jam, where Whitters emotes how it feels to go through a break-up, while “Dream Girl” is a more upbeat track with an 80s vibe that uplifts women, encouraging them to know their worth and remember that, “you’re someone else’s dream girl” and to “never settle for less than what you need girl.”

In “Loose Strings” Whitters relies on her gritty, yet beautiful vocals. With a simple instrumentation, she reveals her truth in the breathtaking song. The track was written by Whitters with a team of A-list female songwriters, including Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsay, Nicolle Gaylon, and Brandy Clark.

Rounding out the expressive record is “Heartland.” The final song on the first part of this project was inspired by Whitters’ Midwest upbringing. It’s romantic, nostalgic, and catchy. The play on words is simple, yet effective, as she sings about letting her “heart- land in the middle of nowhere” and despite life not going the way it would have if she stayed in her smalltown, she knows that she can always fall back on her roots.

As Whitters says, “this is the first record that feels 100 percent me. It’s a time capsule of my time in Nashville and coming to terms with dreams and what they mean to you,” and The Days is truly just that. It’s an enticing project that makes you feel like you know exactly who she is, which is both inspiring and makes you want to root for her success.

We recently caught Whitters in her opening spot on tour with Maren Morris and Kassi Ashton at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. Check out some of our highlights from the show here. She will continue to play shows on ‘GIRL The World Tour’, through September. In October, the songstress will open up for singer-songwriter, Brent Cobb. For tickets and more information, head to haileywhitters.com.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Days 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.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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Maren Morris’ GIRL The World Tour Sells Out The Iconic Radio City Music Hall

September 9, 2019/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

What do the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Radio City Music Hall all have in common? They are iconic New York City landmarks and on Friday night, three women who all hail from different cities in the country stood on the stage at the latter, sang their hearts out and inspired a sold-out crowd. Maren Morris’ GIRL: The World Tour made its way back to the tristate area this past weekend, a few months after playing smaller venues around the city including Brooklyn Bowl and Terminal 5.

The sheer fact that her fans are so dedicated that they sold out another venue, this time a room filled with six thousand seats, is remarkable, but, what is even more outstanding is these country music fans all came to see three women. In a time where Morris and Kelsea Ballerini are the only two females who have made it to the top of the charts in the past year and a half, the amount of love and support for these three female artists displayed throughout the night was palpable.

The night of girl power kicked off with Hailey Whitters, a smalltown Iowa native who has been grinding away in Nashville, writing music and performing around town for 12 years, all while waiting tables to pay the bills. Feeling like a human disco ball, she laughed, Whitters took the stage covered in sparkles from her romper to her shoes and even specks of sparkles in her tights. She delicately delivered songs that are soon to be released this Friday, on her EP The Days including “All The Cool Girls”, “Dream Girl”, “Heartland” and the title track.

Her cool, folky rhythm and honest songwriting captivated the fans who arrived early. “To anyone out there tonight hanging on to the tail end of a dream, and wondering if you should just give it up…don’t,” Whitters humbly emotes to the crowd before playing the song that truly ‘turned it all around’ “10 Year Town”. She thanked Morris who she said, “changed the whole damn game” for her by inviting her out on this tour, allowing her to showcase her talent to a sea of new fans each and every night.

Next up, was one of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Kassi Ashton, who absolutely brought the heat and the energy to the famed stage. Ashton who is as unique as they come, kicked her set off with “Taxidermy”, a tongue in cheek revenge track that was released last year. This powerhouse danced in front of white flames, singing not only her previously released tracks, “Violins”, “California, Missouri” and “Pretty Shiny Things” but she performed an epic cover of Eric Church’s “Chattanooga Lucy” as well as Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts”, which was met with screams from the sold-out audience.

Ashton has the ability to make you fall in love with her charismatic personality while watching her perform, enticing you to get up and dance but also carefully listen to her well-crafted lyrics. After seeing her set, we are certainly proud to have named her one of our Artists to Watch this year and we just know she will be garnering throngs of new fans on this tour run.

The most nominated artist in the upcoming CMA Awards was up next, headliner, Maren Morris. She opened her set with her latest number one single “GIRL”, and Morris, who may be small in stature, commanded the attention of the sold-out venue standing behind a mic stand, holding an acoustic guitar and strumming those familiar first chords. Throughout the night, Morris performed songs from both of her albums, HERO and GIRL. “Thank you so much, this is honestly such a friggin bucket list dream of mine to play this venue and the fact that you sold it out, it’s Friday night, it just means the world to me,” she gratefully expressed.

The true songwriter was also on display throughout her set as she took time to chat with the audience about moments in her life that have ultimately led her to stand under that legendary velvet curtain. It was apparent to all in the room how important music is to the songstress, especially before she performed “A Song For Everything”. “In this weird ass world that can sometimes feel really fucked up and dark, music is kind of the most magical form of time travel, and for me, it’s the strongest sense tied to memories,” she stated “You feel that song, when you hear a lyric or hear a chord and it just immediately transports you back to the first time you were on the way to kindergarten in your mom’s car, and there was a song on in the background, also your first kiss and the first time someone just completely destroyed your heart, there are those songs that became the soundtrack of those periods in your life.”

Of course, she performed her biggest hits including her collaboration with Zedd and Gray, “The Middle”, her first number one hit “I Could Use A Love Song” and “80’s Mercedes”. She even took a few moments out of her show to pay homage to her brand new band, The Highwomen which were celebrating their album release day. Morris along with Amanda Shires, Natalie Hemby, and Brandi Carlile make up the supergroup and she stood alone on the stage to perform “Crowded Table” from their debut, self-titled album. “This song was really born out of wanting to say, you know through all of the polarizing shit, please, come and sit with us at our table and let’s have a conversation….” she continued. “There is a lot of love in this world and I feel so much of it when we sing this song, this is our song “Crowded Table”.

She then welcomed back to the stage her direct support, Kassi Ashton and Hailey Whitters to perform together one for “the 90’s babies” a cover of The Cardigans “Love Fool”. The ladies even channeled their best inner Rockettes and closed out the song by linking arms for a sweet little kick line dance. The energy and the fun could be felt throughout Radio City to the very top of the venue.

No backup singers were needed at Radio City Music Hall on Friday night, the audience sang along like a well-versed choir to even the deep cuts including “Second Wind”, “Gold Love” and “Once”. Closing out the evening with the song that got it all started for her, “My Church”, it was the perfect ending to the most flawless night. As the confetti rained down, whether you have been a fan since before her superstardom, or you were seeing Morris perform for the very first time, there was no doubt that she deserved every single moment of applause and appreciation that New York City willingly gave.

For all of the additional GIRL: The World Tour dates head to marenmorris.com.

To keep up with Maren Morris follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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6 Undiscovered Female Artists You Should Be Listening To

August 14, 2019/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

We’re loving the changing of the tides that is occurring in the country music scene. It’s been an exciting month for the ladies, as Maren Morris’ song “GIRL” went number 1 on country radio and Grammy-nominated songwriter, Nicolle Galyon unveiled her newest project, an all-female label named Songs & Daughters.

Female musicians are making sure their voices are heard in the industry and delivering songs with lyrics that aim to empower women. We’ve already shared 6 of our favorite rising female artists that we are loving, but here are 6 more undiscovered, yet extremely talented female artists that deserve the spotlight too!

1. Lacy Cavalier

Listen: “Cheating On U”

One of our newest Swag Sessions alumni, Lacy Cavalier is taking the music industry by storm! She is sassy, beautiful, and passionate, with killer vocals to match. At only 22 years old, it’s only a matter of time until everyone knows her name. She just released her newest EP, k i’m done, which is filled with heartfelt, honest, and relatable songs that will be stuck in your head in no time! Make sure to give it a listen and keep up with her via Instagram and Twitter.

2. Hailey Whitters

Listen: “Ten Year Town”

Singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters is one to look out for! She’s no stranger to the music industry, as she’s been songwriting since she was a teenager. Currently, she is holding her own on tour with prolific singer-songwriter, Lori McKenna and we caught her set just last month at City Winery. Later this year, she will open for superstar Maren Morris. Whitters is poised, honest, and primed for success. Listen to her song “10 Year Town” to get a taste of her unique talent and be sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

3. Hannah Ellis

Listen: “Friends Like These”

Another artist that we are loving is Hannah Ellis. She performed at our inaugural ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’ event back in 2018, as well as, opened for Walker Hayes at Mercury Lounge the same year. She is a clever lyricist and songstress that truly sings from her heart. Check out debut single, “ILY So What” and “Home and Hometown” which she sang for us during a live Swag Session back in 2018. Most recently, she was chosen as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and released her brand new single, “Friends Like These.” Keep up with her endeavors via Instagram and Twitter!

4. Renee Blair

Listen: “Girlfriend”

Our next artist signed a publishing deal with SMACK in 2017 and has been a powerhouse ever since. She’s opened up for many great performers in the industry, including Mitchell Tenpenny, Willie Nelson, and Michael Ray; however, she is a stunning performer in her own right. She premiered her newest song “Girlfriend,” earlier this month, which explores the inner workings of her heart as she wishes for a man, who is unfortunately in a relationship. Both a Swag Spotlight and Swag Sessions alum, we know how spectacular Blair is and can’t wait for more people to recognize her talent. Stay in the loop via her Instagram and Twitter.

5. Lauren Duski

Listen: “The Weather (Grandpa’s Song)”

Lauren Duski got her start on NBC’s The Voice, but she is proving her staying power with her independently released debut EP entitled Midwestern Girl. She plays with the gamut of emotions on the heartfelt record, especially on songs, “The Weather (Grandpa’s Song)” and fan-favorite “Costume Party.” She earned her spot on this list because of her beautiful songs and unique song-writing. Learn more about Duski in our Swag Spotlight with her, as well as, by following her on Instagram and Twitter.

6. Kelleigh Bannen

Listen: “Happy Birthday”

Rounding out our list is seasoned singer-songwriter, Kelleigh Bannen. The Nashville native is a vocally-gifted storyteller. She delivers epic lyrics in her songs, “Happy Birthday,” “Deluxe,” and her newest track, “Faith In You.” Bannen is an artist, who is equally as impressive on emotionally-heavy songs, as well as, sassy uptempo tracks. We featured her in a Swag Spotlight back in 2018, and we can’t wait to see where her career continues to take her. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

We hope you add these talented ladies to your music collection!

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What We’re Listening To: March Picks

March 13, 2019/in Blog, Team Picks /by Team Country Swag

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

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

MARCH PICKS:

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

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

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

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

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

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer

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

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

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer

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

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

Taylor Felvey, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

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

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

Olivia Reese, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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