Hardy Archives

Nominees for CRS 2021 Virtual New Faces of Country Music Announced

November 16, 2020/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

The 2021 CRS New Faces of Country Music nominees have been revealed today, November 16th.

For three years in a row, our team has had the pleasure of attending Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville, where country music and radio industry gather to exchange ideas, check out new talent, and celebrate the country music genre. Although the 2021 seminar will be virtual, members of the country music and country radio community will still come together through technology to celebrate the year in music.

The CRS New Faces of Country Music is one of the most coveted showcases of the weekend that spotlights five emerging artists that have achieved significant success at Country Radio. This year, nine deserving artists have been nominated for the honor, including Tenille Arts, Travis Denning, HARDY, Ryan Hurd, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Niko Moon, Jameson Rodgers, and Matt Stell.

Here at NYCountry Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers and introducing our followers and country music fans to the freshest and newest talents in country music. We are proud to say that we have been able to interview most of the nominees, as well as, witness their talents in different capacities, and can honestly say that they all are deserving of the accolades. We even named Parker McCollum, Jameson Rodgers, and HARDY in our 2020 Artists to Watch.

CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience will be held Tuesday, Feb. 16, through Friday, Feb. 19. The New Faces of Country Music Show closes out the event on Friday, Feb. 19.

Voting for the Class of 2021 will open Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. CST and will run through the end of the day (11:59 p.m. CST), Friday, Dec. 4 at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. The five acts with the most votes will make up the lineup for the show. To view the New Faces of Country Music® qualification criteria, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

We look forward to seeing which five artists make up the New Faces of Country Class of 2020, and we cannot wait for the showcase. In the meantime, check out our recap from our experience at Country Radio Seminar last year and watch our exclusive interviews and performances with each of the artists nominated below.

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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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I Love New York with HARDY

September 9, 2020/in Blog, I Love New York /by Stephanie Wagner

Our ‘I Love New York’ Series features artists in the country music community taking over our Instagram Story each week to give us the Top 5 Things they love most about New York City.

This week, singer-songwriter HARDY took over to give his Top 5 Picks in the personalized videos here on Instagram Highlights plus a rundown below. HARDY just released his highly-anticipated debut album A ROCK. Check out our full First Impression Review of the project here.

#5 – HARDY was in New York when he was inspired to write “BOOTS”

HARDY kicks off his Top 5 Picks with a big shoutout to his song, “BOOTS”. “I was in New York when I was inspired to write the song “BOOTS” which is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I made my girlfriend really mad and she let me sleep in my boots that night and I was in New York City, so that is number five,” he adds.

#4 – New York Country Music Fans

Next up, HARDY includes New York Country Fans as his #4 pick. “There are very eager country music fans in New York, so every single time I play New York City I never have a bad show. People are so excited to see us and they show up and they know every word.”

#3 – Shopping!

“This might sound crazy, but the shopping in New York is legit,” HARDY confesses in his number 3 pick. “You can find tennis shoes and cowboy boots and stuff in the city that is really hard to find anywhere else and you definitely can not find online.”

#2 – The Diversity

Including the diversity in his # 2 spot, HARDY adds “The energy in the city is really intense, — I love going and visiting because you get to see all of this diversity, all of the entire world, all of this energy in one city, in one neighborhood.”

#1 – FOOD.

HARDY’s #1 Pick for his Top 5 Things he loves about NYC in our ‘I Love New York’ Series is: FOOD. HARDY says “I love food. I love Asian food, Mexican food, all kinds of food and you can get any kind of food you could ever imagine in New York City, all within walking distance.

For more from our ‘I Love New York’ Series, follow us on Instagram: @NYCOUNTRYSWAG

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

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. 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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS Up Close & Virtual With HARDY

September 3, 2020/in Blog, News, Up Close & Virtual /by Christina Bosch

In our most recent chat and Up Close & Virtual with singer-songwriter HARDY, Christina Bosch of NYCountry Swag virtually interviews the rising superstar as they discuss his debut album ‘A ROCK’ which is available everywhere 9/4. During their chat, HARDY explains all about the process of writing 12 songs and knowing that all 12 would fit perfectly on this debut project. Touching on two of her favorite songs specifically, “A ROCK” and “SO CLOSE” which features Ashland Craft, HARDY explains to Bosch that many of the tracks were written over quarantine during Zoom writes and they were recorded right there in his home studio.

Check back tomorrow for our full First Impression of the masterful album and watch the full interview below.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

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

Take a listen to HARDY below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. 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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

HARDY Releases “Truck”, A New Track From His Forthcoming Album

August 29, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

In just a few days, fans will finally be able to listen to HARDY’s latest project, A ROCK in its entirety on it’s official release date, September 4, 2020. Until then, singer-songwriter and one of our favorites continues to keep fans excited by pre-releasing some tracks off the forthcoming record. Following the angsty rock song “BOOTS,” the touching song “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL,” and his first true-blue love song “BOYFRIEND,” “TRUCK” was released today to add to the excitement.

The brand new song embodies HARDY’s rock-country, good-ole-boy persona. However, don’t expect this song to be a simple track about one of country music’s favorite topics. As always, HARDY proves that he’s a songwriter at heart, taking a simple concept and making it reflective and poignant.

“If there’s horns in the back there’s a gun in the front / If there’s dents on the side he ain’t scared of nothin’ / And if a twelve-packs’ in the passenger seat / Well, he probably worked his ass off all week”

“TRUCK” showcases a side of HARDY that he seems to be very comfortable in. His laid-back, yet passionate personality comes through in all of his music, and “TRUCK” is no different. We cannot wait to see what else the singer-songwriter has up his sleeve with his upcoming project, and we are sure that it is going to be a mix of all the things we have grown to love from his talents.

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

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

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

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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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

HARDY Drops His First True Love Song “BOYFRIEND”

August 23, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Our favorite wordsmith, HARDY decided to give fans another taste of what’s to come on his next project, A ROCK. The new song, “BOYFRIEND” features clever word-play, heartfelt lyrics, and a vibe that only HARDY can deliver.

“BOYFRIEND” follows the previously released track, “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL.” The new jam is all about taking your relationship to the next level, and finally feeling ready to lose the title of a boyfriend and take on married life. In the first verse, the song appears to be a break-up song, but HARDY cleverly flips the script and admits that he’s ready to commit for life.

“Yeah, I been thinking a lot / ‘Bout going all-in on what we got / I got my eye on a twenty-acre spot / With a fence in the dirt, yeah, but first, girl / I wanna call up your dad / Spend all of my coffee can cash / And ask you, “What’s it gon’ be?”, puttin’ one knee on the floor / ‘Cause I don’t wanna be your boyfriend anymore”

Inspired by his girlfriend, Caleigh Ryan, the song is the first real, true love song that the singer has committed to releasing. Vulnerability in love is a new side to HARDY that we are truly loving.

HARDY took the song a step further, releasing a live performance of the track in a video with the song’s release. Despite the fact that there was no crowd, the energy and charisma that the singer-songwriter and his band have on stage are unmatched, and we cannot wait to hear “BOYFRIEND” live again.

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

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. 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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

HARDY Initiates Celestial Conversation in “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL”

July 24, 2020/in Blog, News /by Erica Zisman

If you have been following along with us here at NYCountry Swag then y’all know how much we love rising artist and songwriter, HARDY. We truly believe that he is on his way to superstardom and we cannot get enough of his incredible songwriting and unique take on music. To top it all off, HARDY saved 2020 by announcing the release of his next project, A ROCK, scheduled to drop on September 4th. Today we get a sneak peek of what we can expect from the album with his newest song “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL,” following previously released jams “BOOTS” and “One Beer.”

HARDY is a master wordsmith and “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL” exemplifies his talent effortlessly. The story of losing a loved one unfolds through each verse of the song. HARDY sings about saying farewell to a dear friend in such a way that feels celebratory, yet somber, a combination that only he could deliver. The singer-songwriter has a knack for weaving words together with heavy guitars and drums in ways that are truly unexpected, but spectacular.

“Crank it loud / Hold it down til I get there / When I do I hope you have some new stories to tell/ Till then give heaven some hell”

Although the track wasn’t written with a specific person in mind, HARDY, along with songwriters Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, and Hunter Phelps create a conversation between those still left on earth and those who have passed on. True confidence in the whereabouts of the dearly departed are on full display in the pre-chorus “Yea, I believe em when they say you’re in a better place, you had a wild side but you had amazing grace, I know you’re way off up in them clouds, but if you could still hear me right now…”

The brand new music video paints the picture that runs through your mind when you listen to the track. HARDY manages to envision a funeral for a loved one without making it feel dark. He chooses to showcase both the emotional moments of losing someone, while also highlighting the joy that you feel because you have known someone so special. Clearly a wild boy at heart, HARDY leans into his persona on this tune, while delivering authenticity and vulnerability that is at the heart of the visuals.

Like HARDY’s other songs, “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL” is what he does best. It delivers on all the it-factors that we have come to expect from one of our favorite artists. If the rest of the record is anything like the previously released tunes, we are in for quite possibly the best record of the year.

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

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. 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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Thomas Rhett Reschedules The Center Point Road 2020 Tour

May 19, 2020/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

As summer shows and tours are canceled or postponed throughout the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas Rhett’s The Center Point Road 2020 Tour with special guests Cole Swindell and HARDY, becomes the latest to post an update. The entire tour is being postponed and shifted to 2021 dates.

“”We have made the decision to reschedule my 2020 concert dates to 2021,” he continued. “This decision was made with the health, safety and well-being of our fans, touring crew and venue staff as our priority. If you’re able to come out in 2021, your tickets will be honored and if you need a refund, you’ll be receiving an email soon from your point of purchase with instructions. I miss seeing y’all out on the road and can’t wait until we are back in your neck of the woods next summer. I’ll keep writing songs and making music, hoping to hear your voices singing back to me next year louder than ever,” Rhett wrote in an Instagram post shared above.

Tickets purchased for 2020 will be honored for the rescheduled 2021 dates. All ticket holders will be emailed directly with their refund options including a full refund until June 19, 2020, or you can request a 150% credit at Live Nation venues with an equal number of tickets donated to healthcare workers on the front lines. For more details, visit livenation.com/refund.

To keep up with Thomas Rhett, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

CENTER POINT ROAD 2021 NEW TOUR DATES:
6/3/21 Gilford, NH @ Bank of NH Pavilion*
6/4/21 Gilford, NH @ Bank of NH Pavilion*
6/10/21 Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
6/11/21 Burgettstown, PA @ S&T Bank Music Park
6/12/21 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
6/17/21 Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
6/18/21 Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
6/19/21 Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
7/9/21 Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
7/10/21 Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
7/15/21 Birmingham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
7/16/21 St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
7/29/21 Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
7/30/21 Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/5/21 Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
8/20/21 Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
8/21/21 Hartford, CT @ Xfinity Theatre
8/22/21 Canandaigua, NY @ The Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
8/26/21 Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/27/21 Philadelphia, PA @ BB&T Pavilion
8/28/21 Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
TBD Boise, ID @ Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
TBD Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre
TBD Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

*Dates do not include Cole Swindell

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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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

HARDY Drops New Track Dripping In Angst, “Boots”

May 1, 2020/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

It’s no secret that songwriter extraordinaire, HARDY is a rising act that NYCountry Swag has supported over the past few years. Cowriting four number one hits including “God’s Country” and “Up Down” and with songs of his own like “Rednecker” and “Signed Sober You”, HARDY has solidified his place in the country music genre as both a sought after songwriter for outside artists as well as curating a persona and artist career of his own.

Today (5/1) HARDY shows his lyrical prowess and ability to rock harder than most with “Boots”. Maintaining the country genre’s signature story song layout, “Boots” is dripping in angst and doused in rock n roll, a side of HARDY that is a staple during his live shows.

The electric guitar resonates while HARDY admits to knowing a relationship was over when he went out and got wasted the night before, wearing his boots to bed. He passionately digs in singing: “I woke up in my boots this morning / fell asleep in my boots last night / had a feeling that I’d run out of warnings, girl I couldn’t have been more right”.

As the story builds out the truth is revealed layer by layer, the internal anger expressed through the chorus, knowing the relationship could have been different, if only…“And I knew I wouldn’t have to take the time putting them back on when I’m sober / yeah I knew you’d be pissed off, over me and I’d just be hungover / Girl, I knew I’d open my eyes in a house fit for a dog / Knew I’d need ’em come the daylight so I didn’t even take ’em off”

Written by HARDY along with David Garcia and Hillary Lindsey “Boots” is a grungey breakup anthem for anyone who has given up and given in to the reality of a dissolution of a relationship. This is the first offering from the award winning songwriter since his genius collaboration album Hixtape Vol. 1 and as his radio single “One Beer” continues to climb the charts we look forward to even more new music soon.

Don’t miss our Swag Session with HARDY from last year below.

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

“Boots” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out 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.

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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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Sean Stemaly Drops Sexy Single, “Come Back To Bed”

February 29, 2020/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

Back in October, Big Loud Records’ newcomer, Sean Stemaly fired up fans in New York City, during label mate HARDY’s debut headlining tour. We knew then, that the singer was one to look out for. He continues to build his momentum and his portfolio, releasing his third new song today, entitled “Come Back To Bed,” with a fiery music video to go along with it.

The country crooner lets his twangy vocals take over from the very beginning of the catchy love song. He sings about loving a girl and not wanting her to leave his side or his bed. It’s sensual, sexy, and romantic, all wrapped up in relatable lyrics and a smooth delivery. The music video, directed by Jocelyn Cooper, conveys the message of wanting your partner even more with its charming scenery and of course, the relationship between the love interests.

“Come back to bed / Baby don’t leave / If I said I need your body would you hold it against me / Don’t open the blinds / Lets hit rewind / Take our time / Re-living every single minute of last night”

The “Back On A Backroad” singer knows who he is and what type of music he wants to share with the world. We are sure fans are going to keep gravitating towards his charm and charisma, and are excited to continue to champion his new music.

Stemaly will continue to play shows across the United States, including playing at major music festivals like Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale.

To keep up with Sean Stemaly follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Come Back To Bed” is now 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.

NYCountry Swag’s 2020 Artists To Watch

January 6, 2020/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner and Christina Bosch

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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_

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.

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