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Florida Georgia Line Bring The Heat & An Incredible Line Up to Long Island, NY

July 22, 2019/in Blog /by Dylan Bestler

The 95-degree weather did not stop Long Island’s country music fans from coming to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Saturday night to see the Can’t Say I Ain’t Country tour containing its star-studded lineup of HARDY, Canaan Smith, Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay and headliners, Florida Georgia Line.

HARDY was first up. His 15-minute set included songs such as “4X4”, “ALL SHE LEFT WAS ME” and his break-out hit, “REDNECKER”. HARDY also performed Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country”, a song which he wrote for Shelton with Devin Dawson and Jordan Schmidt. The song has been number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart for the past two weeks.

Canaan Smith performed in between sets. The singer-songwriter released his first studio album Bronco in 2015 which featured “Love You Like That”; a track that hit number one on the Country Airplay chart and was certified platinum. He performed that one along with some of his new, unreleased music, including “Country Boy Things”, “Poor Decisions” and “Beer Drinking Weather”.

Morgan Wallen, who came out wearing his signature cut-sleeve plaid shirt and rocking his long, flowing mullet, began his set with three up-beat, drinking songs in “Whatcha Know ‘Bout That”, “Happy Hour” and his number one, certified platinum smash hit “Up Down”. After performing his first single “The Way I Talk”, Wallen slowed it down and sang “Chasin’ You”, his next single to country radio. “Life ain’t always a party….sometimes life sucks a little bit, you know? I think music is supposed to get you through the partying and through the times that piss you off.” Wallen closed his set with “If I Know Me”, the title track off his debut album and then a crowd favorite “Whiskey Glasses”. Everyone in the audience was singing along to his most recent number one hit, which warmed up the fans for the next act, Dan + Shay.

Check out our interview with Morgan just before he hit the stage in the video below.

Dan + Shay performed seven songs from their self-titled third album in their eleven song set. The Grammy-winning duo began with four of them including “Alone Together”, “All To Myself”, “What Keeps You Up at Night” and “Make or Break”. “We got the hottest day in New York at Jones Beach and we appreciate you coming out early” Dan Smyers admired the lively audience. “We saw you guys in the parking lot, getting s**t started. From the minute we walked on stage, left to right, front to back, all the way up in the bleachers…you’ve been on your feet. Jones Beach, thank you so much! We love you, we love you, we love you!”

The 2019 ACM and Billboard country duo of the year covered all three albums through the next four songs: “Nothing Like You” from 2014’s Where It All Began, “Keeping Score” from Dan + Shay and “From the Ground Up” and “How Not To” from 2016’s Obsessed. Before “Speechless” a computerized voice instructed the fans to take out the flashlights on their phones for the next song. The crowd lit up Jones Beach as Smyers and Shay Mooney performed their award-winning ballad.

After “19 You + Me”, Smyers addressed the audience again, praising the energy they brought to the set. “The next three and a half minutes could be the loudest of the whole tour. Can we make it happen?” The duo performed their triple-platinum, Grammy award-winning, ACM Single and Song of the Year, “Tequila” to close the set and get the fans ready for the headliners, Florida Georgia Line.

When the curtains came down the fans were exposed to the decorative stage put together by the FGL crew. The country duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley were sitting on ATVs with a barn displayed on the screen behind them and an inflatable wood silo/water tower prop with “FGL” written on it; fitting the Can’t Say I Ain’t Country theme. Five of FGL’s first seven songs were from their new album, including “Colorado”, “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country”, “Y’all Boys”, “Speed of Love” and “Can’t Hide Red”. “Cruise and “Confession” were featured in between. Before “Speed of Love”, the silo was taken down to enlarge the screen, which showed highlights of NASCAR races.

Florida Georgia Line, along with The Independence Fund, has been presenting wounded warriors with specialized wheelchairs at each stop of the tour. Saturday night was no different as the duo brought veteran, Kevin Miller of the Army National Guard on the stage after performing “Dirt”. This influenced the crowd to begin a USA chant and instilled patriotism throughout the venue.

After “Anything Goes”, FGL brought Canaan Smith back out to help them sing “Get Your Shine On” from their debut album Here’s To the Good Times. Just like during “Speechless”, the crowd lit up the sky by shining their flashlights to the 2013 party anthem. Hubbard told the fans that people have complained to him about how all of Florida Georgia Line’s songs are about partying, drinking, tailgating, fishing, etc. His response was “Well, hell yeah. What do you want us to sing about? But then we look at those people and say ‘hold on, you must’ve not listened to the new album because you know we did make a baby-making song.’ You know it does work really, really well; twice for me. So be careful with this one, Jones Beach.” “Talk You Out Of It” was next on the setlist.

Hubbard took a seat near the piano to perform the 2017 Billboard top country song and lead single off their third album Dig Your Roots “H.O.L.Y.” Dan + Shay came back out on stage to sing this with FGL, which caused an uproar of the fans. Mooney’s stunning tenor voice mashed with Hubbard’s southern twang created a beautiful rendition of this award-winning love song. Catch a snippet of the collaboration by clicking here.

After “May We All”, Morgan Wallen came back out on stage to sing “Up Down” again, this time with FGL. The stage went dark for a while when lights descended down from atop the stage, resembling the final scene of the music video for “Simple”; the first of three encore songs the duo performed. Although a New York native, Bebe Rexha was not in attendance for this show so Hubbard asked the crowd if they could sing her part in the 2019 Billboard Top Country Song, “Meant To Be”. “We wanna sing a song that changed our lives and we need you guys to help us out; is that cool?” FGL performed a crowd favorite and four-time platinum, party song, “This Is How We Roll” to end a fun, electrifying night at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. For exclusive videos from the show, head to our Instagram Story Highlights.

The Can’t Say I Ain’t Country tour will head south to Virginia and North Carolina next weekend. For those who live in upstate, NY, the tour will be stopping in Syracuse on August 15^th and at Darien Lake on August 24^th.

To keep up with Florida Georgia Line and the tour, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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HARDY Proves He’s More “Rednecker” Than You

April 15, 2019/in Blog /by Molly Holmberg

Photo Credit: Robby Klein

You may not have heard of HARDY, country music newest redneck, but you’ve definitely heard songs he’s written, including “Up Down,” “Simple,” and “God’s Country”. He is hitting the radio waves hard so listen out for his newest single “Rednecker,” and you may just find your new personal anthem. The Big Loud Records/Tree Vibez Music singer-songwriter proves he is “Rednecker” than you with the release of his newest music video. If you’re from the country, you have been in at least a few arguments with your neighbors and friends as to who is more country. Whether it’s about how big your bass is or how loud your truck is, it always a competition and HARDY’s video shows just that.

Directed by Justin Clough and shot on a farm in Cottonwood, TN, the Mississippi native took it back to his roots for the clip, showcasing what it means to hold the title “king of the rednecks.” Flinging dirt, sitting in lawn chairs drinking, mudding, mattress surfing behind his jacked up 4×4, and more, HARDY and his gang of friends proved once and for all that redneck isn’t just a word – it’s a lifestyle.

HARDY just got off the road with Morgan Wallen’s “If You Know Me” tour which we caught earlier this year and is getting right back on the road this summer. Opening for Florida Georgia Line nationwide on the Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour all summer long. FLG and the boys are hitting the New York area for a few shows and fans can get those tickets here. Between Florida Georgia Line, Dan+Shay, Morgan Wallen, Canaan Smith, and HARDY, this is one summer concert you do not want to miss.

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

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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Morgan Wallen Gets Emotional at Sold-Out NYC Show

February 22, 2019/in Blog, Concert Reviews /by Erica Zisman

Last night, singer-songwriter Morgan Wallen brought his headlining ‘If I Know Me Tour’ to New York City’s Irving Plaza, with special guests Lainey Wilson and HARDY. The sold-out show marks Wallen’s first headlining performance in NYC.

Kicking off the night, Song Suffragettes singer and songwriter, Lainey Wilson opened up the show, getting the crowd pumped for HARDY and Wallen’s sets. She entertained the crowd with her songs “Dixie Hippies,” and “Middle Finger.” Keeping the audience involved throughout her set, the Louisiana native played a medley of some of her favorite cover songs, including “Fat Bottomed Girls.” Wilson impressed the crowd with her sassy lyrics, charming personality, and twangy vocals, sure to have garnered some new fans.

Songwriter turned solo artist, HARDY took the stage next. With a permanent smile on his face and a ton of energy, HARDY began his set with some uptempo songs, including his track “4X4” off his This Ole Boy EP and “All She Left Was Me,” off his newest EP, Where to Find Me. HARDY had fans excited and singing along from the minute he walked on stage, sharing with the crowd “ New York, Y’all wanna be the wildest crowd we play for?!,” only to later call the audience “the loudest crowd so far.”

Although most of HARDY’s set was filled with catchy and uptempo party songs, the singer-songwriter took a moment to play one of his slower, lyrically-focused songs “Signed, Sober You.” The stripped down song truly showcased his artistry as both a vocalist and songwriter.

HARDY also made sure to honor his song-writing roots by singing a mash-up of some of the tracks he has penned for other artists, including Florida Georgia Line’s “Colorado” and “Talk You Out of It,” as well as, Chris Lane’s “I Don’t Know About You.” The entertainer also sang his second number one song as a songwriter, “Simple,” off Florida Georgia Line’s newest album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country. HARDY definitely won fans over with his unique set and presence on stage, ending his set with fan-favorite and current single “Rednecker.”

Making his NYC headlining debut, Morgan Wallen took the stage next, after a quick introduction by Nash FM’s Jesse Addy and Katie Neal. Wallen’s set started off with high-energy, as he immediately played two songs off his debut record If I Know Me, “Whatcha Know ‘Bout That” and “Happy Hour.” Fans couldn’t contain their excitement, as the singer jumped around on stage, getting the crowd excited for his full set. Next, Wallen played “the first song [he] ever put out,” “The Way I Talk,” encouraging the crowd to sing along with him. Fans did just that, as they belted the lyrics back to the singer, who took a moment to soak it all in.

Following the song, Wallen interacted with the crowd, sharing his journey to get to this point, “This is special for me- means a lot! […] We played for a couple of years to a lot of empty rooms. it’s really cool to see a full, packed out room. Ya know, we’ve been on this tour for a couple of months, every single room was packed. You guys make me feel like we’re doing the right thing, man. I really appreciate that cause of y’all we got to put our debut album last year, I’ll be singing a lot of songs off it tonight.” Wallen continued his set singing almost every song off his debut album.

After covering one of this favorite country artists, Eric Church’s song, “Smoke A Little Smoke” and then a song he said was a ‘sexy song’, “Little “Rain, Wallen played his current radio single, “Whiskey Glasses.” The crowd was so loud, during his performance that it appeared every single person at the sold-out show was singing along. After the song, fans chanted ‘Morgan,’ bringing the rising country star to tears. It was truly a magical moment that both Wallen and fans will be sure to remember for a long time coming.

Continuing to connect with the audience on a deeper level, the artist shared a personal sentiment with the crowd, even introducing his parents, who were in the audience supporting their son. “I started writing songs in the garage in my parent’s house when I was about 18- 19 years old, on a work out bench man. I didn’t think I’d ever have a chance to do this for a living […] I thought about those days. I think about my parents how they gave up everything, pretty much for me to be here doing this. They up there right now!” he revealed, as fans applauded his parents as loudly as they could, making it another emotional moment for the Wallen family.

Towards the end of the show, Wallen switched gears and played some of his slower-paced, but heartfelt songs, including, “Redneck Love Song,” “Chasin’ You,” and “Talkin’ Tennesse.” The singer-songwriter even shared with the audience that if he had to guess, “Chasin’ You,” which he just put out a music video for, will probably be his next single to go to country radio. The crowd erupted into applause about that possibility.

After some more tender moments, Wallen and his band brought back the high-energy, involving the audience in an epic medley of some of his favorite rock songs, including Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar We’re Going Down,” Linken Park’s “In the End,” and “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard. He then closed out the show with the song that put him on the map “Up Down”, with HARDY, who co-wrote the track, jamming with him.

Catch Wallen and HARDY again this summer on July 20th at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre on Florida Georgia Line’s ‘Can’t Say We Ain’t Country Tour.’

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FGL and HARDY Duet on New Country Anthem “Y’all Boys”

February 8, 2019/in Blog /by Shanna Vitaliano

Florida Georgia Line and HARDY Y'all Boys

Photo Credit: Robby Klein

As of midnight February 8th, Florida Georgia Line gave fans another reason to be excited for their new album by debuting “Y’all Boys” off their upcoming fourth studio record Can’t Say I Ain’t Country. The song, penned by Michael Hardy, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, and Brett Tyler “Y’all Boys” features Hardy and is the ultimate tribute to being a true down home country boy.

And don’t worry, if you do not know how a real country boy lives, Florida Georgia Line and Hardy explain it to us in the up-tempo chorus “Y’all boys with that Southern drawl boys, hell before ya naw rollin’ off just right / Man that town is small boys but you have a ball boys / Homemade alcohol on a Saturday night.”

That is not before humoring us and saying what exactly a country boy is not with lyrics “Well there’s those boys, got the kind of ride/Get fifty-five to the gallon/They listen to that new school/Never heard of George or Alan.” But even if you don’t know George Strait or Alan Jackson, don’t be offended as it is all good and fun as they say they “ain’t hatin’ on the boys.”

“Y’all Boys” is sure to be a rowdy sing-along anthem for the guys, that many can relate to. Florida Georgia Line’s highly anticipated album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country will be released February 15th and is available for preorder now. They are hitting the road in June along with special guests Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, and Hardy and Canaan Smith on select dates for the ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour’.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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NYCS First Impression: HARDY ‘Where To Find Me’ EP

January 18, 2019/in Blog, First Impression /by Erica Zisman

Big Loud Records recording artist, HARDY has had major success as a songwriter, co-writing label-mate, Morgan Wallen’s smash hit “Up Down,” as well as, Florida Georgia Line’s songs “Simple” and “Talk You Out of It.” Already deemed, in a recent press release, as “the most exciting new lyricist in County today”, now, HARDY is putting his own spin on country music as a solo artist. The vocalist debuted his second EP, Where to Find Me earlier today.

HARDY’s latest project features four perfectly crafted tracks that feature witty lyrics, confidence, fresh sounds, and undeniable charm. The EP opens up with a creative love song entitled “I’ll Quit Lovin You”. The track puts the talented singer’s vulnerability and cleverness as a lyricist on display. The chorus will have country fans swooning at the heartfelt words and HARDY’s charming vocals. When you look at me / I just don’t believe that some things can’t last forever / I’ll quit lovin’ you / When country roads don’t wind and curve / When cold beer don’t quench your thirst / When there ain’t an ‘Amen’ in Church.”

HARDY continues to play with his traditional country sound in the next track off the EP, “All She Left Was Me.” The up-tempo track, co-written by the singer with rising country star, Morgan Wallen and songwriter Jesse Frasure, features that county boy charm that HARDY is becoming known for. Deemed a “starting-over anthem,” the jam will have fans singing along in no time at a live show.

Next up is arguably the most powerful song on the EP, named, “Signed, Sober You.” Featuring HARDY’s unique vocals and a quiet steel guitar, the ballad will tug at your heartstrings. The song is a take on going through a break-up and missing someone, especially when drunk. It is a reminder from “Sober You” on how to cope with the mixed emotions that are so prevalent, during the demise of a relationship. “I know you think you miss her, but I promise you, you don’t / There’s healing in the lonely / Sit back, kick off your boots / And you’ll thank me in the morning like you always do / Signed, Sober You,” sings HARDY in the lyrical letter to himself. Although the lyrics are still a standout, HARDY really hones in on his voice and talent as a singer on this track.

Closing out the well-rounded EP is the title track, “Where To Find Me”. Written by HARDY with James McNair and Zach Abend, the song is as country as it gets. The bluesy, backwoods, hard-hitting track showcases HARDY’s gritty vocals and unapologetic pride in his home state of Mississippi. “I be staying in the woods or on the water / Top of a hill / Down in the holler / Anywhere where I can unwind / Drink a beer / Disappear / Put the world behind me / Y’all I was born in Mississippi / I’m redneck / I’m a hick / I’m a hippie.”

HARDY has quite the year ahead of him. He is currently on the ‘If I Know Me Tour’ with headliner, Morgan Wallen. The tour hits New York City’s Irving Plaza on February 21st. Additionally, HARDY will join forces with Wallen again on select dates of Florida Georgia Line’s 2019 ‘Can’t Say I Aint’ Country Tour’ kicking off this June. New Yorkers can catch the show at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre on July 20th. Tickets will be on sale via Ticketmaster soon. Make sure to keep up with HARDY via social media.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Raelynn Blows Hometown Show Away on SIRIUSXM The Highway Tour

November 2, 2018/in Blog, Concert Reviews /by Molly Holmberg

Photo Credit: Molly Holmberg for NYCountry Swag

RaeLynn recently has teamed with SiriusXM The Highway for a three-show headlining run this fall, alongside newcomer Ross Ellis. Raelynn made her second stop and played at the Cannery Ballroom last night in Nashville, TN in front of family, friends, and a whole room packed of fans.

Ross Ellis started out the night singing his newest hit “Ghost” along with “Love By The Moon” which was cut by Tyler Farr. Growing up in Louisiana, going to the same school and the same fraternity as Tim McGraw, when Ellis came to Nashville his dream cut was McGraw. This past month his dream came true as McGraw cut “Neon Church” which Ellis sang loud and proud last night.

Raelynn took the stage energetic and ready for a show. She played the fan favorites like “Love Triangle”, “Lonely Call”, and “Queens Don’t.” The singer-songwriter also previewed a new song called “Camo.” For her growing up it meant hunting on the weekends but now it has a whole new meaning. Her husband serves in the U.S. Army so now camo means not seeing his face in the morning or even at all.

Photo Credit: Molly Holmberg for NYCountry Swag

After taking a little serious note to sing the song dedicated to her husband, Raelynn paused the show to let the fans know what a good “stank” face looked like right before she covered Camila Cabello’s pop hit “Havana.” Whoever had the best dance moves in the crowd got to come up on stage and dance with Rae and the band. As if the crowd was not already thrilled and dancing, this did the trick. Three lucky girls got up on stage and danced their hearts out. Raelynn brought along a special guest on stage for one song, Hardy. Before Hardy released his debut EP and single “Rednecker”, he was an amazing songwriter. Together they performed his first number one song “Up Down” recorded by Morgan Wallen featuring Florida Georgia Line.

She previewed another new song called “Hometown” about her small hometown in Baytown, Texas. Everyone knows everyone, the love of the mom and pop wing place on the corner, and more. For anyone with a huge love of their hometown, this will be a song for you!

Raelynn ended with her newest hit single “Tailgate,” which has garnered over 4.2 million streams before even being released to country radio. She wrote the song with Canaan Smith, Corey Crowder, and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard. Raelynn continues to put out songs redefining the genre and lyrics that will pull at your heart. Her voice live is truly authentic and the energy, sass, and dedication she brings to every show in unparalleled. Follow her on her socials and Spotify to be the first to know of new music, tour dates, and more!

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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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