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Country Music Artists Who Started Out As Songwriters

October 1, 2019/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

Behind every one of our favorite songs is a team of songwriters, who are quietly creating beautiful lyrics and enticing melodies. In some cases, like with “Humble and Kind,” by Lori McKenna, a single songwriter is the brains behind the entire song. Lately, it seems songwriters are stepping out into the limelight, releasing their own music to the world as solo artists.

Here are some of our favorite songwriters turned solo artists:

HARDY

HARDY is the man behind several number one songs. Most recently he co-wrote “God’s Country” for Blake Shelton, as well as, “Up Down” for Morgan Wallen. For the last year or so, the singer-songwriter has ventured out on his own, releasing two EP’s THIS OLE BOY and WHERE TO FIND ME, while also creating a masterpiece of a collaborative full-length record called HIXTAPE, Vol. 1. In his short time center-stage, HARDY has toured with the likes of Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, and Dan + Shay. This December, we’ll finally get to catch a full set from the rising artist, when he embarks on his first headlining tour. We are pumped to see what HARDY brings to the table next with his creative and unique music. Check out our interview with him to learn more about his transition from songwriter to artist.

Chris Stapleton

Before he shot to stardom with his debut record Traveller, Chris Stapleton was one of Nashville’s most respected songwriters. Stapleton co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s number one, “Never Wanted Nothing More,” George Strait’s “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright,” and Luke Bryan’s “Drink a Beer.” He’s even ventured out of the genre, both collaborating on songs for Grammy winner, Adele and Ed Sheeran, as well as, performing with Justin Timberlake and P!nk. As a solo artist, Stapleton is the recipient of five Grammy Awards, several Academy of Country Music Awards, as well as, many Country Music Awards. It’s clear that he will continue to be a staple in the music industry for decades to come.

Lee Brice

Since 2006, Lee Brice has warmed our hearts with his lyrics and made our souls dance with his melodies. Before making it as a solo artist, Brice co-wrote songs for Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and Garth Brooks. It wasn’t until 2010 that he released his debut record Love Like Crazy, which garnered nominations for its title track. Even after finding success with his own music and releasing four albums, Brice still finds time to write for other artists. Most recently he co-wrote “Boy” for Faith Hill. It has been two years since Brice gave us new music of his own, so we’re hopeful that he has more music in the works in 2020!

Photo Credit: Justin Aharoni for NYCountry Swag

Maren Morris

One of our favorite songstresses in the industry, Maren Morris, started her incredible career as a songwriter. She penned songs for artists like Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, Jessie James Decker, and Brothers Osborne. Now she is one of the most notable women singer-songwriters in country music. Her sophomore record GIRL has already broken records and the title track was the first song by a female to grab the top spot on country radio in months. As if Morris isn’t busy enough, she continues to expand her platform, spreading the message of female empowerment and strength, as one of the members of the new all female super-group The Highwomen. We admire Morris’ confidence and look forward to her future success.

Josh Kerr

Hit songwriter, Josh Kerr recently exploded on to the scene as a solo artist! In just a month, he has garnered attention for his debut songs, “Still Our Town,” and “Oklahoma,” as well as for proposing to Maddie & Tae’s, Taylor Dye. Musically speaking, Kerr has penned Keith Urban’s top 20 hit, “Never Comin’ Down,” Abby Anderson’s “GOOD LORD,” as well as, “If My Heart Had a Heart” by Cassadee Pope and several songs on Kelsea Ballerini’s debut album. Most recently, he even co-wrote Maddie & Tae’s “Bathroom Floor.” Kerr is already a respected songwriter and producer in Nashville, and we cannot wait to see how his career as a solo artist will blossom.

Ingrid Andress

One of our favorite new songstresses, Ingrid Andress started her career as a songwriter. Before she shared her own prolific music with the world, she wrote for artists such as Alicia Keys, Sam Hunt, and Charlie XCX. Andress even received co-writer credits on Lauren Jenkins record No Saint, which was released earlier this year. She’s one of the most unique vocalists in country music right now, but her exquisite knack for storytelling will always be paramount. We can’t wait to see how her way with words and arrangements will manifest in more of her own music in the future.

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NYCS First Impression: HARDY Hixtape Vol. 1

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

HARDY is already an established songwriter in Nashville, but he’s surely becoming one of country music’s favorite new artists. He just wrapped up his opening gig on Florida Georgia Line’s headlining tour, just in time to gear up for his own tour. The recording artist continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats with his own music, and his newest project Hixtape VOL. 1 is no exception. Filled will star-studded collaborations, the album is truly a breath of fresh air.

On each of the ten tracks, HARDY had a little help from his friends, collaborating with a total of seventeen artists, who span the country music genre. From Joe Diffie to Keith Urban to Lauren Alaina to heavy-metal legend, Zakk Wylde, HARDY covers the whole spectrum, delivering a record for every kind of country music lover.

Beginning with the countrified track, “Boy From The South,” HARDY leans on Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch to lend their vocals to the song. He somehow manages to intertwine all the country boy stereotypes into refreshing and rhythm lyrics. The song feels easy, yet packs a punch that fans will definitely appreciate. Keeping with a similar theme, HARDY continues to lament about country living in “Redneck Tendencies” with Trace Adkins and Joe Diffie. Though similar in spirit, the song has a much softer arrangement but is just as enticing.

“Can’t nobody tell me what I’m going to do / Yeah mama tried to raise me right / But she couldn’t raise a hell out of me / I told her rednecks tend to have some redneck tendencies.”

On the contrary, “He Went to Jared” has a more in your face arrangement. Featuring Morgan Wallen, the singer and HARDY trade verses, singing about their experiences losing their perspective girls to a clean-cut guy. The track, as well as, “Nothing Out Here” with Thomas Rhett, was one of the two songs that were released prior to the record, and it has already made a splash on the charts. HARDY collaborates with Wallen yet again in “Turn You Down,” which also features killer guitar skills from Ozzy Osborne’s guitarist, Zakk Wylde. The song has an undeniable charm that makes it nearly impossible to turn it off.

“When you turn me on, I just can’t turn you down / Like a damn good time.”

HARDY honors his Mississippi roots in most of the tracks off the record, but it is especially prevalent in “My Kinda Livin,” “What They Make Backroads For,” and “No Place Like Hometown.” In “My Kinda Livin,” the Mississippi native enlists help from his friends, Hunter Phelps and Jameson Rodgers. The trio pay tribute to rural living in the perfectly crafted mellow tune. Each singer takes a verse, causally expressing how “less busy, more laid back” is their “kinda livin’.”

HARDY, Tracy Lawrence, and Jake Owen also sing about the highs of good ole’ country living in “What They Make Backroads For,” while Keith Urban and Hillary Lindsay help sing praises for his hometown in the edgy “No Place Like Hometown.”

The next song off the record has arguably the most unique sound out of the ten. “Something A Lil Stronger” hooks you right away with the first lyric, “I’m just a good time junkie / always leaving the things that love me / wish I could make it last just a little longer / but I keep looking for something a lil stronger.” Swag session alum, Mitchell Tenpenny and Jon Langston combine their talents with HARDY in this refreshing new track.

Closing out the record, HARDY chooses to show off his vocals and softer side in “One Beer,” a collaboration with fellow “God’s Country,” songwriter, Devin Dawson and songstress Lauren Alaina. Quite possibly the most surprising combination of voices, it may be the most poignant track off the impressive collection of songs. The three singers lament about how so much in life and love can start with just a beer, singing “ain’t it funny what one beer can turn into.”

Overall this record is a perfect interpretation of who HARDY is an artist and as a human. He’s managed to deliver an innovative project, where each and every song could possibly work as a single. Clearly, he is just as loved as he is respected amongst his country music family, and we can’t wait to see what collaborations he has in the works for the next installment.

Take a look back at our interview with HARDY earlier this summer where he talks about his transition from songwriter to artist.

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

Hixtape VOL. 1 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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HARDY Drops Two New Songs On His ‘Hixtape Volume 1’

September 9, 2019/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

Songwriter turned solo artist, HARDY has written many hit songs for artists in the industry, including Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, and Chris Lane. If you didn’t know his name then, you certainly do now! Between debuting his EP Where to Find Me, to releasing his first radio single “Rednecker,” and being named a VEVO DSCVR Artist to Watch, HARDY is proving that he is the real deal. Most recently(9/6), he released two songs, “Nothing Out Here” and “He Went to Jared” off his new project Hixtape Volume 1 set to be released on September 13th.

The new record appears to be full of collaborations with other country artists. The song art showcasing HARDY with shadowed outlines of other artists and a clear image of the singer being featured on the track only adds to that theory. This week, he released “Nothing Out Here” with Thomas Rhett and “He Went to Jared” with Morgan Wallen.

Although both songs are fun and upbeat, the first track focuses on the pride that HARDY has for his rural upbringing. The Mississippi native proudly sings about all the stereotypes put on people, who are from “the sticks.” It’s definitely an anthem for being unapologetically you and proudly representing where you come from. Rhett adds a surprising element to the already lyrical and sonically enticing tune. The two vocalists combine their sounds for a catchy new one that you will for sure add to your playlist.

“All you’re gonna find windin’ through the country / Is some middle-of-nowhere folks / Makin’ something outta nothin’ out here”

HARDY draws inspiration from his good-ole-boy roots yet again in his collaboration with Wallen, “He Went to Jared.” The two singers are best friends and spent this past year touring together on both FGL’s ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’ Tour and Wallen’s own headlining tour, garnering a similar, yet supportive fanbase. Co-written together with Chase McGill, the song is a complete jam. The duo trade verses, singing about their own experiences losing their love to a clean-cut man. They make comparisons about the stark differences between themselves and the new man, adding that they “ain’t into girls into guys like that.”

“Thinkin’ about him there with a white horse and carriage / Nearly three karats, he went to Jared / I went to the bar / Yeah, I went to the bar.”

To learn more about HARDY and his blossoming music career, check out our exclusive interview with him, just before he played for New York country fans at Jones Beach back in July, alongside FGL, Dan + Shay, and Morgan Wallen.

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

“Nothing Out Here” and “He Went to Jared” are 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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HARDY Talks About The Transition from Songwriter to Artist in Recent Interview

July 25, 2019/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

We interviewed HARDY this past weekend on his tour bus, escaping the heat before his opening set on the ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour’. During our chat, we talked about his transition from songwriter to an artist and how he can now be a part of songs that he will record himself. We also learned that he was extremely impressed with the country fans in New York. Watch the full interview below.

For the recap of the ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour’ featuring HARDY, Canaan Smith, Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay, and Florida Georgia Line click here.

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

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

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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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!

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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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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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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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