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Josh Ross: ‘Complicated’ – EP Review

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Josh Ross releases his new EP, Complicated EP, out now, March 29th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

For Canada native, Josh Ross, today marks the release of his U.S. debut EP, Complicated. Featuring eight new tracks, seven of which he co-wrote, the UMG Nashville/Universal Music Canada artists takes listeners on a journey through his head and his heart, both lyrically and musically.

“For me, things can kind of go all different directions,” Ross says. “Whether it’s healthy or not, I’m a complicated person, and the music is all different, too. It’s not straight traditional, or even rock or pop – it’s complicated, and I’m not afraid to let it stand out. … But that’s just me.”

Throughout the EP, Ross experiments with different sounds, occasionally veering into rock or pop but always staying country. The collection opens with the building, earwormy and effusive “Single Again,” which finds Ross dropping hints that he’s the one that a girl wants to settle down with once she dumps her current beau. It’s an immediate piece of ear candy that invites listeners to have another and keep listening.

“When you’re single again // and you’re Thinking of me // Ya know I got that same ole Tennessee // 615 that you used to hit up // Half past where you at pick me up // When you’re all over him // I hope you’re all over me // I got a king size bed // Just missing a Queen // Make me your first call // after your last call with him // And you won’t ever be single again”

The EP’s title track finds Ross thinking outside the box melodically with a sound he describes as “The Weeknd meets country pop.” On the synth-laced, 80’s inspired track that finds Ross experimenting with something outside of his typical twang, he cleverly juxtaposes darker lyrics over upbeat music, creating the ultimate contradiction as he wonders how a relationship went awry. “Why’d we have to go and complicate it?” He asks. “Weren’t we supposed to be the ones who made it?”

Heartbreak is definitely at the forefront of Complicated, weaving its way through songs like “Tell Me A Lie,” “Burn Back,” and “Truck Girl.” Each allows the singer to sample different sounds and themes, with “Lie” setting a moody and dark tone as he pleads with someone to lie to him about the fate of an ill-fated relationship. LIkewise, “Truck Girl” finds him dealing with an ex who’s moving on, while the R&B-tinted “Burn Back” finds him wondering how to get the heat back in a relationship that’s lost its spark.

“She Don’t Smoke” deals with a toxic woman who’s full of lies that he can’t quite quit, while “Trouble,” already a hit in Canada, finds him in a dark place, missing someone. “Trouble” truly allows him to flex his vocals, growly rasp on full display as he throws back a few drinks. Here, his voice sounds almost whiskey-drenched as he proclaims “Baby I’m in trouble” over darker instrumentation.

“For me, I would not have picked any other song to be the first identifying song for me,” Ross says of “Trouble.” “It’s the most honest song I had released up until now, and watching what it does for other people? Some of the stories I hear are heartbreaking, but it’s really nice to feel like your music helps heal.”

The EP ends with “Matching Tattoos,” a nostalgic piano ballad that looks wistfully at what’s left of young love. “I wonder where you are now // Sometimes I still think of how // We said something ‘bout forever,” He croons. “But what’s that mean at 22? // ‘Cause all that lasted are some matching tattoos”

“I always like to say the songs are where I’m at in my life, and I think this project is like that,” Ross says. “I want to keep people on their toes.” On Complicated, he does just that.

Complicated EP Tracklist:

  1. Single Again (Josh Ross, Joe Fox, Brad Rempel)
  2. Tell Me A Lie (Cameron Bedell, Lauren McLamb, Johnny Clawson)
  3. Truck Girl (Josh Ross, Johnny Gates, Mason Thornley, Jared Griffin)
  4. Complicated (Josh Ross, Heath Warren, Mason Thornley, Matt Geroux)
  5. She Don’t Smoke (Josh Ross, Joe Fox, Brad Rempel, Mason Thornley)
  6. Trouble (Josh Ross, Mason Thornley)
  7. Burn Back (Josh Ross, Mason Thornley, Sam Martinez, Benjamin Stoll)
  8. Matching Tattoos (Josh Ross, Joe Fox, Brad Rempel, Mason Thornley)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Single Again
  2. Complicated
  3. Matching Tattoos
josh-ross-complicated-ep

Josh Ross shares new EP, ‘Complicated,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Josh Ross releases.

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

Complicated EP is 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.

2023 Country Artists to Watch

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Introducing our 2023 Country Artists to Watch!

Over the past 7+ years of Country Swag, we have always loved to support rising artists and introduce our followers to the best new music in the genre. Since our first Artists to Watch list back in 2017, we have pinned rising stars like Luke Combs, Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis, Walker Hayes, HARDY, Gabby Barrett, Ernest, and more. Each year we choose ten new artists that we believe are destined for killer careers, our only rule when choosing is the artist can NOT already have a number one song.

Check out our picks in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2o2o, 2021, and 2022 before checking out the 10 artists we picked to have a huge 2023 below.

MEGAN MORONEY –

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Listen: “Tennessee Orange”
Stay Connected: @megmoroney

It is hard to talk about 2022 without Megan Moroney popping into the conversation! The singer-songwriter steadily gained popularity on social media throughout the year. With half a million followers on TikTok alone, Moroney is clearly one to look out for. Her break-out single, “Tennessee Orange” was one of the biggest songs of the year. Fans can anticipate her umping debut album that is slated to come sometime this year. What a way to start 2023!

 

BEN BURGESS –

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Listen: “Tears the Size Of Texas”
Stay Connected: @thebennyburgess

Known as a killer songwriter in Nashville, Ben Burgess made his artist debut in the last quarter of 2022 with his incredible album, Tears the Size of Texas. The ten-song project blew us away, and we knew then and there that he was destined to make this list. Burgess knows who he is as an artist, and he creates music for the everyday country music fan. Each and every one of his songs are sprinkled with a charm that only he could create. Learn more about his story here.

 

DYLAN MARLOWE –

Listen: “Why’d We Break Up Again”
Stay Connected: @dylanmarlowemusic

Dylan Marlowe is a young, standout artist who is wise beyond his years. Back in September we spotlighted his story and shared that he is about to blow up – we stand by that sentiment! This year, Marlowe garnered new fans everywhere he went while touring with Cole Swindell and Ashley Cooke. If 2022 was the year to set the stage for Marlowe, 2023 is the year that is going to continue his momentum to stardom. Check out his newest collaboration with Kasey Tyndall here.

 

MACKENZIE CARPENTER –

Listen: “Jesus, I’m Jealous”
Stay Connected:@mackcarpmusic

It is hard not to fall in love with Mackenzie Carpenter. A co-writer behind Lily Rose’s smash hit, “Villain,” Carpenter is the real deal as a songwriter alone; however, her striking vocals add to her undeniable talent. Her current single, “Jesus, I’m Jealous” is one of our favorite new songs, and we anticipate that 2023 is going to be an incredible year for the new recording artist.

 

TYLER BRADEN –

Listen: “Try Losing One”
Stay Connected: @tylerbradenmusic

Tyler Braden is the type of artist who knows exactly who is. The country-rock artist has the unique ability to create songs that are upbeat, yet sentimental or heartbreaking like his single, “Ways to Miss You.” This year, Braden is heading out on tour with Mitchell Tenpenny on the ‘This Is The Heavy’ tour and we look forward to seeing him win fans over show after show.

 

SHANE PROFITT –

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Listen: “Better Off Fishin'”
Stay Connected: @theshaneprofitt

We love a God moment, and Shane Profitt’s story is exactly that. Profitt is an artist that is hard not to love. His humble confidence is admirable, and his songs depict the exact experiences we all go through, while still conveying his own personal story. The Tennessee native lives and breathes country music, and it is evident both in his music and on stage.

 

AVERY ANNA –

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Listen: “Narcissist”
Stay Connected: @avery.anna.music

Perhaps one of the biggest viral TikTok sensations on this list, Avery Anna rose to notoriety with her raw and incredible song “Narcissist.” She drew fans in by the thousands with each and every video she shared. Anna’s EP, Mood Swings solidified her staying power, showcasing her as a true star. The Warner Music Nashville signee continues to make waves in country music with each and every single note she sings and lyric she writes. Learn more about her story here.

 

ASHLAND CRAFT –

Listen: “Your Momma Still Does”
Stay Connected: @ashlandcraft

The last two years the landscape of country music has been all about Ashland Craft. Her debut album, TRAVELIN’ KIND is still making waves and garnering new fans for the songstress; despite, its 2021 release. The singer-songwriter is one of the most talented acts in country music. Her unique sound, vocal range and clever lyrics make her one of our easiest picks for this year’s list, hands down.

 

DALTON DOVER –

 

Listen: “Baby I Am”
Stay Connected: @daltondover_music

Dalton Dover first made a splash appearing on The Voice Season 16, where he got a chair turn from none other than Blake Shelton. Now, the talented singer-songwriter has won over fans everywhere amassing a huge fanbase on TikTok and putting out his own music, including one of our favorites – “Baby I Am”. Upon first listen, it’s easy to see Dover’s undeniable talent through his strong vocals and impressive delivery. We’re eager to follow along on Dover’s country music journey as he continues to build up his name.

 

JOSH ROSS –

who-is-josh-ross

Listen: “Trouble”
Stay Connected: @joshrossmusic

One of our favorite rising artists out there right now, Josh Ross has talent that everyone should know about. His song, “First Taste of Gone” was one of our favorite songs of 2022. With just a few songs out, Ross has already shown fans and industry alike that he is the real deal. Ross is cultivating his own sound, clearly influenced by his love of pop-punk music, current industry hitmakers, (HARDY, Morgan Wallen, Thomas Rhett), and rock elements. He is a must-listen to!

Like what you hear? Give a follow to our 2023 Artists to Watch Playlist here.

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

Check out the latest tunes in country 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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Josh Ross Releases New Song “On A Different Night”

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Josh Ross drops new song, “On A Different Night,” out now, July 15th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Josh Ross is a new rising artist that we are loving. Back in February, we fell in love with his single, “First Taste of Gone,” and we have been following him ever since. Most recently, Ross released a brand new song called “On A Different Night.”

Written by Ross with Grad Block and Mason Thornley, the new single is nostalgic, heartbreaking, and relatable. The mid-tempo song focuses on a man who is having a hard time getting over his ex-lover. It paints the picture of what it’s like being out, but not really being in the mood to drink and have fun.

“I’d be looking like a rockstar, walking into this bar // Finding me a new pair of blue eyes // I’d be on the way to one more, tearing off the dance floor // Trying to get you off my mind // But all the boys they wanna party // Girls who drink Barcardi gonna have to call me a different time // ‘Cause part of me is still sitting with you in the back corner booth // On a different night”

Ross has showcased so many sides of his personality through his music. With each and every release, he proves that he can express any emotion through lyrics. We cannot wait to see what a full-length project looks like from this impressive singer-songwriter.

Learn more about Josh Ross and his journey to country music in our spotlight interview, here.

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Josh Ross’ new song, “On A Different Night” is out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Josh Ross releases.

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

“On A Different Night” 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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Who Is Josh Ross? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Who is Josh Ross? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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The Beginning:

As ya’ll know, we love championing new artists in country music. Today, we get to introduce you to Josh Ross, an incredible singer-songwriter from Ontario, Canada. We chatted with Ross about his journey, his move to Nashville, and his current new music, out now.

“I’ve always loved music. […] It’s a big part of my family,” began the singer. Although his father loved Rock & Roll and his mother loved artists like U2 and Bruce Springsteen, Ross’ first love was the country music genre. “I had a family friend that introduced me to Steve Earle’s music when I was five or six years old,” shared the singer. “I was kind of that weird kid in high school listening to Steve Earle’s music and friends were like what is this, but by the time I got to 12th grade, country music ended up being cool.”

Despite an early love for music, Ross focused on sports during his upbringing. In another life, the singer played hockey, was a professional motocross rider, and even played college football. After some unfortunate injuries kept him sidelined, Ross gravitated towards music. “When I was in my first year of college, a buddy of mine actually had a guitar and I would just sing along, and I started to realize I wasn’t half as bad as I thought.”

From there on, Ross would play music for fun, whether it be singing karaoke or playing at small coffee shops. Eventually, he got entered into an Emerging Artists Festival in Ontario, which led him to bigger stages and a newfound dream. “I went from playing a coffee shop on a Thursday to I got entered into this festival, and got into the top 8 of this, and on Friday, I got to play for close to 7000, 8000 people, and that was my first real show.”

The Turning Point:

The festival and his supporters convinced Ross that he had what it took to succeed in the country music industry. “It was a big eyeopener to find myself as an artist, figure out what I wanted to say, and what I wanted to sound like,” he shared. Ross was encouraged to head to Nashville to work on crafting his skills as a songwriter. After several trips back and forth, the singer decided to relocate to music city.

“I just knew that I needed to surround myself there and if you want to be the best, you have to be around the best,” shared Ross, adding later, “Nashville is one of those special places, where I can go to the house next door and that guy is a great guitar player and I go to the next house, and that guy makes tracks and stuff.”

Since 2018, Ross has worked hard at crafting his songwriting talent and discovering his own type of artistry. Combining his love of many genres, he has cultivated a sound that is all his own. “In a weird way, I think I always wrote music without knowing it. When I was a kid, I would write in a binder and write down stories about what was going on in my life,” shared the singer, when asked about his desire to write his own music. He also added, “There’s definitely an emotional side and a fun side, and I think that really translates to what I want to say, and something that people can relate to.”

Today:

With just a few songs out, Ross has already shown fans that he is the real deal. Most recently, the singer-songwriter released his first ballad, a song called “First Taste of Gone” Written by Ross with Mason Thornley, the song conveys a personal and heartbreaking message. It depicts the feelings we all go through when we finally get to the point, where a relationship is truly over. Vocally driven, Ross’ voice is the perfect combination of gravelly and strong. Lyrically, the song is poignant and deeply emotive.

According to Ross, “I was going through a lot in my life and my personal life with changes. […] It was just one of those songs where I felt like you have that moment where you have to go out again without that person, and it’s a weird feeling being like “well, I don’t have to call someone when I go home tonight” or “she’s not going to be there.”

With each and every release, Ross is cultivating his own sound, clearly influenced by his love of pop-punk music, current industry hitmakers, (HARDY, Morgan Wallen, Thomas Rhett) and rock elements. We look forward to more new music from the singer, coming later this year! Be on the lookout and keep Ross on your radar.

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Josh Ross releases.

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

Josh Ross’ music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes 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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Josh Ross Releases Personal New Song “First Taste of Gone”

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Josh Ross drops new song, “First Taste of Gone,” out now, February 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Sometimes you hear a song and stop dead in your tracks. That is exactly what happened when we heard singer-songwriter, Josh Ross’ new single. Today, the artist released his most personal song to date, “First Taste of Gone.”

The new song is a heartbreaker. It depicts the feelings we all go through when we finally get to the point, where a relationship is truly over. Vocally driven, Ross’ voice is the perfect combination of gravelly and strong. Lyrically, the song is poignant and deeply emotive. Written by Ross with Mason Thornley, this is the singer’s first true ballad.

“We’d say some things we regret, but then we’d work it out // You go and walk out the door but then you’d turn around // It never felt like the end but this is different now, this is different now  // Cause baby tonight this shade of red neons feelin’ wrong when you’re 700 miles away moving on  // And I’m sitting here missing you sipping this 80 proof // Getting my first taste of gone”

We love this side of the usually energetic, Ross. “First Taste of Gone” has everything a song needs to stand the test of time. Fans are going to fall in love with this new heartachingly beautiful tune.

josh-ross-first-taste-of-gone

Josh Ross releases his new song “First Taste of Gone,” out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Josh Ross releases.

To keep up with Josh Ross, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“First Taste of Gone” 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.