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Kalie Shorr ‘Open Book: Unabridged’ – Album Review

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The New York Times’ 7th best album of 2019 has been brought back to life for Kalie Shorr’s latest release, Open Book: Unabridged, available now, December 4th. Take a look below as we uncover her new project.

Kalie Shorr, 'Open Book: Unabridged" Available Now.

Kalie Shorr, ‘Open Book: Unabridged” Available Now.

To be a woman in Nashville making country music is notoriously difficult. Now? That’s old news. Few artists have worked harder than Song Suffragette’s founding member, Kalie Shorr. For nearly a decade, Shorr has been honing her craft and paying her dues, and creating her own opportunities. After signing with New York-based- TMWRK record label, Kalie Shorr decided to re-release her critically acclaimed debut, Open Book. Throwing genre out the window and colors at the wall is Open Book: Unabridged.

The previously 13-track record is now 17 tracks long, and the opener “My Voice” is one of the new four. It’s direct and empowering, the perfect anthem for anyone out there who has felt boxed in and has now found themselves. It’s gutsy, twangy, and anthemic. “Guess what, I can’t change / It’s not my voice / So get used to the sound of my voice,” she sings unapologetically on the chorus. It’s the perfect opening to a record.

The previously released song “Escape,” is about Shorr’s family that lyrically and vocally will give you complete chills. She’s country for a reason: this song is the epitome of three chords and the truth, no matter how hard that truth is to hear sometimes. This song tackles everything from childhood, addiction, an eating disorder, and mental health. “Everybody’s got a star where all their wishes go/And if those stars ain’t lucky, then you’ve gotta hang your own/Getting out of bed is hard if you don’t have a reason/Everybody needs an escape, and mine was leaving.”

Another new track, “Eighteen” is a gut-puncher. Even when it hurts, Shorr isn’t afraid to go there. This song tackles a toxic relationship with an older boy she dated at 18 years old. “I see you out with younger versions of me/While I’m tryna find who I used to be/I’m terrified that you and I will always be/Chasing 18,” she sings reflectively on the bridge. What’s particularly special about Shorr’s music is that in many songs, it’s like you’re hearing a therapy session, hence Open Book. It must be cathartic for her to write and then release these messages into the world, but it’s also cathartic for the listener. She is able to say what many can’t yet, and that’s rare.

Another favorite from the original release of Open Book is “The One”, a song where the production buildup really mirrors the story and it makes it that much better. What makes it such an outstanding moment is the way Shorr cuts to the heart of the lyric. In the verses, you can hear her frustration, anger, and resentment on this relationship gone wrong, but in the chorus, she’s just heartbroken. Plain and simple. Despite everything they went through, “you were supposed to be the one”. In its composition, there’s also something timeless about it. It’s such a universal feeling, and it’s conveyed perfectly.

The third newly released track is “Out of It” is a really interesting vocal contrast to the rest of the project. Shorr has a really powerful lower register that she doesn’t always use, but it’s really prominent here. It’s a smartly written song about an ex who always calls when they shouldn’t. “You come knocking on closed doors/When you’re lonely or you’re bored/Next time you’re out of it/leave me out of it.”

Kalie Shorr’s evolution as a writer, artist, and producer is evident on all 17 tracks. She didn’t make music for radio; she made music for her. And that doesn’t happen often in Nashville. Modern country can sometimes shy away from the most important music, but Kalie Shorr has found a way to incorporate her pop sensibilities into songs with meaning. She used to be the “only one awake”, but it’s about time everyone hears her story, or moreover, the first chapter of her book.

To keep up with Kalie Shorr, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

Open Book: Unabridged 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.

OPEN BOOK: UNABRIDGED TRACKLISTING:

My Voice
Too Much To Say
Escape
Messy
The One
F U Forever
Alice in Wonderland
Eighteen
The World Keeps Spinning
Big Houses
Out of It
Gatsby
Thank God You’re A Man
Lying to Myself
Vices
Lullaby
Angry Butterfly

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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:

 

Kalie Shorr Releases Authentic New Song “My Voice”

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Kalie Shorr’s new song, “My Voice” is available now, October 23rd, on all streaming platforms. Written by Shorr with Fred Willhelm, Simon Reid, and Skip Black, take a look at the article below to learn more about Shorr, her story, and her new track.

To be successful as a woman in country music, artists have to work twice as hard to make a name for themselves. While radio airplay is still a major factor for some singers, there are plenty of talented artists pushing the envelope and breaking boundaries so they can make their mark.

Kalie Shorr is one of them, and her unapologetic 2019 debut, Open Book defied every Nashville radio prerequisite. The album made the top 10 of the New York Times best albums of 2019, and it earned Shorr a record deal with New York-based label TMWRK. On December 4th, the label and Shorr will release Open Book: Unabridged, and the first track, “My Voice” was released today, October 23rd.

 

Kalie Shorr's New Song "My Voice" is available now

Kalie Shorr’s New Song “My Voice” is available now, October 23rd.

Equal parts The Chicks twangy, Lucinda rootsy, and Alanis grungey is where Shorr’s voice lays. The song is autobiographical in a different way than her usual catalog: it’s about her relationship with music city and the suits of Nashville telling her how she’d become famous. “Spoon fed, candy coated/Take the F-bombs out of what you wrote,” she sings honestly on the first verse. “And if you want the radio to play you/Make it sweet like a cherry lifesaver/But they’ll probably never play me/’Cause I’m not a boy.”

Complying to the strict rules is difficult enough as a woman in country music, but if your music doesn’t fit inside that box, it makes it even harder. She’s come a long way since her first tour with Martina McBride, but the heart of her music has remained the same. “Guess what, I can’t change/It’s not my voice/So get used to the sound of my voice”, she belts heartfeltly on the chorus.

Production-wise, the banjo is slick and the guitar is gritty. It’s a song that is so catchy that by the second time you listen, you’ll already know the chorus. Although the song is about not making music that country radio deems “hit worthy”, it’s so well-crafted it truly could be a hit.

Shorr is proof that sometimes, stepping outside of the Nashville bubble opens more doors than you ever thought possible. Dreaming bigger means taking a leap of faith. Not everything can be done and accomplished the traditional way. To find her voice, Shorr found herself and found her way.

As we anticipate more music from Shorr, take a look at our swag session with the singer-songwriter from late last year where she sang some songs and spoke with us about the process of creating her debut record, Open Book, and what was like touring with Leann Rimes.

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

To keep up with Kalie Shorr, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“My Voice” 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 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. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

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:

Kalie Shorr Heading Out on the ‘Too Much To Say Tour’

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Kalie Shorr Tour

Announced today, one of our Swag Session alumni, Kalie Shorr is heading out on her very first headlining tour. The Too Much To Say Tour will hit major cities including Nashville, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and of course, New York. Watch our Swag Session to hear Shorr’s latest single “Alice In Wonderland” from her full-length album Open Book below.

“I’ve been looking forward to my first headlining tour for a very long time. I’m so thankful that hard work is paying off and I’m getting to bring Open Book to some really great venues across the country. Kicking things off at Exit/In is special for me,” said Shorr in a press release, adding, “I’ve seen so many of my favorite bands there over the years and starting the ‘Too Much To Say Tour’ in Nashville feels so right. Naturally, I’ll be playing all of Open Book, but I’m also excited to reimagine some of my earlier work through a new lens. I can’t wait to get on the road, drink some tequila, and sing my heart out with the fans.”

Last summer, Shorr was our special guest on our final Manhattan By Sail Country Edition. Check out the recap of the incredible night below.

Tickets and information for the shows here.

Too Much To Say Tour Dates
Jan. 31 – Nashville, Tenn. – Exit/In
Feb. 20 – Los Angeles, Calif. – Hotel Cafe
Feb. 21 – Las Vegas, Nev. – Stoney’s Rockin Country
March 14 – Stamford, Conn. – Palace Theatre
March 15 – Uncasville, Conn. – Mohegan Sun – Wolf Den
March 16 – New York, N.Y. – The Mercury Lounge
May 15 – Sault Ste Marie, Mich. – Kewadin Casino
May 16 – Sault Ste Marie, Mich. – Kewadin Casino

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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 Swag Session: Kalie Shorr

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Before performing on our final Manhattan By Sail Country Edition sail around the city, Kalie Shorr performed her current single “Alice In Wonderland” for our Swag Session. Shorr discussed the process of creating her debut record, Open Book, and what it’s like being on tour with Leann Rimes.

Watch the full video below!

For more music from artists we’ve featured during our LIVE Swag Sessions, check out our Sessions Playlist below and give it a follow for updates.

To keep up with Kalie Shorr follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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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:

The Final NYCountry Swag x Manhattan By Sail Feat. Kalie Shorr

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Finishing out our incredible summer season, NYCountry Swag’s final Manhattan By Sail, Country Edition took place on October 11th and we had special guests, Kalie Shorr and Lauren Davidson. Shorr had just released her debut album, Open Book and performed songs from the project, as well as an Alanis Morisette cover and “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo.

Kalie Shorr Sail

Davidson, also celebrating the release of new music, sang her newest track “Soaking Up Every Second” as well as a 90s pop medley that had the guests of the sail dancing and singing along.

For the full recap of the night watch below.

We thank Manhattan By Sail for collaborating and bringing our followers and country music to the NY Harbor. We are already looking forward to the spring and summer season of 2020 and more country music sails.

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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 First Impression Kalie Shorr ‘Open Book’

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Kalie Shorr Open Book

If you’re looking for a record that is honest, raw, and relatable with a delightfully unique perspective, look no further than Kalie Shorr’s debut record Open Book. The new project gives us a front row seat into the songstress’ life experiences, her thoughts, and her feelings, all wrapped up with pretty melodies and enticing vocals. Shorr delivers an impressive melding of genres while remaining true to her songwriter roots, co-writing and co-producing each and every one of the 13 tracks.

The record begins with the essence of an old-western instrumental in “Too Much To Say,” but it is the opening line that packs quite the punch. The track sets the tone for the rest of the album, as Shorr exclaims in the opening lyrics, “I’ve never been worse, thanks for asking / Is it making you nervous, all this honesty?!,” only to add later that she’s an “open book.” She reminisces again in “Big Houses,” a cut that comes later on the tracklist that depicts positive moments with her mother, while still having a somber layer of wishing to be anywhere but ‘here’.

 “Escape” and “Messy” follow the first song. The former is the listener’s first introduction to her demons. She unapologetically attests to how her struggles in her childhood led her to seek love in the wrong places and to find her own version of an escape. She sings, “Everybody needs an escape / And mine was leaving.” The later also shows off Shorr’s vocals. In “Messy,” the singer-songwriter plays with her vocal range while seeking answers as to why her relationship ended the way it did.

Shorr continues to explore how she felt in a former relationship in “The One.” Between the clever wordplay and tempo-changes, “The One” is a stand-out song on the tracklist. For different reasons, “F U Forever” is arguably one of the most impressive songs off the project. In the upbeat jam, the songstress empowers women to wear their heartbreak and vulnerability like a badge of honor.

Her impressive use of wordplay and expressive singing is apparent again in “Alice in Wonderland.” Besides being cleverly titled, the song is another explorative track with strong imagery about wanting to escape from a bad relationship. Relating the song to the movie ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is not only brilliant but reminds us all of our vulnerabilities. “Wonder if you’re good enough / Or if you’re the only one / You wonder if he’s lying again.”

 As we delve deeper into Shorr’s masterpiece, she openly shares her grieving process with us in “The World Keeps Spinning.” In memory of her late sister, the singer laments about how hard it is to get through a day, when you lose someone you love, “The sky didn’t even have the decency to cry / And that damn sun / Still found a way to shine / When my heartaches hitting / I think it’s kinda cruel that the world keeps spinning.” The powerful ballad is for anyone that has ever experienced loss.

After tugging at our heartstrings, Shorr switches gears and delivers three more upbeat tracks that fans of recent Taylor Swift and Alanis Morissette would love. In “Gatsby,” she sings the sarcastic sentiment, “people like me because I’m happy.” The song rivals the Morissette classic “Ironic.” As for, “Thank God You’re a Man,” the play of tempos feel like Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” or “Red” by Swift. It will have you singing along after just one listen. Finally, “Vices” will have you relating to Shorr’s struggles with her “vices” and hopefully help you to give yourself compassion for not always making the ‘right’ decisions.

Continuing to play with the gamut of emotions, Shorr shares her journey through heartbreak in her current radio single “Lullaby”. The ethereal song was inspired by the end of a six-year relationship. She takes us through the process of moving on both lyrically and rhythmically. The beautiful track begins with just Shorr’s voice shining through an acoustic guitar evolving into a full instrumental backing track. She sings “This is the sound of letting it go / of learning to sleep and your sleeping alone / of figuring it out how to love when you don’t.”

The record ends with “Angry Butterfly.” The obscure titled song begins with heavier guitars and polarizing vocals. Shorr admits to being a ‘walking contradiction,’ relishing in the “beauty in the breakdown.” It’s the perfect way to bookmark a thoughtful and innovative debut.

Open Book is a catalog of songs for the individual, who is looking to find healing in the music. As Shorr shared in a recent press release, “These songs are like three minute journal entries,” adding, “I’m happy to have the freedom to share my truth on this album.” Shorr’s refreshing perspective is one that will surely resonate with music fans across many genres, but her niche at perfectly speaking her truth, while still standing up for women is arguably what will keep her successful in the industry for a long time to come.

To catch some of these songs live along with your favorite cover songs, come to our Manhattan By Sail on October 11th where we will feature Kalie Shorr as our musical guest. More information and tickets available here.

To keep up with Kalie Shorr follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Open Book 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:

Kalie Shorr Delivers New, Honest Girl-Power Anthem “F U Forever”

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Kalie Shorr F U Forever

In the wake of anticipation for her debut album Open Book, out this Friday, songstress Kalie Shorr pre-released another one of the vulnerable tracks entitled “F U Forever.” The new song is intense, yet relatable, showing that Shorr is not afraid to speak her truth.

“F U Forever” is exactly what it sounds like- a deeply personal track about telling off an ex, who didn’t treat you right. Penned by Shorr with Candi Carpenter and Annie Wildgen, the song depicts a woman, who although she has gone through hardships, came out the other side even stronger and more connected to herself. The details of the lyrics showcase personal anecdotes from Shorr’s life. She admits to dealing with both abandonment issues and domestic violence in such a way that brings awareness but doesn’t victimize her even more. It is both powerful and courageous, a perfect anthem for women.

“Looks like my abandonment issues got the best of me again / Cause we should have never been together / Now I’m wearing your stupid ring on my pretty little middle finger / So I can say F U forever and ever”

For Shorr, this song is as real as it gets, and it’s a sneak peek of what we can expect from her upcoming debut record. “I’ve never been more excited or more afraid to put out music into the world. I’ve always written from a real place, but these songs are like three minute journal entries. Seeing them resonate means more than I ever realized it would,” she shared in a recent press release, adding, “I’m happy to have the freedom to share my truth on this album and especially on a song like ‘F U Forever.”

For a chance to hear some of her songs live, as well as, some awesome covers, join us for our Manhattan By Sail event on Friday, October 11th. If you can’t make it that night, but still want to experience an epic night of music, join us this Friday on the water for an epic night of music by talented newcomer, Baker Grissom.

To keep up with Kalie Shorr follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“F U Forever” 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.

—————

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:

 

10.11.19 – NYCountry Swag Presents: Manhattan By Sail

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We’re not letting go of summer just yet!

NYCountry Swag promises a night of incredible live acoustic music
as we team up with our friends at Manhattan by Sail
for our Country Edition Sail Series around NYC.
After all, what’s better than the ocean breeze and country music?

Join us Friday Evening, October 11th
to take in the breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline on board the Clipper City.
Enjoy delicious drinks and your favorite country tunes
with live music by Kalie Shorr & Lauren Davidson!

Check out scenes from our last Country Edition Sail in the video below and be sure
to grab your tickets so you don’t miss the most talked about event!

 

TICKET INFO:
*Use Code: Country19 for 20% off all tickets!
Adults $79
($63 with discount)
Includes: Access to event, 2 Hours of Unlimited Beer + Wine
+ 1 Complimentary Drink at The Boogie Room, NYC following the sail

 

 Can’t Make it on October 11th?
Join us beforehand on Friday, September 27th with Baker Grissom! Grab tickets here.

 

For all questions, media requests or inquiries,
please email: [email protected]

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ABOUT KALIE SHORR:
Kalie Shorr burst onto the Nashville music scene in 2016 with her self-penned hit “Fight Like A Girl”. The Portland, Maine singer-songwriter became a Sirius XM “Highway Find” and was spotlighted by Spotify, Apple Music, CMT, Radio Disney Country, Taste of Country, and even Billboard magazine. In 2017, Kalie released her Slingshot EP to positive reviews and was named “New Artist You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone, “The New Nashville” by Teen Vogue, and one of “2017’s Hottest Artists Under 25” by Taste of Country. Named a CMT Next Women of Country and a “Top 10 Country Artists To Watch In 2018” by the Huffington Post, Kalie released her last EP Awake to critical acclaim and toured with Sara Evans and RaeLynn on the CMT Next Women of Country Tour.

On March 31, 2018, Kalie fulfilled a life-long dream when she made her Grand Ole Opry debut calling it “one of the most emotional experiences of my life” and has since gone on to play the Opry 14 times. In late 2018, she headlined the Walmart/Pepsi “Road to the CMA Awards” Tour raising awareness for the 52nd annual CMA Awards telecast. And in November, Radio Disney Country launched a daily radio series called “Let The Girls Play” hosted by Kalie and fellow Song Suffragette Savannah Keyes. Kalie’s message of female empowerment has led to praise for her “social advocacy” [NPR] and let to features on PBS NewsHour, NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “On Point” in addition to ELLE Magazine. Kalie’s first-ever full-length album, Open Book, is set to release on September 27 with single releases preceding.

Check out our live Swag Session with Kalie in NYC from April 2018 in the video below. Kalie joined us to perform “Fight Like a Girl”, “Candy”. and chatted about her Grand Ole Opry debut, women in country music and what’s next for the rising star.

ABOUT LAUREN DAVIDSON:
Lauren Davidson is a NY/NJ based Urban Country singer-songwriter with one powerful voice. Small in stature, but big in inner strength, Lauren was described as “an early Patsy Cline or Linda Ronstadt; that ‘I can do this myself’ attitude” by Audio Fuzz Magazine.The country singer gives fans everything she’s got when playing numerous venues around the country and has opened for significant Country Music Acts such as Old Dominion, LOCASH, Carly Pearce, Russell Dickerson, and Justin Moore among many others. Lauren was named Nash FM 94.7’s Nash Next Top 10 finalist and her single, “I’ll Drink To That,” was named the Digital Journal’s Top 5 Female Country Radio Singles in 2017. Lauren most recently sang the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden for the Sold Out 2019 PBR tour.

 

 

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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:

Kalie Shorr Releases First Song From Forthcoming Album Titled “Lullaby”

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By Steve Rudden

kalie shorr Lullaby

Growing up in Portland Maine and then moving to Nashville at the age of 19, Kalie Shorr has been making waves in the country music industry. So far, Shorr has released two EPs and has found success with her single “Fight Like A Girl”.  This past Friday, “Lullaby” off from Shorr’s forthcoming debut full-length album Open Book was released. The first hint at new music was written by Shorr along with Robyn Collins, and Will Stone.

“Lullaby” channels the emotion one feels during the process of getting over a past relationship and moving on. The first part of the song is Kalie Shorr and an acoustic guitar before moving into Shorr’s dynamic voice and the sound of “emo-twang”.

“I just love songs. My dad always tells this story of when I was probably five years old, we were driving and listening to “Last Kiss” by Pearl Jam. It’s a really heartbreaking song about a couple who were in high school and they get in a car accident and the girl passes away and he gets her last kiss and it’s really sad,” she told us in our Swag Spotlight interview earlier this year. “A five-year-old shouldn’t really be able to wrap their head around that but we’re just listening and driving down the road and he’s not paying attention, then he looks over and I’m just sobbing my eyes out. From then on, I loved country music and I just loved songs that made me cry and he was like ‘this is so bizarre because you’re like a child,’ but it was what I was supposed to do.”

“This is a sound of letting it go / of learning to sleep and your sleeping alone / of figuring it out how to love when you don’t / I’m gonna scream and I’m gonna cry but tonight I won’t need the hallway light / I’m signing one last lullaby and I’m putting this to bed”

 

“Lullaby” is certainly a sad song but also an empowering one as Shorr is not afraid to address emotion, live in the sad and then willfully move on. Looking ahead to September 27th when she releases her debut album, Open Book, fans can already get excited for honest lyrics that will be mixed with a lot of emotion that her fans all across country music are going to love.

If you want to check out the rising artist, she will make numerous appearances in the coming month including tonight at the Bluebird Cafe, at the Grand Ole Opry on September 3 and 28, the YWCA SHIFT Conference and with select dates opening for LeAnn Rimes, including September 8 in Prescott, Ariz. For full tour dates and more information head to http://www.kalieshorr.com/

To keep up with Kalie Shorr follow her Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

“Lullaby” 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.

—————————-

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 Swag Spotlight: Kalie Shorr

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“I just always had this really deep interest in lyrics and that’s probably why I started writing my own songs”

Kalie Shorr grew up in Portland, Maine, where she was heavily influenced by a blend of rock and country music. From Foo Fighters and Nirvana to Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain, Shorr knew from a very young age, music was what she was destined to pursue. “I just love songs. My dad always tells this story of when I was probably five years old, we were driving and listening to “Last Kiss” by Pearl Jam. It’s a really heartbreaking song about a couple who were in high school and they get in a car accident and the girl passes away and he gets her last kiss and it’s really sad,” she told us in a recent phone interview. “A five-year-old shouldn’t really be able to wrap their head around that but we’re just listening and driving down the road and he’s not paying attention, then he looks over and I’m just sobbing my eyes out. From then on, I loved country music and I just loved songs that made me cry and he was like ‘this is so bizarre because you’re like a child,’ but it was what I was supposed to do.”

Shorr wrote her first song when she was just six-years-old and started to play the guitar when she was eleven-years-old. When she was nine she attended her very first concert at Madison Square Garden, with Dixie Chicks as headliners and Michelle Branch as the opening act. Seeing those women live, solidified her passion for song and lyric. Shorr’s parents were always supportive of her musical career but were adamant she waited until she was an adult to pursue it as a full-time career.

In middle school, Shorr started her very own Nirvana cover band with a group of friends. She discovered a new love for country music once the band broke up, and knew she wanted to focus specifically on that genre. When she was fourteen-years-old, she told her parents she wanted to move to Nashville once she was finished with school. Shorr worked hard and graduated high school early, while also working at a local pizza shop to save up for the big move. Once she got to Nashville, she began working at a hot dog stand on Broadway and “hustled” until she met her current manager, Todd Cassetty. The two became close and started Song Suffragettes together. They decided to pick a lineup of female country artists and Shorr was very hands-on with this aspect, building the show from the ground up. Song Suffragettes was where the singer-songwriter met her first friends and collaborators in town.

Shorr’s current single, or should we say, singles, were recently released in a unique way. “Awake” is the name of the song, Shorr originally wrote a country version, but the moment it was written, she knew she could hear it becoming something more. She continuously asked her manager for ideas, until he was out to dinner, brainstorming ideas with the head of Radio Disney and it turned into something never done before. Shorr would simultaneously release the country version of “Awake” and the pop version of “Awake” on the same day. You could hear “Awake (Country Mix)” on Radio Disney Country and flip the station to Radio Disney, and hear “Awake (Pop Mix).” Shorr added Jonny Brenns on the pop mix, he sings the second verse of the song, rewriting the lyric from a guy’s perspective, which she thinks is super valuable. Hearing both versions, she wants listeners to know, “It’s not just, ‘stop calling me when you’re drunk, I wanna be there for you so much but you’re not there for me.”

Shorr is currently working on her debut full-length studio album, slated for release later this year. She has written every track on the album, with the exception for one cover which she is extremely excited about. She tells us the record will be completely different from anything she’s ever done but unapologetically herself, honest, vulnerable and full of estrogen. Briefly touching on female sexism in the music industry, Shorr hopes things will continue to change, “I know it’s my job to keep talking about it and not letting people get away with it.”

Check out our Swag Session with the songstress from last year, below.

Be sure to follow Shorr on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to not miss a single announcement or release in 2019.

 

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