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Hit Songwriter Luke Laird Chronicles His Dreams in “Music Row”

Music Row Luke Laird

Two days before the world shut down and the lights in cities around the world shuttered temporarily, Luke Laird played a sold-out songwriter’s circle to New Yorkers at The Public Theatre. In a time of uncertainty and fear, he played everything from Sam Hunt’s “Hard To Forget” to Kenny Chesney’s “American Kids”. He announced that night that after almost two decades in Nashville, he was to release his debut album titled, Music Row. He then performed the title track, out today, and just as it did with me all those months ago, it’ll stick with you like a popsicle on an everlasting summer day.

The same groove and effortless breeze that Laird has brought to a song like “Pontoon” is found in “Music Row”. Laird wrote and produced it by himself, and lyrically, it details his childhood and a family trip to his dreams to make it big in Nashville. “[It’s] about the journey from Pennsylvania to Nashville, and this album is filled with songs that are super personal to me that I hope others will connect with,” he shared in a statement.

Sonically, “Music Row” combines the best of 90s country and singer-songwriter. It’s almost reminiscent of an old Duncan Sheik record; it’s carefree and all about the story. “That night I hit the Bluebird I saw Tony Arata/And just like that I knew what I wanted,” he sings on the first verse, sharing the time when he knew he wanted to be a professional writer. It’s a sweet reminder of how infinite life feels when you’re young, and how no dream is ever that far out of reach.

It’s hard to forget a night like the one where Luke Laird showcased “Music City”. With everyone on edge, eagerly listening to “Music City” and tentatively, singing in unison to “American Kids”, there was an energy in the room that felt unprecedented and unanticipated. Music is all about the memories and moments that are tied to it. No matter where I am, since March, whenever I hear a song written by Luke Laird, I am immediately transported back to that songwriter’s round and that last week before everything changed.

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

‘Music City’ 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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NYCS First Impression: Tenille Townes Living Room Worktapes

Newcomer Tenille Townes hails from Grand Prairie, Canada.  After years of playing writers rounds in Nashville including the famed Bluebird Cafe, she has finally made her music available digitally today.   The Living Room Worktapes are four songs that culminate to paint the perfect picture of what this young artist is truly capable of.  In addition to releasing her music today, Townes announced on social media that she has signed a record deal with Sony Music/Columbia Nashville.

The lyrics on this project are so well written, so thought out that it is apparent these ideas have been working their way through her life and just had to be expressed through song. Vulnerable stories coupled with Townes’ uncanny vocal ability to be strong and sweet, tender and powerful.

Teaming up with heavy hitters such as Luke Laird and Barry Dean for “Somebody’s Daughter” the story is about a woman struggling with the reality of homelessness.

“Bet she was somebody’s best friend / laughing back when she was somebody’s sister / counting change at the lemonade stand, probably somebody’s high school first kiss /  dancing in the gym where the kids all talk about someday plans / now this light will turn green and I’ll hand her a couple dollars / and I’ll wonder if she got lost or they forgot her shes somebody’s daughter” 

Another stand out is “Jersey on the Wall”, a slow ballad, burning with questions for God or a higher power including the reason for someone dying so young.

“If I ever get to heaven, you know I’ve got a long list of questions /  like ‘How do you make a snowflake?’ / ‘Are you angry when the earth quakes?’, / ‘How does the sky change in a minute?’ /’How do you keep this big rock spinning?’ / ‘Why can’t you stop a car from crashing’ /  forgive me I’m just asking”

Proving that a simple guitar and an exquisite voice can transport the listener, with very little production needed. Take a listen below to Living Room Worktapes below and follow Tenille Townes on social media here: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

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