Tag Archive for: Mackenzie Carpenter

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Mackenzie Carpenter: ‘Hey Country Queen’ – Debut Album Review

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Mackenzie Carpenter releases her debut album, Hey Country Queen, officially out now, March 7th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

With the kind of voice that immediately draws you in and the kind of lyrics that immediately grab your attention, Mackenzie Carpenter is ready to make her debut with Hey Country Queen. Already hugely successful as a writer on songs like Lily Rose’s “Villain” and Megan Moroney’s “I’m Not Pretty,” the undeniable Carpenter is ready to take a step forward as an artist.

On her debut album with The Valory Music Co, the Georgia native reveals herself as a true force to be reckoned with. Carpenter co-wrote each of the album’s thirteen tracks, and it’s truly representative of a young woman in her prime. “This album has been a long time coming, and I’m so excited to finally share these songs with you. I’ve lived with them for years, and now it’s time to set them free,” shares Carpenter. “Hey Country Queen captures the essence of girlhood, heartbreak and love, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Carpenter kicks things off with the bluesy and twangy “Dozen Red Flags,” a tongue-in-cheek look at a dude whose good qualities overshadow the fact that he was a walking red flag. “This one’s for the girls who’ve ever fallen for the guy with more red flags than green,” says Carpenter. “‘Dozen Red Flags’ is flirty, fun and all about knowing he’s trouble but diving in anyway—because let’s face it, he’s cute. The song covers a little heartbreak, a lot of lessons and a fun debrief with your girls.”

“But, man, he was cute and, damn, he was funny // My brother thought he was the man // If violets are blue, then I’m such a dummy // To think he’d have roses in hand I would’ve settled for tulips or daisies // I ain’t picking petals ’cause all that he gave me // Was reasons for running And a couple dozen red flags”

“I Wish You Would” is an immediate standout, a perfect dancehall duet that allows Carpenter to riff off of Midland’s Mark Wystrach as they play a pair of fated lovers, unable to resist each other amongst the promises of neon lights and endless drinks. “‘I Wish You Would (ft. Midland)’ is a fun, flirty tune about wanting someone to be more forward, quit guessing and make the first move. It’s about craving a spark with someone and longing for more than a few glances with that person you’ve noticed from across the bar,” shares Carpenter. “Midland has always been a dream collaboration, and they bring a smooth classic vibe to the song.” 

“I loved ‘I Wish You Would’ from the jump when Mackenzie and Jamie Moore sent it our way. When I went to lay my part, I was thrown back in time to the era of Conway and Lorretta Lynn and Kenny and Dolly iconic duets,” adds Wystrach. “The melodies are hypnotic, and the soaring hook is pure Country gold. The structure of the song is non-symmetrical, so it keeps revealing new sonic surprises leaving you wanting to hear it again and again.”

Carpenter also shines on ballads that are full of ache and heartache, evidenced on songs like “Red Wine Blue,” “Jesus, I’m Jealous,” “Guys Like You,” and “The Other Side.” While “Red Wine Blue” was inspired by a message from Dolly Parton that came to her in a dream, “Guys Like You” has her musing about a “guy’s girl” who everyone loves. “The Other Side” is a whimsical wonder that finds her dreaming what a certain love would be like, while “Jesus, I’m Jealous” is a gorgeous ballad that finds her longing for love, watching it all around her.

“But, Jesus, I’m jealous, just had to tell you // Watchin’ the two of ’em head over heels // I guess I was hopin’ I wouldn’t be lonely // And maybe by now I would know how that feels // He’s spinnin’ her ’round like she’s Cinderella // I shouldn’t be starin’, but hell, I can’t help it // Jesus, I’m jealous”

While many of the album’s ballads center around heartache, “Country Queen” and “Only Girl” tell very different stories. “Only Girl” is a sparse and poignant ballad that’s ready for a wedding song or Instagram post, celebrating the love of a man who treats a woman right.

“He looks at me like the only star in his sky // He holds me tight like he’ll never say goodbye // I know there’s millions and billions of people // Living in this world But he loves me like I’m the only girl // l Like I’m the only girl”

While Carpenter shines on ballads, she can also throw down a countrified romp with the best of them. Highlights include “Don’t Mess with Exes,” which finds her channeling her inner Miranda Lambert, while “Sound of a Heartbreak” is a driving and catchy up tempo and “Gowgirl LIke Me” channels a bit of hip-hop-meets-bro-country. “Boots On” is the perfect country pop romp, flirty and seductive as she entices her man to come home, promising that she ain’t got nothin’ but her boots on.

“Gone Fishin’” is a gritty, 80’s country story song of the best type, finding her serving up a bit of vengeance on the lake. “He’s gone fishing out in the dark // Wasn’t hard to fit him in the trunk of my car // Had to scrub down the dock and his tackle box // Used a whole damn gallon of Clorox,” She muses. “He’s gone fishing I’m at the bar // Perfect alibi drinking PBR //  Nobody even knows he’s missing, Bet he’s wishing //  He’d never gone fishing”

Inspired by the country queens that paved the way for her, Mackenzie Carpenter’s Hey Country Queen is the perfect introduction to the rising superstar who is clearly one of the genre’s next big queens

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Dozen Red Flags
  2. Boots On
  3. I Wish You Would (ft. Midland)
  4. Jesus, I’m Jealous
  5. Gone Fishin’

Hey Country Queen Track List:

  1. Dozen Red Flags (Mackenzie Carpenter, Nicolle Galyon, Brandon Hood)
  2. Boots On (Mackenzie Carpenter, Rhett Akins, Brandon Hood, Ben Williams)
  3. Only Girl (Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter, Mia Mantia, SJ McDonald)
  4. I Wish You Would (ft. Midland) (Mackenzie Carpenter, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore, Chris Tompkins)
  5. Don’t Mess With Exes (Mackenzie Carpenter, Nicolle Galyon, Brandon Hood)
  6. Gone Fishin’ (Mackenzie Carpenter, Mia Mantia, SJ McDonald)
  7. Red Wine Blue (Mackenzie Carpenter, Luke Laird, Anna Vaus)
  8. Jesus, I’m Jealous (Mackenzie Carpenter, Steve Moakler)
  9. Sound Of A Heartbreak (Mackenzie Carpenter, Brandon Hood, Liz Rose)
  10. Cowgirl Like Me (Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter, Lauren LaRue)
  11. Guys Like You (Mackenzie Carpenter, Nicolle Galyon, Brandon Hood)
  12. The Other Side (Mackenzie Carpenter, Mia Mantia, SJ McDonald)
  13. Country Queen (Mackenzie Carpenter, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ben Johnson)
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Mackenzie Carpenter shares her debut album, ‘Hey Country Queen,’ 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 Mackenzie Carpenter releases.

To keep up with Mackenzie Carpenter, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. Visit her official website for tour dates and more.

Hey Country Queen 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.

Mackenzie Carpenter Teams Up with Midland on “I Wish You Would”

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Mackenzie Carpenter and Midland join forces on new song, “I Wish You Would”, out now, February 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

The incredibly talented singer-songwriter, Mackenzie Carpenter is gearing up for the release of her debut album, Hey Country Queen, out March 7th. While fans eagerly await the release, Carpenter is sharing songs off the record. Today, the songstress joins forces with GRAMMY-nominated trio, Midland on a new song called, “I Wish You Would.”

“‘I Wish You Would (ft. Midland)’ is a fun, flirty tune about wanting someone to be more forward, quit guessing and make the first move. It’s about craving a spark with someone and longing for more than a few glances with that person you’ve noticed from across the bar,” shares Carpenter in a recent press release. “Midland has always been a dream collaboration, and they bring a smooth classic vibe to the song.”

The stellar duet highlights the incredible attributes both Carpenter and Midland have. “I Wish You Would” features incredible melodies, mesmerizing vocals, and an interesting arrangement. The juxtaposition between the artists’ voices, as well as, the story are equally as captivating. “I Wish You Would” is a must listen to!

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Mackenzie Carpenter and Midland share new song, “I Wish You Would” 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 Mackenzie Carpenter and Midland releases.

To keep up with Mackenzie Carpenter, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Midland, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“I Wish You Would” 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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Mackenzie Carpenter Drops New Song “Don’t Mess With Exes”

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Mackenzie Carpenter’s new song “Don’t Mess With Exes” out now, February 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

The incredibly talented singer-songwriter, Mackenzie Carpenter blew us away with her song, “Jesus, I’m Jealous.” Today, Carpenter is showing off her sassy side with her new song, “Don’t Mess With Exes.”

According to the songstress, the song was inspired by reminding people to stop going back to their toxic exes. “They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, so I’m just tryin’ to keep y’all from going insane out here,” shared a cheeky Carpenter in a recent press release. “I hope this song inspires whoever hears it to move on from what is holding them back and become the best version of themselves. Take my advice, don’t let him fool you twice!”

“Go on and dust off your boots take a two-step or two with somebody new, just whatever you do // don’t mess with exes, ‘cause they’ll make a mess outta you.”

“Don’t Mess With Exes” is especially alluring because of the clever wordplay, clearly driven by the phrase “Don’t Mess with Texas.” On the new anthemic track, Carpenter proves that she has the vocals, the songwriting skills, and the grit to become a mainstay in country music.

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Mackenzie Carpenter shares new song, “Don’t Mess With Exes,” out now.

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

To keep up with Mackenzie Carpenter, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Don’t Mess With Exes” 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 Mackenzie Carpenter? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Who is Mackenzie Carpenter? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Quick Facts:

Full Name – Mackenzie Carpenter
Birthday – 06/04/1999
Hometown – Hull, Georgia
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley
Label – Big Machine Label Group – Valory Music Co.
Latest Release – “Jesus I’m Jealous” (*as of date of article: 02/09/2023)

The Beginning:

This week our spotlight shines on 2023 Country Swag Artist to Watch: Mackenzie Carpenter. The talented singer-songwriter always knew that music was her calling. While she would call her journey so far a “blessed one,” it is not without hard work and dedication.

Growing up in Georgia, Carpenter was always surrounded by music and of course, her supportive family. “I grew up singing in church,” she began. “[My brothers and I] all started taking an instrument at different times, and my brothers started teaching me how to play and I started singing.” She recalls listening to a variety of different genres, but that 2k country music was always her favorite mixed with some 90s country. Artists like Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, and Trace Atkins were mainstays on her FM radio.

While listening to music was a hobby, her Dad encouraged her to start writing. “My dad knew enough to tell me that I had to start writing songs if I wanted to pursue music for real,” she shared. Thanks to the support of her family, the songstress began songwriting in high school. “I started writing music and that’s kind of when I started finding my own voice,” adding later, “Once I started writing my own songs, I was like this is fun, I can tell my own stories.”

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating high school, the singer-songwriter made the move to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Belmont University. “My parents and my family really are my biggest cheerleaders,” she shared again. “My Dad actually found Belmont, and I got here and I just started writing songs, and I didn’t release my first song until last year.”

While at Belmont, Carpenter honed her songwriting skills and began networking around town. “I went through all of college, but I didn’t start introducing myself as an artist right away.” She recalled focusing on the songwriting side of things for the first little bit.

“I started writing, writing, writing, every single day. I didn’t have a producer, I didn’t have a team. I didn’t know how to be an artist, but I could show up and write a song. I had ideas, I had melodies, so just networking, writing,” recalls Carpenter.

One day things began to change after she wrote a special track with a friend. “I wrote a song with my friend Lily Rose that she released called “Villain” and it was one of the first big, viral, TikTok moments.” This piqued her own interest in the TikTok platform and Carpenter began sharing her own songs and growing her fanbase one follower and ‘like’ at a time. “People were really, really connecting to my songwriting.”

Her notoriety on TikTok led her to get noticed by Nashville’s Sirius XM The Highway. “I got linked with ‘The Highway’ and they were like we want to be involved, and so then, I got connected to Scott Borchetta, and he literally texted me and was like “hey, I heard this clip of your song and I want to know if you wanted to meet with me” and I literally thought I was being pranked.”

Eventually, she signed her record deal with Big Machine Label Group thanks to her artistry. “I really am thankful that songwriting is what started my journey. […] It all starts with a song, and I feel really thankful that that was my foundation.”

Today:

Now, as a major label artist, Carpenter is super excited for what is in store for her future. While this past year has been monumental both personally and professionally she exclaimed that, “this year is about continuing to build a connection with people that connect with my music.”

Most recently her single, “Jesus, I’m Jealous” enticed fans across the genre. “I grew up a pastor’s daughter, so I always had faith, it’s been really important to me my whole life, and I literally just heard someone say that phrase in talking, and as a songwriter, you’re always writing things down, so I had written it down,” she shared about how the song was created.

“We wanted to make sure it was said in the right way, and we wanted it to literally be a prayer,” added Carpenter. “Whether people love it or hate it, they’ll want to know what we’re talking about.”

Continuing to talk about the message conveyed in “Jesus, I’m Jealous,” the songstress shared, “There was a time in my life, where I feel like you can look around and be like I should be where that person is by now or why hasn’t this happened to me […] I was so inspired by that time, and it’s okay to let yourself feel all those feelings like ‘I really want that right now, but also wrapping it up with, I know  it’s going to be okay.’” The song is one of the most relatable songs in the genre currently.

Moving ahead, Carpenter promises more new music and a project coming in April. Keep your eyes and ears open!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Mackenzie Carpenter, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Mackenzie Carpenter’s 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.

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 –

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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.