Mackenzie Carpenter Archives

Mackenzie Carpenter Drops New Song “Don’t Mess With Exes”

February 10, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

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.

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.

Who Is Mackenzie Carpenter? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

February 9, 2023/in Blog, News, Swag Spotlight /by Erica Zisman

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

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

January 30, 2023/in Blog, News /by Stephanie Wagner and Erica Zisman

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 –

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 –

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 –

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 –

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 –

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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