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Maddie & Tae: ‘Through the Madness, Vol 2’ – EP Review

Maddie & Tae’s new EP, Through the Madness, Vol 2 , out now, September 23rd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below and check out our full review.

Just nine months after the January release of their EP, Through the Madness, Volume 1, Maddie & Tae are back with its younger sister, Volume 2. Like on Volume 1, the Mercury Nashville pair co-wrote all of the collection’s eight tracks while also enlisting some of Nashville’s biggest names, including Ryan Hurd, Josh Thompson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jimmy Robbins, and Josh Kerr.

As the gold standard in women’s country harmonies, the duo only further solidifies that position with each subsequent release, and Volume 2 is no exception. Here, they continue to do what they do best: weave classic country storytelling with intrinsic harmonies.

While both Maddie Font and Taylor (Tae) Kerr are happily married, they shine when they’re channeling heartbreak. This is apparent on songs like “These Tears,” “Drinking to Remember,” “Watching Love Leave,” and “Well in Your World.”

“Well in Your World” deals with the pair wondering what happened to a high school sweetheart. The radio-ready mid-tempo finds them in a conundrum of not necessarily missing someone but wondering what happened to them. “I’d be lying if I said I missed you // But I’d be lying if I said you never crossed my mind, sometimes, They admit. “We’re a thousand miles away from who we were // When we were just a boy and a girl // I hope all is well in your world.”

“These Tears” is a sparse and stunning ballad, the pair harmonizing over simple acoustic and steel guitars, vulnerabilities on full display. “These tears, should’ve been cried long ago,” They sing mournfully, heartbreak evident in every note. “All these years of hanging on is getting old // So I’m letting go. I can’t keep them from falling down // I guess I’m crying them now.” 

On “Drinking to Remember,” the pair puts a clever lyrical twist on the idea of drowning one’s sorrows at the bottom of a glass. While most drink to forget, Maddie & Tae are drinking to remember a lost love. “A love like ours is too good to forget,” They muse over a glass of his favorite whiskey. “So I’m drinking to remember.”

In a similar vein, both “Girl After My Own Heart” and “More Than Maybe” are absolute masterpieces, taking classic tropes and turning them on their heads. “Girl After My Own Heart” has the pair warning another woman to stay away from their man. While they can admit that this other woman is “rocking that dress,” she’s “wasting her time wanting what’s mine.” Meanwhile, “More Than Maybe,” has them realizing that a guy in their life isn’t truly reciprocating their love. “How many times can a girl’s heart break?” They ask. “I deserve more than maybe.”

“Every Night Every Morning” is one of the album’s happier moments, telling the tale of falling in love over and over again. Here, they weave patented harmonies over a twangy country melody. “Every night and every morning I fall all over again and again,” They admit on the romantic ballad. “And you don’t even know it // Baby, if you’re wondering when you hold me // If I still feel forever, only Every night and every morning.”

The EP ends with “Spring Cleaning,” an infectiously sassy kick-off tune, laced with hints of 90’s country and inspirations like the Chicks, Gretchen Wilson, and Miranda Lambert. The pair channel their inner Marie Kondo, whom they mention on the track, getting rid of someone who no longer sparks joy in their lives. 

“Ooh, you’re taking up space // It’s time to tidy up and take you out my brain // Ooh, what do you see? Cleaning out the closet looks good on me // It ain’t spring, but I’m cleaning house // It ain’t spring, but I’m cleaning out // It ain’t spring, but I’m cleaning house // So, come and get your shit out”

Like Through the Madness Volume 1, this second collection continues to show Maddie & Tae growing and evolving, while also managing to do what they do best. It’s a must-listen for any country music fan, and when listening to the volumes back-to-back, it’s sixteen tracks of harmonic musical bliss.

Through the Madness, Volume 2 EP Tracklist:

  1. “Well In Your World” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Ryan Hurd, Jimmy Robbins)^ 
  2. “Every Night Every Morning” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jonathan Singleton, Brock Berryhill)^ 
  3. “Drinking To Remember” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Benjy Davis, Daniel Ross)^ 
  4. “Girl After My Own Heart” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)^ 
  5. “Watching Love Leave” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Benjy Davis, Daniel Ross)^ 
  6. “More Than Maybe” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jimmy Robbins)^ 
  7. “These Tears” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Laura Veltz, Jon Green)* 
  8. “Spring Cleaning” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Tayla Parx)
maddie-tae-new-ep-vol-2-volume

Maddie & Tae’s brand new EP, ‘Through the Madness, Vol 2’ is out now.

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

The duo are currently headlining CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour.

To keep up with Maddie & Tae, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter

Through the Madness Volume 2 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.

maddie-&-tae-ep

Maddie & Tae: ‘Through the Madness Vol. 1’ – EP Review

Maddie & Tae’s newest EP, Through the Madness Vol. 1is officially out now, January 28th, and available on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

On Through the Madness Volume 1, Maddie and Tae are stronger than ever. As a duo, the pair of Madison Font (formerly Marlow) and Taylor Kerr (formerly Dye) has become known for their intrinsic and ethereal harmonies paired with vulnerability-laden songwriting. This continues on Through the Madness, showing the pair getting better and better with each subsequent release.

Featuring eight brand new tracks, each song on Through the Madness Volume 1 was co-written by the duo, hearts fully on display with each lyric. They also enlist some of Nashville’s biggest names here, including Tae’s husband, Josh Kerr, Jordan Minton, Barry Dean, Luke Laird, and Jimmy Robbins.

Following in the footsteps of 2020’s The Way It Feels, this eight-song collection continues to show their growth as both individuals and a duo. Yet, some songs date back even further than that release. Kerr explains that one of the album’s highlights, “Don’t Make Her Look Dumb” isn’t exactly new. “We wrote ‘Don’t Make Her Look Dumb’ less than a month after “Die From A Broken Heart,” which was five years ago. Everyone loved the song, but Maddie and I felt like we’d already done it.” At the suggestion of their A&R rep, they brought in Morgane Stapleton, best known for performing with her husband, Chris.

Another highlight is the pair’s collaboration with Lori McKenna, “The Other Side.” The song embraces overcoming hardships, the trio harmonizing magically. “I know your heart is heavy// And your feet feel unsteady // That highwire is ready to break // Don’t forget // That there’s strength in the weakness // And light in the pieces // Even broke down hearts know how to shine,” They sing on the uplifting ballad. “Oh, there’s wisdom in the waiting // Peace in the patience // Time always takes care of the changing time // And if you need a hand // Then reach for mine // You’re closer than you think // To the other side.”

On the album’s opener, “What It’s Like Loving You,” the pair whimsically wonder about a relationship with someone new, wondering what it’ll be like. “If it’s anything like tonight,” they muse. “I could get used to // What it’s like loving you.” Meanwhile, they flip the script on “Woman You Got,” outlining the imperfections that make loving them an adventure. “I know you know me, but if I know me,” they sing teasingly. “I’m gonna drive you crazy.”

On “Wish You the Best,” the pair do what they do best, and turn a clever phrase into an incredible lyric. Since the “Girl in a Country Song Days,” they have shined with their lyrical prowess and this country kissoff is no exception. “I wish you the best, but you’ve already had it.”

Both “Madness” and “Strangers” are heartfelt love songs, with “Madness” as an ode to enduring love, promising that “if the world goes mad // I’ll love you through the madness.” The collection ends with the piano-driven “Strangers,” reflecting on the power of the kind of love that makes life before it seem irrelevant. While the song can most easily be interpreted as a love song to a significant other, it can easily be applied to a mother of a child, with Kerr welcoming her first daughter unexpectedly on January 17, nearly three months early.

For Maddie & Tae, Through the Madness Vol. 1 is a natural progression in their musical journey. It shows them evolving and growing while still remaining true to their roots with a combination of clever lyrics, powerful meaning, and pure country harmonies.

Through the Madness Vol 1. EP Tracklist:

  1. What It’s Like Loving You (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Jordan Minton)
  2. Woman You Got (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Mark Holman, Laura Veltz)
  3. Don’t Make Her Look Dumb (Feat. Morgane Stapleton) (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Barry Dean, Luke Laird)
  4. Grown Man Cry (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Eric Arjes, Jordan Minton)
  5. Madness (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jessie Jo Dillon, Zach Kale)
  6. The Other Side (Feat. Lori McKenna) (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Lori McKenna)
  7. Wish You The Best (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)*
  8. Strangers (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Adam Hambrick, Jimmy Robbins)
maddie-and-tae-ep

Maddie and Tae’s new EP, ‘Through the Madness Vol. 1’ is out now.

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

To keep up with Maddie & Tae, follow them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

Through the Madness Vol 1. EP 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.

Maddie & Tae Return with Sassy New Single “Woman You Got”

Maddie & Tae’s new song, “Woman You Got” is available now, March 26th, on all streaming platforms. Written by the duo along with Laura Veltz, Mark Holman, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Just about a year ago, Maddie & Tae released their long-awaited sophomore record The Way It Feels. The record showcased the duo in the best light, proving that they are truly ready for greatness. Now, months later the singer-songwriters return with their first release of 2021, a brand new single titled “Woman You Got.”

Teasing the song on social media, the ladies dedicated “Woman You Got” to “all [the] self-aware queens out there.” Just that mere sentiment alone was enough to get us excited for its release. The new song is a sassy, mid-tempo jam all about owning who you are. Maddie and Tae share their flaws in such a way that feels both confident and self-assured. The song is an inspiring love song that feels deliciously Maddie & Tae.

“I talk smack // I make messes // I win bread // I’m kinda selfish // Don’t trust // Me in the kitchen // Don’t dare me // I ain’t chicken // You say you love me I know you love me // love that you love me baby // I know you know me but if I know me // I’m gonna drive you crazy”

Although the past year was not what the duo hoped it would be in regards to touring and celebrating new music, 2021 is looking promising for the singers. With a dedicated fanbase behind them, a firm foundation holding them up, and incredible talent, this is only just the (new) beginning for Maddie & Tae!

Maddie & Tae's "Woman You Got" is available now, March 26th

Maddie & Tae’s “Woman You Got” is available now, March 26th

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

To keep up with Maddie & Tae, follow them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

“Woman You Got” 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.

Lady Antebellum Cancels 2020 Ocean Tour

As summer shows and tours are canceled or postponed throughout the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lady Antebellum‘s Ocean 2020 Tour with special guests Jake Owen & Maddie and Tae, becomes the latest to post an update. Unfortunately, the entire tour has been canceled.

“We dream about the day we can step back on stage, see all your faces and hear all of your voices singing back to us. Y’all are the reason we do what we do and we find peace knowing that it will be even more special once we get through this together – and we will. While we don’t have future plans to share just yet, we are working with our team around the clock to figure out when and how we can safely get on the road to see all of you. Until then, we’re going to continue to find ways to keep the music playing and stay connected with you.⁣,” The group wrote in an Instagram post shared above.

Ticket holders will receive an e-mail in the coming days regarding refund options.

For more information visit, ladyantebellum.com.

To keep up with Lady Antebellum, you can follow them on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

 

Lady Antebellum’s Ocean 2020 ORIGINAL Tour Dates:
with Jake Owen & Maddie and Tae

5/21/2020  Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
5/22/2020  Phoenix, AZ – Ak- Chin Pavilion
5/23/2020  San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
5/28/2020  Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
5/29/2020  Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
5/30/2020  Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
6/13/2020  Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
6/14/2020  Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
6/18/2020  Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion
6/19/2020  Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
6/20/2020  Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
6/25/2020  Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
6/26/2020  Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
6/27/2020  Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
7/10/2020  Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha
7/16/2020  Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
7/17/2020  Pittsburgh, PA
7/18/2020  Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
7/23/2020  Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
7/24/2020  Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
7/25/2020  Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park @ Walnut Creek
7/31/2020  Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
8/01/2020  Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp
8/02/2020  West Palm Beach, FL – Coral Sky Amphitheater
8/06/2020  Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
8/07/2020  Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/08/2020  Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/15/2020  St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/16/2020  Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/21/2020  Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
8/22/2020  Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/27/2020  Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
8/28/2020  Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
8/29/2020  Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
9/04/2020  Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
9/05/2020  Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
9/06/2020  Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
9/10/2020  Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Bowling Arena
9/11/2020  Southaven, MS – Landers Center
9/12/2020  Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

 

 

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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 InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Maddie & Tae ‘The Way It Feels’

Maddie and Tae The Way It Feels

Since bursting onto the scene with 2014’s satirical “Girl in a Country Song,” Maddie & Tae have been one of country’s most interesting acts. The duo released their first full-length album in 2015. Yet, due to unexpected career chaos, including the shuttering of their old record label, it took five years for the release of their sophomore album, The Way It Feels, out today. As the old cliche goes, some things are worth the wait.

The Way It Feels shows Maddie (Marlow) and Tae (Taylor Dye) as women in a country duo, having come a long way from their “Girl in a Country Song” days. Having lived through relationships and marriages, personal and professional heartbreaks and triumphs, the music here is mature and thoughtful. The album includes some previously-released tracks, including the stunning “Friends Don’t” and “Die from a Broken Heart,” both evidence of the kind of brilliance the pair is capable of.

The duo co-wrote on all but one of the album’s fifteen tracks, allowing their personalities to truly come through on each and every song. Other co-writers include some of the genre’s biggest names, including Dye’s husband Josh Kerr, Dave Barnes, Jordan Reynolds, Jimmy Robbins, Jon Nite, Laura Veltz, Forrest Whitehead, and more. They also enlist Dierks Bentley on the stunningly beautiful ballad, “Lay Here With Me.” While the collaboration is one of the album’s highlights, there are many musical moments throughout the collection.

The album opens with “Everywhere I’m Going,” immediately setting the tone for the record. With it’s breezy, mid-tempo instrumentation and beautiful harmonization, the pair preview an album full of much of the same. Some of the album’s most stunning tracks are ballads, showing off Maddie & Tae’s unmatched harmonies and beautiful lyrics. There’s “Trying On Rings,” an ethereal celebration of the progression of a young summer romance all the way through to growing up and trying on wedding rings. On “Drunk or Lonely,” they’re on the receiving end of a text from an ex that has them wondering if he’s just drunk or lonely.

The album also shines on its fun, up-tempo tracks, including “Bathroom Floor,” “Ain’t There Yet,” and “New Dogs.” On the first, they implore a friend to pull herself together and recover from a breakup. “Get up off the bathroom floor/ Let’s wipe the tears off your cheeks/ Put on a dress and get out that door/ Girl, the first shot’s on me,” They sing. “Let’s jump into a cab downtown/ Let a sexy man spin you around/ Let’s show that heart/ Some neon magic/ ‘Til we’re drunk and laughing/ Back on the bathroom floor.”

On “New Dogs,” the album’s clever closing track, Maddie & Tae call out guys who are full of classic lines to pick up girls. “I’ve seen this before, Couldn’t be more not surprised,” They muse here, “Hey baby/ Let me guess/ You never felt this before/ My beauty takes your breath/ Boy get that jaw off the floor/ Ain’t my first rodeo/ I know the way this goes/ Bow wow baby/ Got a bone to pick/ New dogs, old tricks/ Oooh, put a leash on it.”

While Maddie & Tae may not have been able to do the things they’d anticipated with the release of The Way It Feels, they’re making the best of a tough situation. “This isn’t the way we dreamed of putting our album out. There’s so much we’d love to get out there and do, necks we’d like to hug, but the reality is… we all need to stay home. There’s some beauty in being home… time to listen to music,” the pair tweeted. And there’s plenty of beauty in this album to be listened to and enjoyed.

Maddie and Tae will be hitting the road this summer with Lady Antebellum, as part of their Oceans 2020 Tour, which also includes special guest, Jake Owen. The show will hit Jones Beach on August 7 followed by the rescheduled date for PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ on September 26th. To keep up with the duo, visit their official website or follow them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

NYCS Picks:
1. “Bathroom Floor”
2. “Lay Here With Me”
3. “Die From a Broken Heart”
4. “New Dog Old Tricks”

The Way It Feels Tracklist:
1. “Everywhere I’m Going'” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Josh Thompson, Jimmy Robbins)
2. “Bathroom Floor” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Josh Kerr)
3. “My Man” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Dave Barnes, Jordan Reynolds)
4. “Tourist In This Town” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Barry Dean, Jimmy Robbins)
5. “Drunk Or Lonely” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Deric Ruttan, Forrest Whitehead)
6. “One Heart To Another” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Jonathan Singleton, Deric Ruttan)
7. “Trying On Rings” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Laura Veltz, Jimmy Robbins)
8. “Write A Book” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Laura Veltz, Josh Kerr)
9. “Water In His Wine Glass” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Jon Nite)
10. “Ain’t There Yet” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Dave Barnes, Ben West)
11. “Lay Here With Me” (feat. Dierks Bentley) (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Josh Kerr, Dave Barnes)
12. “Friends Don’t” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Jon Nite, Justin Ebach)
13. “Die From A Broken Heart” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Jonathan Singleton, Deric Ruttan)
14. “I Don’t Need To Know” (Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye, Adam Hambrick)
15. “New Dog Old Tricks” (Laura Veltz, Jesse Frasure, Emily Weisband)

The Way It Feels 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 InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Taylor Dye of Maddie & Tae, Marries Songwriter Josh Kerr

 

On Friday (2/21) Taylor Dye of Universal Music Group’s Maddie & Tae married songwriter and producer Josh Kerr in Nashville. The two announced their engagement back in September after posting photos of Kerr down on one knee on the porch of their new home.

For those familiar with Maddie & Tae but not Josh Kerr, he is a songwriter and producer signed to Black River Publishing in Nashville, TN. He has multiple number one songs, including “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Dibs” co-written and recorded by Kelsea Ballerini and “My Girl” co-written and recorded by Dylan Scott. Most recently he has had success with Keith Urban’s “Never Coming Home” and has worked across genres with pop star Camila Cabello, Geoff Warburton, Hannah Kerr, and for KING & COUNTRY.

Maddie and Tae are gearing up to release their new record later this spring and will be joining Jake Owen and Lady Antebellum on the OCEAN TOUR 2020.

Congratulations to the beautiful couple!

 

 

—————

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 InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Carrie Underwood, Runaway June & Maddie and Tae Sell Out Madison Square Garden

Carrie Underwood MSG

Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag

Last night (October 2nd) Carrie Underwood brought her Cry Pretty Tour 360 to The Most Famous Arena in the World, Madison Square Garden. Her pure talent, stamina and ability to entertain the sold-out room in its entirety was impeccable. The sheer magnitude of the stage which spanned the arena, to the giant screens, fireworks, smoke and sparkles only helped to enhance the beauty and natural singing abilities that each of the women standing on that infamous stage obtains.

In a time when fans don’t bat an eye when all-male country tours make their way across the country, it was a big deal back in 2018 when Underwood announced she would be bringing not one but two female country acts along for this epic ride. Up first to warm up the crowd was one of our favorite rising female groups, Runaway June. Hannah, Jennifer, and Naomi looked fierce taking the stage to perform songs from their debut album, Blue Roses including “Trouble With This Town”, “Head Over Heels” and their rendition of Dwight Yoakam’s “Fast As You”. “Playing Madison Square Garden is a dream come true!” Jennifer told the crowd in between songs. “Thank you Carrie Underwood for sharing your stage with us”.

Runaway June Carrie Underwood MSG

Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag

The ladies closed out their opening set with one of the most poignant songs on the album, co-written by our Woman of the Month, Nicolle Galyon, “We Were Rich” and their latest top 5 smash, “Buy My Own Drinks”. The crowd immediately stood up to sing along to the female empowerment anthem that has garnered the ladies so much success in the past year.

Next up, Maddie and Tae took the stage, who are gearing up to release their next EP, Everywhere I’m Goin‘ which will be available on October 18th. Both ladies walked around the stage, singing some of their latest tracks including “Bathroom Floor”, “Friends Don’t”, and “Tourist In This Town”. Their flawless harmonies soared throughout the venue and the way they were standing on opposite sides of the arena yet still displayed perfect cohesion proved their star power.

Maddie and Tae Carrie Underwood Tour

Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag

Maddie and Tae were sure to feature two of their older hits, “Fly” and closed out their set with “Girl In A Country Song”, the one that got things started for them nearly 5 years ago. They also included what they called a “country throwback” for their NYC fans by singing a cover of Diamond Rio’s “Meet Me In The Middle”.  It’s a true testament to Carrie Underwood and her team, allowing these rising female artists to take the spotlight on this huge tour, allowing them to garner even more fans as they make their way across the U.S.

Carrie Underwood MSG

Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag

As the lights dimmed and giant screens dropped to the stage, deafening screams could be heard swirling around the venue. The anticipation in the room was palpable and from the moment the superstar rose up from the center of the massive stage, she was greeted with screams, cheering and was poised for two hours of entertaining some of her biggest fans. She kicked the night off with her current single, the summer bop “Southbound” and as the songstress strutted around the 360 set up, her sparkly dress glittered throughout the grand arena.

She seamlessly transitioned from hit to hit, barely taking time to slow down, take a breath or stop moving. The concept of having fans completely surround you must be daunting, but the energy level was high, fans could be found holding hands, swaying along and screaming the lyrics back to Underwood as she made her way from one side of the venue to the other. After 15 years in this business and six, well-received, critically acclaimed albums, it must be so hard to pick and choose which songs will make each tour setlist but Underwood carefully chose tracks from each of the records that she holds so near and dear to her heart.

Carrie MSG

Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag

 

Between oldies like “Wasted” and “Last Name” to brand new tracks from her 2018 album Cry Pretty, “Backsliding”, “End Up With You” and “Drinking Alone”, the songstress did not miss a single note, her voice somehow sounding better live than it does on the studio recordings. She told the crowd how she is especially proud of her latest album, she did a ton of writing for this record and even tried her hand at producing, watching the song take life from the writer’s room to the studio and ultimately what is heard on country radio.

Other stand out moments included when Underwood slowed things down to do a medley of tracks she doesn’t usually perform in concert like sitting at the piano to play “See You Again” while the entire room was lit up by cell phone lights, “Temporary Home” and “Just A Dream” which she mashed with Aerosmith’s “Dream On” and in classic Carrie Underwood fashion, her endnotes would give Steven Tyler a run for his money.

Carrie Underwood MSG

Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag

She welcomed back to the stage Maddie and Tae and Runaway June to honor the women of country music’s past. “There are so many reasons that this is possible and those reasons are the women that came before us, the women of country music that blazed the trails, that paved the way, that taught us how to be up here, and to sing and taught us how to write a good cheating song,” she explained. “In honor of those women, we’ve put together a little something special to honor all of the women of country music, but we’ve used a few of our ‘sheroes’. The 6 women strutted around the stage singing a medley of songs from Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and Trisha Yearwood to Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and Martina McBride. It was an epic moment and a highlight of an already empowering evening.

 

After a brief moment, Underwood rose from under the stage once again wearing a striking pink dress under the most stunning glittering chandelier to close out the show with “Cry Pretty” and “Love Wins”. As rainbow-colored confetti rained down, the sold-out venue walked out all smiles, impressed by the incredible country music show they had just witnessed. For more exclusive clips from the show head to NYCountry Swag’s Instagram.

The Cry Pretty Tour 360 continues through the end of the month. For remaining tour dates head to carrieunderwoodofficial.com.

To keep up with Carrie Underwood follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Maddie and Tae Perform “Friends Don’t” on TODAY

Maddie and Tae The Today Show Friends Dont

Photo courtesy today.com

Earlier this morning, Maddie and Tae performed their single “Friends Don’t” for Hoda and Kathie Lee on the TODAY show, taking time to chat about their excitement about being openers on Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty 360 Tour and reminiscing about their first time on the show.

Before they performed, Hoda and Kathie Lee gushed about the ladies, exclaiming “Not to brag or anything, we had them on the show four years ago because we knew, we had a gut feeling these two were going to be stars,” they said as a clip from their 2014 appearance flashed across the screen. That appearance just happened to be their very first on television when they were promoting “Girl in a Country Song”.  Now older, wiser and with brand new music, the duo is back as ready to impress national tv viewers.

They discussed with the hosts how they got a taste of their upcoming tour with Carrie Underwood when they performed with her at the CMT Artist of the Year celebration last week.  “That woman does not miss a note, ever,” Tae says of Underwood. They even discussed Maddie being engaged as the singer flashed her beautiful diamond ring, explaining that she found her dress in New York City a few weeks back.

The ladies then sang their song “Friends Don’t”, showcasing their unique harmonies and stunning vocals. Check out the full video on Today.com here.

Click here to grab your tickets to see Maddie and Tae, Runaway June and Carrie Underwood on her Cry Pretty 360 Tour at Madison Square Garden in October 2019.

 

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2018 CMT Artists of the Year – An Epic Night of Women in Country Music

Carrie Underwood, Runaway June and Maddie & Tae at CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. Photo by Rick Diamond / Getty Images via CMT.com

Carrie Underwood, Runaway June and Maddie & Tae at CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. Photo by Rick Diamond / Getty Images via CMT.com

Wednesday evening (Oct 17.),  in Nashville at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, CMT’s 2018 Artists of the Year ceremony honored women of country, including Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Carrie Underwood, Hillary Scott, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman, and for Country Artist of a Lifetime Award to Loretta Lynn. It was the perfect step towards changing the conversation to an action of supporting women in country music.

The night started off with Miranda Lambert and her band the Pistol Annies singing their new cut “Sugar Daddy,” which is on their on their upcoming record Interstate Gospel. Lambert voiced her opinion on supporting women in the industry and how we always have to be there for each other.

Kelsea Ballerini joined Alison Krauss to perform a beautiful rendition of Krauss’ classic, “Ghost In This House” and then accepted her award from Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott.

Alison Krauss and Kelsea Ballerini at CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. Photo by Jason Kempin / Getty Images via CMT.com

Alison Krauss and Kelsea Ballerini at CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. Photo by Jason Kempin / Getty Images via CMT.com

“One of the greatest gifts that have been given to me as a new artist on this short journey that I’ve been on so far is having people that I grew up listening to and that I’ve learned from, turn around and reach out their hand to me,” Ballerini said. “They’ve shared their stage with me and shared their platform with me and I think what I’ve learned from that is to lift each other up, to support each other, and to share our stage no matter how big or small it is.”

Maren Morris brought sass and R&B into her performance, where she joined Brandi Carlile on stage to put their own spin on Aretha Franklin’s soulful hit “Natural Woman” in tribute to the legend who passed away earlier this year. Accepting her award from Sheryl Crow, Morris voiced on how thankful she was that CMT was shining the light on the lack of female representation and putting this night together. She also said how she feels that the females in this room are putting out the most compelling and emotional music right now.

Hillary Scott performed with pop star Tori Kelly and gospel singer Kirk Franklin with an inspiring showing of Lady Antebellum’s hit “American Honey,” Kelly’s new single “Never Alone,” and Franklin’s track “Oh Happy Day.” Following Scott, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild performed with the soulful legend Gladys Knight for a mashup of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” which brought chills and a standing ovation through the Symphony Center.

Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman with Gladys Knight at CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. Photo by Jason Kempin / Getty Images via CMT.com

A standout moment was when Fairchild humbly included 35 up-and-coming women artists to look out for and support through their new projects in her speech including our past Swag Spotlights, Jillian Jacqueline, Abby Anderson, Tenille Townes, Runaway June, and Natalie Stovall. Take a look at the chilling moment in the video here.

Sadly, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Loretta Lynn wasn’t able to attend the ceremony to accept her award but her lifetime friend and actress Sissy Spacek was happy and tearful accepting the award on her behalf. Spacek seemed overwhelmingly thrilled and proud to talk about her dear friend and their everlasting friendship.

Lastly, Carrie Underwood brought out her opening acts for her 2019 Cry Pretty 360 Tour, Maddie & Tae, and Runaway June. Underwood began her performance with an acapella version of Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man,” and then Maddie & Tae joined in with “Rockin’ with the Rhythm,” by the Judds. Underwood then continued with a rousing rendition of Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” giving everyone a blast from the past. Runaway June added their touch with singing “Wild One” by Faith Hill. The artists then ended with a powerful performance of Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and harmonizing on Underwood’s single “Cry Pretty.”

CMT gave everyone a taste of what’s to come for females in country music. It was the perfect opportunity to show everyone that the future is female and female artists aren’t going anywhere but up from here.

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Runaway June

NYCS First Impression: Runaway June Debut EP

Runaway June

The rising trio Runaway June, which includes the beautiful and talented ladies Naomi, Hannah, and Jennifer, have given fans exactly what they have been waiting for. Today they dropped their self-titled EP and it can be downloaded and listened to everywhere music is available. The group has been working on this project for two years with well-known producer Dann Huff. In a press release about the EP, Jennifer said that Dann Huff has changed their lives, while Hannah said it best with “The EP is a really fun and diverse look into our sound as a band. It incorporates the fun of the live show, but also shows some soft moments that fans can relate to.”

The EP consists of 5 songs, “Buy My Own Drinks”, “I Am Too”, “Got Me Where I Want You”, “Wild West” and their own spunky version of Dwight Yoakam’s “Fast As You”.  The trio gave fans a taste of their EP last month when they released “Buy My Own Drinks” which was written by the ladies themselves alongside songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear. Fans love that single and will love the rest of the songs on the EP.

The collection of songs feature their spectacular harmonies on lyrics that touch on heartbreak, finding the perfect love and being badass, empowering women. This being their debut release on Wheelhouse Records, the project proves that the chicks of Runaway June are primed for stardom.

Last month Runaway June joined us for a Swag Session where they performed “Wild West” and “Buy My Own Drinks.” They talked to us about their exciting plans for next year. They will be joining Maddie and Tae on Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty 360 Tour. You will not want to miss the trio when the tour hits NYC next year, so make sure to grab your tickets here. You can also watch the full Swag Session below.

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