Platinum-selling singer-songwriter, Thomas Rhett arrived in New York City this week to celebrate the release of his fourth studio album Center Point Road, which is available everywhere you buy or stream music today (5/31). With a many number one songs already, successful collaborations, and sold-out shows to his name, Rhett is sure to find success with his new record that perfectly embodies both nostalgia and personal moments with fun and lively summer anthems.
To promote his new LP, Rhett headed to the iHeartRadio Theatre in downtown Manhattan yesterday afternoon to meet and play for some of his lucky fans, as part of iHeart’s album release party. iHeart’s Amy Brown of the ‘Bobby Bones Show’ introduced Rhett to the stage, where an intimate amount of fans were eagerly waiting for the reigning ACM Male Artist of the Year to start his performance.
The entertainer sang songs off the new record, including his smash hit, “Look What God Gave Her,” the heartfelt “Remember You Young” “That Old Truck,” and the rowdy, “Beer Can’t Fix.” Although some songs were just released, fans in the audience jammed out and sang along to each and every song, leaving the artists awestruck and grateful. Although this was an album release party, the singer made sure to mix in some fan favorites as well, including “Marry Me” “Die A Happy Man,” “Life Changes,” and ending with, “Crash and Burn.”
In between songs, Brown interacted with the singer, asking him his inspiration for the new album, the writing process, and about his upcoming ‘Very Hot Summer Tour. Rhett shared that he knows a song is good when his daughters want to listen to it again and again, and of course, that his beautiful wife, Lauren is his muse.
(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora Media)
Next up, New York Country Swag headed to SubCulture in SOHO to catch Pandora Music’s Sound On Special With Thomas Rhett presented by Marshalls. Fans lined up down the block, in hopes of being one of the few lucky fans to snag a coveted seat to the invite-only event. Once inside, guests were greeted with a cocktail and a Thomas Rhett lanyard, and of course, invited to take a photo in front of a backdrop, inspired by the Center Point Road album art. After a few minutes, attendees were escorted downstairs to enjoy some snacks and drinks. Once seated, guests were gifted a gift card to Marshalls, as well as, a suede official Thomas Rhett and Pandora koozie to keep.
The lights in the beautiful and intimate venue began to dim, as both SiriusXM’s The Highway radio host, Storme Warren and Thomas Rhett took the stage to talk everything Center Point Road for the broadcast that will air this weekend. Seated across from each other in comfy chairs, Warren and Rhett dived deeper into the singer’s inspiration for the new album, highlighted his favorite songs, and gave audience members a first listen of ten of the sixteen songs off the record. The duo even recounted about Rhett’s journey in the music industry, offering valuable advice to always stay true to who you are.
Although only 29, as Warren liked to say, Rhett shared “people say that 29 is too young to be nostalgic and I say bull crap,” as the singer-songwriter explained the reflective creative process that embodies the new record. He added that he likes to write music based on what he’s listening to, which inspired the opening track off the album, “Up,” a modern take on gospel music with an incredibly inspiring message. Invitees also learned that the track was written on the same day as his previous hits “Unforgettable” and “Marry Me.” Warren and Rhett went through a similar process with nine other songs- Rhett provided the audience with some context, and each track played afterward.
Both the iHeart and Pandora events were filled with highlights, but one of the most magical moments, during the interview was when Rhett spoke about the songs inspired by his wife, “Notice” and “The Dream You Never Had.” Each song was both a thank you and an apology to Lauren for always standing by him; even the times when he is in his own head or on the road. He left the audience in awe and in tears with the tracks, and his meaningful statement, “when you’re on each others’ team so much, there’s nothing that can break ya.”
(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora Media)
At the end of the interview, Rhett was gifted with a plaque from Pandora for 3 billion spins on the streaming platform, a feat that music icons, Keith Urban and Fleetwood Mac had just recently achieved. As the night came to a close, Rhett humbly and graciously thanked everyone in the room for supporting him and his music and was escorted off stage, during a standing ovation.
Soon thereafter, attendees made their way out of the venue with a cookie and a t-shirt in hand, and excitement buzzing around, as we all eagerly awaited for the clock to strike midnight on album release day. For more exclusive coverage of his album release events, check out his Today Show performance, as Thomas Rhett took the plaza stage this morning to further celebrate the new record.
In addition to the new album, Rhett’s “Very Hot Summer” tour just kicked off with his dad Rhett Akins, Russell Dickerson, and Dustin Lynch. Hitting thirty-nine cities across the country, there are plenty of opportunities to see this star-studded concert. New York fans will have the chance to see this tour at the legendary Madison Square Garden on September 20, 2019.
To keep up with Thomas Rhett, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Center Point Road 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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(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora)
