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NYCS First Impression: Stephanie Quayle ‘If I Was A Cowboy’ EP

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Stephanie Quayle

Last Friday, one of our favorite female artists, Stephanie Quayle released her newest EP entitled If I Was a Cowboy. Quayle is both a Swag Spotlight alum, as well as, a past performer at our 2nd annual Babes, Booze & Brunch event last March. She is as talented as they come, and her new EP is a perfect snippet into her musical style, showcasing heartfelt delivery.

The new project begins with the spunky title track. Written by extraordinary songwriters, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, and Nicolle Gaylon, “If I Was a Cowboy” is a nostalgic anthem for female empowerment and strength. The lyrics create pronounced imagery, as Quayle sings candidly about the differences between how men and women deal with heartache.

“Cowboys don’t cry / Cowboys can lie to themselves and to everyone else when it’s over / Cowboys ain’t fragile, they’re back in the saddle / Don’t wait for their heart to unbreak / They just ride away”

The songstress slows things down a bit in the equally impactful and cleverly titled, “Evel Knievel.” Co-written by the Montana native with Karen Kosowski and Tori Tullier, the track inspires listeners to take that risk and to chase your dreams. It is inspired by a fearless stuntman from her home state. In the poignant chorus, Quayle shares “ain’t no one born with nerves of steel,” adding “sometimes we gotta take our hands off the wheel to fly like an eagle, like Evel Knieval.” In other words, take that leap of faith. It’s always worth it.

Quayle switches gears yet again, singing about her curiosity about a man, whose drinking alone at the bar in another track she co-penned. In her current single, “Whatcha Drinkin’ Bout,” she sings along to an enticing mid-tempo instrumental. The track cuts right to the chase lyrically but still packs a punch. “Whatcha Drinkin’ Bout’ should definitely be a staple at her live shows.

Continuing to rely on her strong and sassy vibe, Quayle shows off her personality in “Second Rodeo.” She preaches, yet again, to keep going, despite adversity. This time, relying on her past experiences to tell listeners that everyone is both working towards something and fighting their own demons. Quayle reminds us to “get back on the horse” and that “ain’t nobody got their shit together” just yet, and that’s okay.

Finally, the EP concludes with arguably the most poignant song of the project simply called “Untitled.” The ballad feels like Quayle’s lyrical autobiography. In the first verse, she cleverly reminds us of the lyrics to songs that we know all too well in order to explain that her story has just begun. We are ultimately all on our own journey to find ourselves and to live in our own authenticity. It is the perfect way to wrap up the well-rounded project.

“I’m still making it up as I go along / But for now I’m calling this song untitled / It’s untitled”

Overall the record encompasses all the aspects of Quayle’s unique talent. She exudes courage of conviction, strength, and vulnerability, through her five-song EP. We are eager to see what her full-length record will encompass in the future.

If I Was a Cowboy 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.

To keep up with Stephanie Quayle follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Stephanie Quayle Releases Breathtaking Video for “If I Was A Cowboy”

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Stephanie Quayle If I was A Cowboy

Rising singer-songwriter and one of our Swag Spotlight artists, Stephanie Quayle released the breathtaking music video for her single “If I Was A Cowboy.” Directed by Jeff Johnson, the video premiered exclusively on CMT July 1st. “If I Was A Cowboy” offers a glimpse into Quayle’s country-western roots, as it is filmed on her family’s ranch in Montana along with her very own horses. The picturesque mountains create an incredible backdrop to a young girl growing up riding horses, learning that she can and will be just as tough as a cowboy.

The visual for “If I Was A Cowboy” displays a strong sense of female empowerment and strength. As the girl in the music video grows up, she is told by her boyfriend that he does not want to get married. Much to her despair, she was forced to witness him moving on with another woman. The message Quayle so beautifully portrays throughout the song is: although you may experience heartbreak and adversity, it is important to remain strong and keep on keepin’ on. The timeless track was written by super songwriter trio Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, and Nicolle Gaylon. The newfound freedom and regained toughness Quayle sings about in “If I Was A Cowboy” is displayed as she rides off into the stunning sunset underneath the vast Montana sky.

Quayle was named CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2019 and is rightfully earning every bit of success thus far. The extremely talented country newcomer has graced the stages of both The Grand Ole Opry and The Ryman Auditorium and performed alongside Kane Brown, Brett Eldredge, John Pardi, and more. She also performed at our 2nd Annual Babes, Booze & Brunch event back in March. “If I Was A Cowboy” is the nostalgic anthem that is paving the way for her EP that is currently being worked on. In the meantime, you can catch Quayle on the road at various festivals and shows this summer.

To keep up with Stephanie Quayle follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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NYCountry Swag’s 2nd Annual ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’ Recap

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Sunday (Mar 10.), New York Country Swag hosted its 2nd annual ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’ event at Refinery Rooftop.  This event which celebrates all women in honor of International Women’s Day is a great way to acknowledge our family, friends, industry partners and followers who inspire us every single day.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

The day kicked off with VIP guests arriving at 11 AM, grabbing their custom made champagne glasses and heading to our mimosa and bloody mary bar to create their own one of a kind cocktails.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

Once again, Nomi Beauty was on site to beautify our guests by adding braids and curls to their hair and Nails by Mandy added glitz and glam to their nails. To welcome guests, DJ Artie from DJ’s @ Work was spinning some of the best songs performed by females in all different genres.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

Our general admission guests arrived at noon and our sold-out brunch had officially begun. Local New York/New Jersey country artist Lauren Davidson was back again this year to kick off the live music portion and performed not only a few of her original songs including “To The Moon and Back” and “Pouring Rain,” but also sang an incredible version of Maren Morris’ “GIRL” which was perfectly fitting for our day of celebrating all of the ladies in the room. Her mash-up of Spice Girls “Wannabe” and Britney Spears’ “Hit Me Baby One More Time” had the entire room of guests singing along, loving every moment.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

NYCountry Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner and Managing Editor, Christina Bosch

 

After a brief introduction and thanks to our partners, In Good Company Hospitality, Refinery Rooftop, Refinery Hotel, Nomi Beauty, Nash FM 94.7 and all of the Swag Bag contributors; BBR Music Group, UMG, Warner Music Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, and Dennis Entertainment, Christina and Stephanie welcomed to the stage someone who we are so excited to have back in New York City, NASH FM DJ and personality, Kelly Ford.

 

Babes, Booze and Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

Ford took the stage to thank the country music fans in the room for being so loyal and passionate and for listening to NASH FM 94.7.  She introduced our headliner, Stephanie Quayle saying: “This will be one of those moments that the passionate New York and New Jersey fans will remember. We know how you support artists and you’ll want to support this one. I’m good on the bandwagon thing, I get on early and this one is going to be a huge star.”

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Marko Albrecht for NYCountry Swag

Quayle took the stage to entertain our guests by performing true country music, singing “Seflish”, and her latest single “If I Was A Cowboy”. She had the crowd singing along during her cover of Jon Pardi’s “Dirt On My Boots”.  She played a few songs that she had never played before during her set, giving our guests and followers a sneak peek at brand new music. “Growing up in Montana, and to know that New York has this country music swag, it’s just growing and it’s so special to see so many fans of country music that want more,” she exclaimed.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

After the live music, guests continued the party by heading to our photobooth and taking pictures and dancing to the great girl power anthems.

 

Babes, Booze & Brunch

Photo Credit Jillian Tuttle for NYCountry Swag

 

As the ladies left, they grabbed their Swag Bags which were filled with merch from five different major music labels and all of their artists. We want to thank all of our partners, and everyone who supports New York Country Swag and allows us to host incredible events like ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’.

Make sure to check out the recap video above and check out more photos from the incredible day on our Facebook here:

 

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NYCS Swag Spotlight: Stephanie Quayle

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Stephanie Quayle

Ahead of our Babes Booze & Brunch event this Sunday we are excited to share with you our Swag Spotlight with Stephanie Quayle who will be performing a live set at the event. Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana Quayle truly lived the life of a country kid.  She lived on her family’s farm, her stepfather was a veterinarian and she grew up around tons of animals, especially on horses since she was a very young girl. Her grandmother who taught piano taught her how to play when she was only four years old, and she recalls music always being a part of her life.  “In our barn, we had this little silver AM radio that would always play country music, and for me, there was no place I would rather be that in that barn with my horse listening to country music,” she tells us. She explains that growing up her mother would listen to Joni Mitchell as well as the country greats, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and George Strait while her father brought out the rock n roll influences with Led Zeppelin.

She recalls writing poetry and nourishing her creative side by writing music when she was twelve years old but picked up a guitar when she was fifteen.  After a rough 9th grade dealing with bullying and hazing, Quayle took part in an exchange program in Switzerland and her after-school program included being the lead singer of a band and touring the country. “It was such an exciting time, it was all brand new and getting up on stage, that is when I knew this would be my life,” she explains.  “I didn’t know how, or what the next steps would be but this is where I make the most sense, so whatever I had to do to so this could be my career was what I was going to figure out.”

She ultimately made the move to Nashville eight years ago and has been throwing her self into her music since that first opportunity in Switzerland. She is now making music that she loves, with people who she adores and loves being able to connect with her fans. “How do I create more soundtracks to their moments, we all have those songs that tie us to a moment, a place, a feeling an emotion there is so much that music provides and I love being the landscape,” she says is her goal with her career.

Stephanie Quayle

Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Not only was she one of the artists named by Karen Fairchild at last year’s CMT Artist of the Year, but she was also inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2019. “Ever since I learned of the program when they started it, I always wanted to earn my spot and earn the respect of my peers and know that I am worthy of that title and continue to pay it forward to other artists and shed light on extraordinary women,” she says. Quayle tells us that every time she has an opportunity like this or when she made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage, she feels a responsibility to push herself and to exceed her expectations. “I have earned every step and I take it very seriously, there are so many people that work tirelessly to make sure that my voice is heard, it’s not just about me, it is my job, it employees people, we have the coolest job in the world, we get to live our lives through music but it’s also a business.”

Her latest single which was released last month, “If I Was A Cowboy” was written by what Quayle calls the “trifecta of super awesome”, Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, and Nicolle Gaylon. “I am a Western kid from Montana, I’ve been on the back of a horse since I was a teeny tiny human,” she laughs. “I have always wanted to be a cowboy, I grew up with cowboys with that cowboy strength, when I heard this song, I knew it was made for me and I don’t mean that arrogantly, it is just so honest to who I am, where I’ve been and what I’ve felt.”  She wanted the production to really honor her roots and reflect on the times when she stayed in a situation too long, knowing it was wrong or when she let her emotions linger in a bad place, wishing she was a cowboy and having the strength to move on faster.

She looks ahead to the new year, she will be joining us in New York City for our ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’ event on March 10th and is going to be touring a lot this year, promoting her new single. She also told us that they have a ton of music and she hopes to release her next album later this year. Grab your tickets to see Stephanie Quayle this Sunday at Refinery Rooftop here and follow her on Instagram to keep up with all of her new announcements.

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Stephanie Quayle Releases New Single “If I Was A Cowboy”

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Newly inducted member of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Stephanie Quayle released her much anticipated single “If I Was A Cowboy” today.  The track penned by well-known songwriters Nicolle Gaylon, Ross Copperman, and Shane McAnally.

Quayle’s “If I Was A Cowboy,” tells a story of how she is dealing with a break-up compared to how a cowboy would handle it.  Her genuine southern roots and elegant vocals reel us into the compelling heartbreak comparison with opening lyrics, “If I was a cowboy / I’d be on my second beer / not staring at my cell phone stuck in the bathroom mirror…And if I was a cowboy / I’d just throw some blue jeans on / I’d be somewhere on the dance floor / I’d already be moved on.”  As much as one would wish to be strong and resemble a cowboy’s perspective towards the break-up, Quayle admits that it is not easy.

Utter confusion and betrayal are embodied in the second verse when she sings “Cowboys say they’ll never marry / so you go and set them free / Mr. ‘I ain’t getting married’ just didn’t wanna marry me.”  Quayle’s incredible storytelling paints a picture of pure desolation with lyrics “I’m just a girl closing her tab/can’t hide her hurt under her hat” all while Cowboy’s, “they don’t wait for their heart to unbreak/they just ride away.”

After listening to this song in its entirety and understanding the difficulty of coping with a breakup, it becomes empowering for women out there and to look at the end of a relationship with the perspective of a cowboy and to be strong and move on.  It is no surprise that Quayle was recently named one of Rolling Stone Country’s Top Artists You Need To Know, and is making her mark as one of Nashville’s newest talented female singer-songwriters.  Check out her latest single “If I Was A Cowboy” below and be sure to go to www.stephaniequayle.com for upcoming shows and information!

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: