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Tyler Hilton Sells Out City Winery in New York City

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Tyler Hilton

This past Saturday night (Mar. 2), singer-songwriter and former One Tree Hill star Tyler Hilton brought his ‘City on Fire’ tour to a sold-out New York City crowd at The Loft at City Winery. Hilton was accompanied by special guest Alex2e, who warmed fans up with a 30-minute acoustic set.

With every seat filled in the dimly lit room, Hilton energetically entered the stage with a guitar in hand while the audience cheered. Going straight into “Overtime” from his newly released record, City on Fire, the singer-songwriter told the crowd, “You guys are fun already!” Playing two of the more upbeat tracks from City on Fire, “How Long ‘Til I Lose You” and “The Way That She Loves,” the crowd sang both tracks back to Hilton in which he whispered into his microphone, “New York, you guys are my favorite. You guys were a lot of the people I had in mind when I was making this record, nervous to play you guys the new stuff so it’s nice to finally be here with you guys.” Cracking jokes with his two bandmates in between songs and telling the audience hilarious stories from being on the road, Hilton made fans laugh hysterically all night long.

After playing one of his older jams, “Jenny,” Hilton decided to let the audience choose the remainder of his setlist. Asking the crowd if there were any One Tree Hill fans in attendance, everyone went wild, with Hilton replying, “Oh goodness, there’s a lot of Hulu subscriptions in the house tonight…This song goes out to you guys.” He played his prominent rendition of “Missing You,” which was made popular on the hit television series.
Taking suggestions from fans, Hilton played his very first single, “When It Comes,” which he filmed the music video for right there in New York City. “Prince of Nothing Charming” was up next, which he wrote for his wife, actress Megan Park, “I wanna dedicate this song to my amazing wife back home, she’s lending me out to the rest of the country for a couple of months and I’ll send this out to her, if you guys could tag her to prove that I’m thinking about her on the road that would be dope.” Everyone chuckled and sang along.

Tyler Hilton

City on Fire’s title track was up next, followed by the one cover that is featured on the new record, “Stay” originally performed by Rihanna, “This is such a beautiful song that the first time I heard it, I thought ‘man, I wish I had written that’ and I wanted to make it my own so I took it and ran with it.”  Before ending his set, Hilton played the love song duet on City on Fire, which features his former castmate Kate Voegele, “When The Night Moves.”

“Usually we end with that song, but I’m gonna sneak one more in […] thank you guys for coming out, I really appreciate it. I’m gonna send you guys out on a little tune from One Tree Hill.” The California native completely rocked out with “Loaded Gun” which he originally performed as Chris Keller in the series finale of One Tree Hill.
Hilton portrayed his personable demeanor, passion for music and true artistry throughout his hour-long set. He ended the night meeting every fan in the room, thanking each person for coming out and supporting him and this record.

Lucky for us New Yorkers, Hilton will be coming back around this summer on July 19th at Rockwood Music Hall. Tickets are available here.

 

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What We’re Listening To: January Picks

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NYCountry Swag’s “What We’re Listening To” playlist highlights the wide range of our team’s favorite songs and artists when it comes to the country music genre.  At the end of the day, we are all fans first with a passion for country music and are eager to share with you all what we’ve got on repeat each month.

Find below each of our team member’s favorite songs and why in our January picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

JANUARY PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Every Little Thing” – Russell Dickerson
Songwriters: Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Russell Dickerson

“It’s no surprise that one of my favorite artists is Russell Dickerson, so every time he releases a new song to radio, I always have it playing.  “Every Little Thing” is such a fun, upbeat song from Dickerson’s debut album, Yours, and when he performs the tune live, his energy lifts the entire venue to another level. I’m excited for the world to hear more of this song and can’t wait to see it become his third #1 song.”

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Confetti” – Gone West
Songwriters: Colbie Caillat, Danelle Reeves, Eric Arjes, Jason Reeves, Justin Kawika Young

“Recently I was driving and heard a song on Sirius XM The Highway that sounded a lot like Little Big Town, I looked down to see the name of a new band, Gone West, singing “Confetti”. After I did some digging I realized the main aspect of why I loved what I heard, one of the female voices was very familiar, singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat. Caillat teamed up with her husband Justin and husband and wife Danelle and Jason to create Gone West. Their incredible harmonies draw you in while the catchy lyrics will get stuck in your head.

“Yeah, my heart didn’t break when I broke into that old bottle of fancy champagne / I’ve been saving for the perfect time/ You can’t rain on my parade / Got my freedom, gonna celebrate / When you left, I was so damn ready / No tears fell, just confetti.”

Their debut EP, Tides was released last Friday and each song is better than the last. I am looking forward to hearing more from these musicians and in the meantime, I’ll be over here dancing to “Confetti”.

 

Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer

Pick: “GIRL” – Maren Morris
Songwriters: Greg Kurstin, Maren Morris, Sarah Aarons

“GIRL” by Maren Morris is her brand-new song and I am loving every second of it. Since the moment I heard it, I have had it on repeat all day every day. Recently life has been throwing curveballs at me and this song is the perfect pick me up. Every girl should know that they are stronger than they think, and it is the perfect women empowerment song. I can’t wait to see what other new music Maren has in store for us!

 

Kelly Cunningham, Contributing Writer

Pick: “All On You” – Mitchell Tenpenny
Songwriters: Andrew Albert, Jordan Schmidt, Mitchell Tenpenny, Nick Fradiani

“When I first heard Mitchell Tenpenny’s new album, Telling All My Secrets, this was the first track that stood out to me. The catchy, quick lyrics that make you want to sing along is the most unique melody I’ve heard from Tenpenny so far. His voice can pull off any note and he made an outstanding impression on me with this new album. This track can be a potential single I see in Tenpenny’s future. ”

 

Taylor Felvey, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Honky Tonk Flame” – Tyler Childers
Songwriters: Tyler Childers

If you’d like to experience old-school country with a modern age feel – look no further. The moment I heard this song I downloaded every album Tyler Childers has and put the song on repeat. The opening chords and story remind me of something Johnny Cash would write. The love song tells the story of a man trying to woo his new woman, who is no-nonsense, and how he’ll need to step up before he steps out with her.

“Hold on now buddy won’t you wait up a minute / You’re mistaken if you think I’m the same as them skirts you’ve been chasing all over town / Along with that honky tonk flame / I’m a woman with a love so true / Truth of the matter, I’d give it to you / You just got to slow down and quit acting that way / Burning your barn in this honky tonk flame”

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” – Teddy Robb
Songwriters: Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen

“Since seeing Teddy Robb a few times in Nashville during his Teddy and Friends shows that we covered, the music that he previewed from his upcoming EP was amazing. Now one of the artists we are most excited about in 2019 is our own Swag Spotlight star.

Just after signing to Monument Records, Robb has been working nonstop with some of Nashville’s best songwriters to create his first project. His newest release following “Lead Me On” which has been streamed over 4 million times, “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” was released at the beginning of the year. The new song is relaxed and easy going. Describing the decisions that are made when drinking around an ex, Robb decides that maybe it isn’t always the best idea. The song is currently being featured on Spotify’s ‘New Boots’ playlist and Apple Music’s ‘Breaking Country’ playlist. We are patiently waiting for the anticipated release of Robb’s new project and cannot wait for it to come out!”

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Running Man” – Randy Houser
Songwriters: Jeffrey Steele, Randy Houser

“When I began listening to Randy Houser’s new album, Magnolia, I was immediately taken by how mature his voice sounded and how deeply personal the singer’s lyrics had become. Since releasing the album, Houser has revealed that he wasn’t always proud of his past musical releases, but that he’s very proud of his newest album.

Despite the fact that I truly enjoy every song on the album, it was track 11, “Running Man,” that immediately captured my attention. The song tells the story of a man who discovers what he was made for, but continues running through lives, filling his “pockets full of empty things.” It’s easy to look at this song as autobiographical for Houser, and it’s even more powerful listening to it that way. On this song, Houser challenges himself vocally and lyrically, and this song is truly a must-listen. “Every show’s got an end/ Where’re you gonna go then/ Running man?”.”

 

Olivia Reese, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Wilder Horses” Brandon Lay
Songwriters: Brandon Lay, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman

“Wilder Horses” by Brandon Lay is the epitome of a nostalgic song. The lyrics provide a vivid image of missing someone and days gone by “I think about you a little too much these days/Riding no-name lost back roads we take/Ain’t easy for gettin’ out innocent stays”

 I’ve been listening to this song on repeat since it came out late last year after really enjoying other music Bradon Lay has released. The imagery of the lyrics is what really got me hooked on this song. It’s like a quick story and you can imagine yourself there experiencing the simultaneous feeling of innocent love and longing for past days  “Whoa I wish I was down in Dixie tonight / Where we were / Wilder Horses, stronger whiskey, faster two lanes / Every other mile marker you kiss me”

 

Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Puzzle of Us” – Adam Doleac
Songwriters: Adam Doleac and Anthony Smith

“Recently, Adam Doleac kicked off the year releasing not one but two tracks. Both songs, “Famous” and “Puzzle of Us” are incredible, showing off his pure talent and smooth vocals. It’s hard to pick which of the two is my favorite, but if I had to choose one, it would be “Puzzle of Us.” I fell in love with the story behind the song, showing that inspiration can easily come from anywhere.

“The only piece missin’ is you / Fallin’ into my kiss / Your hand slippin’ through my fingertips / Locked up in my arms where you perfectly fit / I wanna hold you so close / I can feel your heartbeat / And be the air that you breathe / And together you and me can put together all the colors of love / Yeah well that’s the puzzle of us”

Doleac took a moment with a stranger and turned it into a beautiful love song. “Puzzle of Us” has easily become a favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next!”

 

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

Pick: “The Way That She Loves” – Tyler Hilton

Songwriters: David Barnes, Jon Green, Jordan Reynolds

“One Tree Hill is my all time favorite show, so of course I have to listen to all of the music Tyler Hilton puts out. I love his previous albums because of his unique sound and raspy voice, but his newly released album, City on Fire, has to be my absolute favorite. There’s just something about the country twist on this one that is sticking with me, particularly “The Way That She Loves.” This song reminds me of something that would play in an early 2000s teen movie and I wholeheartedly mean that in the best way possible. Between the lyrics, the beat, and his voice, this has to be my favorite on the album and possibly of all of his music, obviously besides the iconic “When The Stars Go Blue” (if you know, you know).”

 

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Michigan for the Winter”
Songwriters: Aaron Eshuis, Neil Mason, Ryan Hurd 

For this month, the song I chose is Ryan Hurd’s “Michigan for the Winter” written by himself, Aaron Eshuis and Neil Mason of The Cadillac Three. With his commanding vocals and captivating lyrics, you can practically feel the loneliness and emptiness Hurd sings about throughout the mid-tempo breakup song.

With lyrics like: “I can’t stay watching you move on all February long/I’m going to Michigan for the winter/Between the dark and the light of the sky and the snow/Most people go south for the weather/Instead of hiding out in the cold,” Hurd takes us on a journey escaping a broken heart and returning to his home state of Michigan.

I am sure all of us in the NY area including myself can relate to the cold weather feeling Hurd sings about in “Michigan for the Winter” regardless if we are going through a breakup or not. It is the perfect song to play on a chilly day while relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine and the fireplace going! I am excited Hurd will be singing this song live Friday, January 25th at his sold-out show at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City!

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Heart’s Having a Hard Time” – Filmore
Songwriters: Hannah Ellis, Jason Massey, Tyler Filmore 

“This month it was really difficult for me to pick a song, especially with all the great records that have dropped recently. After much deliberation, I kept going back to Filmore’s “Heart’s Having a Hard Time.” I discovered the song thanks to NYCS’s 2019 Artists to Watch list. I had heard of Filmore, but never really listened to any of his songs. Right away, I found “Heart’s Having a Hard Time” to be completely relatable and heartbreaking all at the same time.

The feel of the song is right on trend but still feels fresh and new. More importantly, this track makes me excited to hear more from the recording artist, which is always exciting for me. I encourage you to give “Heart’s Having a Hard Time” a listen if you haven’t already.”

 

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NYCS First Impression: Tyler Hilton ‘City On Fire’

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Tyler Hilton City on Fire

It’s been nearly four and a half years since California native, Tyler Hilton has released a full-length studio album, but today he is back with his fifth studio record entitled, City on Fire. Hilton co-wrote each of the twelve original tracks with his longtime friend and guitarist, Jaco Caraco and even worked on the LP with his old roommate and member of Lady Antebellum, Charles Kelley who also contributed background vocals. Filled with a vast blend of genres, the singer-songwriter describes it as western indie-rock. Hilton created this record during a time of change in his life, dealing with losses of people close to him, along with the horrific wildfires in California. Persevering through it all, he is adamant that this is his favorite album of his entire career.

The record opens with the title-track and lead single, “City on Fire,” which tells the story of a man losing everything he cares about and what lengths he would go to reconcile that inside himself. Moving into the second track, which happens to be the second single released from this record, “How Long ‘Til I Lose You” is a mid-tempo tune that deliberates the question of when you will lose someone, rather than the if.
“How long ’til I lose you? / How long ’til I’m swept up, carried away / Hanging on to all that I can / How long ’til I lose you?” Hilton sings in the chorus.

One Tree Hill fans may favor the third track, “When the Night Moves” as it is the only duet on the LP, featuring Hilton’s former co-star and tour mate, Kate Voegele, who portrayed Mia Catalano on the hit television series. Though this is far from the first time the two have collaborated, their sublime harmonies on this uptempo tune are a true standout on the record. They harmonize on the chorus, “When the night moves / Us closer together / We move too / The heat of the moment / We fall into / We can make it last forever if we try / When the night moves”. 

“Anywhere I Run” has an old western anthem vibe, while, “The Way That She Loves” is an uptempo heartfelt love song. Hilton’s blend of the rock, country and blues genres continue to be the backdrop for his unique storytelling throughout the entire record.  “Get Down,” is a moody bluesy tune in which Hilton performed in the holiday Lifetime television movie he was a guest star in with a few of his former One Tree Hill castmates, entitled The Christmas Contract.  “I Don’t Want to Be Scared” and “When I See You, I See Home” are the two most vulnerable tracks on the record. While one is romantic and one analyzes distinctive struggles, the singer-songwriter uses his lyrics in both songs as a way to showcase raw emotion.

“Find Me One” is the one bluegrass country tune from Hilton we never knew we needed. From the evident string instruments to his modified bluegrass vocals, this song is a highlight of the entire album. The record closes out with Hilton’s own acoustic stripped down rendition of superstar Rihanna’s double-platinum 2012 smash hit “Stay.” He truly made the song his own with the altered rhythm and vocals.  Overall, this album candidly captures Hilton’s authentic and personal musical style for the first time in his interminable career.

He will head out to promote this project on his twenty-three date headlining ‘City on Fire Tour’ next month. The tour will stop in New York City on Saturday, March 2nd at The Loft at City Winery. Tickets are available here. Visit https://tylerhilton.com for a full list of dates.

City on Fire is now available everywhere you stream or buy music. Take a listen below.

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NYCS Swag Spotlight: Tyler Hilton

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Tyler Hilton

Photo Credit: Chase O’Black

 “I am living in a random dream come true”

Palm Springs, California native Tyler Hilton took some time to chat with our Managing Editor in a recent phone interview about his whirlwind career. If the name sounds familiar, you may remember Hilton starring in a little television show called One Tree Hill as bad-boy recording artist Chris Keller. With his new album City On Fire being released this Friday, he told us about his backstory, growing up being surrounded by music and his almost accidental big movie break.

While he was young, his uncles were all musicians, touring with Fleetwood Mac and George Harrison, so needless to say, music was in his blood and surrounded his childhood. His family would play bluegrass, blues, and California country, influencing his musical talents. “If girls, weren’t obsessed with musicians, who knows if I would have pursued music in my teenage years, I remember I also got into juggling but I don’t juggle anymore,” Hilton laughs. “How lucky that something I loved is so celebrated in our culture.”

When he was just fifteen years old he made the decision to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter and was discovered by a local radio station out in L.A. From there, at just 19 years old after going in to audition to play guitar as a background character, he was cast as Elvis Presley in the Oscar-winning movie Walk The Line. All the while he continued to pursue his music career, which led him to his next project.  He auditioned for a small guest part on One Tree Hill and the rest from there is history. “Before I filmed it, I binge-watched the whole first season and I loved the show,” he tells us. “Imagine watching season 1 in one weekend and then meeting everyone on Monday”. Chris Keller became a character that fans of the show absolutely loved to hate so Hilton was continually written into the show on and off for almost a decade. “I got to hang out with the coolest people ever, we all went through the show becoming huge together and really bonded,” he says of the cast which became like family.

Fast forward, Hilton is gearing up to release a project he says is his favorite record he has ever recorded. City On Fire will be available this Friday (January 18th) and features thirteen tracks that encompass a new blend of genres. When discussing the vibe of the album, Hilton explains he likes to call it “western indie-rock” explaining he is the Venn diagram between Johnny Cash and The Strokes. He wrote the songs during a time of change in his life, his grandfather passed away, a friend passed away, and when California was experiencing terrible wildfires. During our conversation, he explains that the most recent breakout of fires were wreaking havoc through his home state and he could look out the window and see ashes falling from the sky.

City On Fire also features Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, who Hilton lived with when he first moved to Nashville in 2007. In the same house, Kelley and Hilton lived with Dave Haywood and Jason “Slim” Gambill, who have all had major success with Lady Antebellum. “They were great songwriters, nobody knew who they were, we had a blast drinking, grilling and writing songs together. I thought they were amazing,” he tells us. “They told me about finding a girl on MySpace, talking about Hilary, and they just sounded so good”.  The newly formed band even opened for Hilton once in Nashville and he recalls every record label coming to his show to see them. “After that, they just took off, it’s been so cool watching my old roommates kill it”.

Next up, Hilton is hitting the road to promote City On Fire and will be playing at City Winery in New York City on March 2nd, tickets available here. Pre-order or pre-save City On Fire here and check back on Friday for our First Impression. Be sure to follow Tyler Hilton on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for all upcoming announcements.

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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!

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