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Walker Hayes Delivers A Fresh Beat in New Single, “Trash My Heart”

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Trash My Heart Walker Hayes

In late 2019, Walker Hayes released the third volume of his epic ‘8Tracks’ record, titled Black Sheep. Since then, we’ve eagerly awaited more new music, as we can always count on him to release innovative and unique tracks with sounds that we never knew we needed. Hayes lived up to every expectation and more with his new jam, “Trash My Heart”. This reckless and carefree track uses a short-lived hotel stay metaphor to describe a doomed relationship, where the protagonist throws out all cares and has fun anyway.

Walker Hayes delivers a sonically interesting beat, with an intro that masterfully mixes reggae, hip-hop, and country sounds. The feel-good rhythm accompanied by the singer-songwriter’s flirtatious and spunky voice inflections creates a song that is a total blast to listen to.

Hayes cleverly weaves hotel-themed plays on words, to bolster the analogy throughout and express a carefree interest in having a good time. 

“If I’m just a weekend to you // girl I’m so Holiday Inn–to you”

This playful line leads us into the catchy chorus, where the singer uses his falsetto voice as he reaches the height of the story.

“Trash my heart like a hotel room, steal my kisses like it’s free shampoo // Don’t be careful with me baby just get reckless // baby you can even leave before the continental breakfast”

The nimble wordplay and sassy beat continue throughout these lyrics, as Hayes continues to relate a short-lived stay to his current situation.

Hayes teased this new song and cover art on his Instagram page, where he is known for fostering a dedicated relationship with his fans. The artist posted a story with the lyrics “Trash my heart like a ____,” and encouraged his audience to fill in the missing word. He then posted all of the funny responses. This is one of the many creative promotional activities that Hayes engaged in to connect with his fans.

To celebrate this release, the hitmaker will be hosting a “Virtual Release Party”, which he also dubbed as a virtual release “DARTY” (day party). Fans will have the opportunity to hang out with Walker Hayes live and even message with him personally. Also, be sure to tune in to our Virtual Country Brunch on Saturday at 12 ET when we hang with the entire Hayes family.

 

We’re super excited to play this genre-bending hit on repeat and can already picture it as a windows-down, feel-good summer anthem.

To keep up with Walker Hayes, you can follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“Trash My Heart” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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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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.

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Where Are They Now? Our 2017 Artist to Watch Update

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Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag

Here at New York Country Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers, finding and championing new and up-and-coming artists and introducing our followers to the best of the best of the rising acts. Back in 2017, we named the 10 artists below in our “Artists to Watch in 2017” and we are proud to say, we know rising talent before they make it big. Check out what each of these artists has done over the past two years and what is coming up for them in 2019.

 

10. Seth Ennis- Last year, Ennis followed his debut single, “Woke Up In Nashville” and “Look at You” with the captivating “Call Your Mama,” featuring A-list superstars, Little Big Town. The singer-songwriter went on to make his TODAY Show debut with that song, taking his career to new heights. This year, Ennis also opened up for Dylan Scott on his headlining tour.

 

9. Trent Harmon- Continuing to ride the high from dropping his debut album You Got ‘Em All, Harmon released the title track to country radio last year. The song peaked in the Top 40 on Country Airplay.

 

8. High Valley- The Canadian country duo continues to take the country music world by storm. Back in April, they released their new single, “Single Man” from the forthcoming studio album. The song already reached the number two spot on the Canadian country charts. Earlier this month they released “Your Mama” and the video features real-life shots of their families. We hope 2020 brings more music from the rising duo.

 

7. Runaway June- The ladies of Runaway June have had arguably the most successful year! The trio released their debut record Blue Roses, and their radio single “Buy My Own Drinks” cracked the Top 5 on the Country charts, making history as the first song by a female trio to break into the Top 5 in a decade. Additionally, the ladies joined superstar, Carrie Underwood on her sold-out headlining tour. Check out how they expressed their excitement for their success with us here, during our interview with the girls at Taste of Country Music Festival and our most recent Swag Session below.

 

6. Brett Young- 2019 was a big year for Young, both personally and professionally. The singer-songwriter’s beautiful wife Taylor gave birth to their first child together in October, after they celebrated one year of marriage. As a recording artist, Young released his new project, The Acoustic Sessions EP, which followed the release of his Number 1 sophomore record Ticket to L.A. Fans of Young have his newly announced headlining tour to look forward to in the new year. The tour stops at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom on February 2nd.

 

5. Ryan Hurd- In 2019, Hurd focused on advancing his career as a solo artist. The talented singer-songwriter sold-out Bowery Ballroom in New York City this past January. We got to catch up with him at Taste of Country, where he shared what it’s like playing for New York fans. Hurd upped the ante by releasing both his EP Panorama and Platonic this year, including lead single “To a T.” Just recently announced, he will be headlining the Platonic Tour with Niko Moon, the tour hits NYC for a two night run on March 4th and 5th.

 

 

4. Russell Dickerson- We are proud to continue to champion the very first artist that New York Country Swag ever featured at our very first event back in January of 2016. Dickerson continues to be one of the most promising rising artists and infectious entertainers on the scene right now. This year, the singer-songwriter achieved a rare feat, as his first three singles to ever go to country radio hit the number one spot on the charts! Even better, the entertainer finally made it to the big stage at Madison Square Garden, where he opened up for Thomas Rhett on his sold-out tour and even shouted out our company, during his set!

 

3. Walker Hayes- Hayes continues to release music that he can be proud of and that his fans can always relate to. This year, he released a beautiful tribute to his wife, Laney, titled “Don’t Let Her,” headlined his own tour, and is about to release Volume 3 of 8Tracks. Check out our interview with the Swag Session alum below, as he talks about “Don’t Let Her,” and his journey.

 

2. Luke Combs- Combs has officially solidified himself as a bonafide country superstar in just a few short years. The singer recently accepted his membership into the Grand Ole Opry and released his record-breaking sophomore record What You See Is What You Get. Combs’ has had seven consecutive singles reach the top spot on County Airplay and continues to sell-out shows in arenas across the country. 2020 is shaping up to be another mega-successful year for the entertainer.

 

1. Drake White- It’s been a relatively quiet year for the White; however, that has not stopped him from bringing his unique talent to stages across the United States. The singer-songwriter captivated fans in New York City back in February when he played at Irving Plaza. He continues to be a mainstay at country music festivals as well.

Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for an update on all the artist we named to watch in 2018 and 2019, and then coming soon, our carefully-cultivated 2020 Artist to Watch list.

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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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Walker Hayes Drops Newest Release from 8Tracks Vol. 3 – “Dad’s Sailboat”

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Walker Hayes Dad's Sailboat

For as long as Walker Hayes continues to release music, we will be listening! The singer-songwriter’s newest release off his fresh project 8Tracks Vol. 3- Black Sheep is as honest and personal as songs get.

“Dad’s Sailboat”, written by Hayes with Josh Jenkins is one that should be on everyone’s radar. True to his own unique style, Hayes delivers quick-witted lyrics and rhythmic sentence structure on the heartfelt tune. He depicts the story of mortality in such a way that is both eye-opening and relatable, as he sings about his father selling his sailboat because he is getting older and the emotional impact that has. The singer’s story-telling is truly unmatched, as he has the ability to write about all aspects of his life and about topics that other artists wouldn’t dream of writing about.

“There’s a for sale sign on my Dad’s sailboat / Part of me wants to tear it down and let it drown in the river / Forget the inevitable /And pretend that heroes live forever / Part of me wants to buy it / And keep it like I wish I could him / But I know that ain’t going to make Dad young again”

“Dad’s Sailboat” is the second release from the new project, following the acoustic version of Hayes’ romantic song “Don’t Let Her.” Watch our interview with the Swag Session alum below, as he talks about the creation of “Don’t Let Her.” Six more songs are slated to be released in the upcoming weeks, and we cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next. The entire collection of songs will premiere on December 6th!

To keep up with Hayes follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and make sure to visit his “Be A Craig” fund as well.

“Dad’s Sailboat” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take 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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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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Walker Hayes Lets You In On His Home Life in the Video for “Don’t Let Her”

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Walker Hayes has been on our radar forever, being apart of our Artist To Watch in 2017, many interviews, including our most recent during Taste of Country Festival (below), Swag Sessions, and even wearing our merch. His most recent release, “Don’t Let Her,” is a touching tribute to his wife, Laney. While no one wants to think about losing a spouse, Walker and Laney have. Hayes wants his wife to move on and enjoy life although never forgetting him.

Filmed by Chris Ashlee and Sean O’Halloran, it showcases Walker, Laney, and all of their kids having a shaving cream party in the bathroom, cooking bacon in the morning, folding laundry, and playing video games together. You can really see the wholeness of the Hayes family between their interactions and quality time together. The kids look up to both parents for the playful interactions and love they have for each other. The video ends with clips cutting back and forth between the couple sitting on the porch playing the guitar in rocking chairs and playing football in the driveway of the family’s Franklin, TN home.

Hayes’ team told us that “Walker wanted this to be as true to his everyday life as possible, so there is no hair and make-up, no lighting, no wardrobe, no managers or team members in the room – just two cameramen filming what the family normally does.” Hayes has shown fans that he is real, open, and honest with his songs and this video adds such a depth to that. Watch the video for “Don’t Let Her” below.

To keep up with Hayes follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and make sure to visit his “Be A Craig” fund as well.

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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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Walker Hayes Chats About New Music, Dance Moves and Dad Jokes

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This past weekend at Taste of Country Festival up at Hunter Mountain, NY, we caught up with Walker Hayes.  Besides telling us a hilarious dad joke, Hayes talked about the inspiration behind his brand new single “Don’t Let Her” as well as his plans for new music.

Watch the full interview with Walker Hayes below and take a listen to “Don’t Let Her” on our New Country Music Playlist. 

To keep up with Walker Hayes, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

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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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Walker Hayes Releases A Tribute To His Wife: “Don’t Let Her”

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Walker Hayes Don't Let Her

 

Walker Hayes is at it again with another hit on his hands, “Don’t Let Her.” No one ever wants to think about living life without their spouse, but with the way life goes, you never know what the next day will bring. Most couples talk about if they would be okay with their significant other finding love again if the worst were to happen, and while this track is about the love that Hayes has for his wife Laney, it’s also dedicated to whoever may take his place one day.

Written by Hayes, Shane McAnally, and Andrew DeRoberts, the song came about while he was over in the UK. The night before the writing session, Hayes was missing Laney and their kids, when he created a list of things he loves about her. The singer-songwriter sent them one by one to his other half in a text message, and the rest is history.

“Don’t Let Her” gives a clear depiction not only of how much love Hayes has for his wife but specifics that make her so special. The lyric video is filled with pictures from their relationship that started as a friendship in elementary school. They are the definition of #relationshipgoals.

“She don’t give 2 cents about money / Likes a little coffee in her honey / Let her sleep late as she wants / Home is her favorite restaurant / Don’t you dare come home if you’re hammered / Better watch your mouth and your grammar / She loves babies, hates glitter / You better shave before you kiss her / And if she ever misses me / Please don’t let her”

Hayes is currently on his ‘Dream On It’ Tour and will be making a stop at the Taste of Country Music Festival at New York’s Hunter Mountain, where New York Country Swag will also set-up shop for the third year, so make sure to stop by! Get your tickets here.

To keep up with Hayes follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

“Don’t Let Her” 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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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 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

 

Top 5 Rising Artists You Can’t Miss at Taste of Country Festival

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New York’s Taste of Country Festival at Hunter Mountain is one of our favorite events of the year! NYCountry Swag will be setting up shop at the festival for the third year in a row. We can’t wait to see you all at our booth!

As always, the festival is armed with some heavy hitters, including superstar Keith Urban and the iconic Brooks & Dunn; however, it’s the impressive list of up and coming country artists that we are most excited for.

Take a look below at five rising artists that you can’t miss!

1. Morgan Wallen
The Big Loud Records recording artist was recently added to the TOC lineup, but his Sunday afternoon set is one you won’t want to miss! Wallen recently headlined a sold-out tour, achieved his first number one single with “Up Down,” and his newest single, “Whiskey Glasses” just hit the number one spot. Back in 2017, before his massive success and before the infamous mullet, we had the chance to interview the singer-songwriter. During that conversation, our Managing Editor, Christina predicted that “Up, Down” would go number one, and sure enough she was right!

2. Runaway June
The ladies of Runaway June are another act to look out for at Taste of Country! Their self-titled debut EP landed them a spot on the road as a supporting act for Carrie Underwood on her ‘Cry Pretty Tour 360.’ Last summer, we caught up with the sassy and talented trio just before its release, where we previewed their song “Wild Wild West” and their hit, “Buy My Own Drinks” in one of our Swag Sessions. Make sure to catch their set on Friday afternoon- it’s sure to be a good time!

3. Tyler Rich
On Saturday afternoon, you don’t want to miss Tyler Rich’s set! Last year in May, we had a chance to chat with the singer about plans for more music, his radio single, “The Difference,” and his first time on the TODAY show. Flash forward a year later, he has toured with Brett Young, released more music, most recently “Leave Her Wild,” and of course, garnered fans across the country.

4. Adam Doleac
Possibly the least known on our list of rising country artists that are a must see at the Taste of Country Festival, Adam Doleac is someone to add to your list! Opening up the performances on Sunday afternoon, the singer-songwriter has been one of our favorites since 2017, when he released his self-titled debut EP. During his first time in New York City, we hosted a Swag Session with Doleac, where he sang a few songs, including “Whiskey’s Fine.” Currently, the singer has a killer hit, “Famous,” that he is sure to sing as part of his must-see set at the festival!

5. Walker Hayes
Rounding out our list of rising artists you can’t miss at Taste of Country Festival is one of our favorites, Walker Hayes! Armed with a fun personality and catchy songs, Hayes is an artist who delivers on stage. The singer-songwriter will most likely sing hits, “You Broke Up With Me” and “90’s Country;” the former he sang for New York Country Swag, during a Swag Session, before a show in NYC. Make sure to head to his set on Friday Night!

For a full schedule, list of performers and tickets for Taste of Country Festival, head to tasteofcountryfestival.com

Don’t forget to stop by our booth, and tag us on Instagram wearing your swag items!

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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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Walker Hayes Challenge Raising Money for ‘Be A Craig Fund’

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Challenge

Photo Via @WalkerHayes on Instagram

Singer-songwriter, Walker Hayes posted a picture on Instagram showing off his muscles and captioned it “I traded drinking for working out three years ago. Feels good. My daily escape. Also @TheRock I am coming for you.” The photo quickly got thousands of likes and comments, proving his fans may not have known about his sobriety or how much effort he puts into his health.

Radio host Bobby Bones, caught wind of this picture and decided to recreate it himself with weights and all. He posted this picture to his Instagram Story and wrote “This is the Walker Hayes challenge” and on the next story he wrote “Hey @Ryanhurd. You’re up.” This turned into a challenge of showing off your muscles.

Challenge

Photo Via @Ryanhurd on Instagram

Ryan Hurd accepted the challenge and posted his picture while calling out Thomas Rhett next. Hayes also challenged fellow country music singer Lindsay Ell who accepted and then called out Maren Morris.

Challenge

Photo Via @LindsayEll on Instagram

The best part about the challenge is that each person that joins in is making a donation to the Be a Craig Fund. If you didn’t know, the Be a Craig Fund was started by Hayes as a tribute to a special man named Craig who gave a van to the Hayes family when they were struggling. This act of kindness meant that all of the Hayes children could fit in a car together, as well as have enough seatbelts for them all. Hayes hopes that the money raised by this fund will encourage others to seek out ways to help others and pay it forward.

Even if you don’t want to partake in the challenge by posting a photo and using the tag #BeACraigFund, consider donating to the Be a Craig fund and pay it forward helping someone in need. You can do that here.

[WIN] Tickets + Walker Hayes Gives Sneak Peek of his ‘Dream On It’ Tour

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Last night (Jan 28.), Walker Hayes allowed members of the media to attend one of his final rehearsals for his ‘Dream On It’ Tour which kicks off this Thursday night (Jan. 31) in Houston, Texas. Hayes put the finishing touches on his tour, which will feature songs from his album boom.

The “90s Country” singer is bringing one of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Filmore along for this run, hitting cities across the US, wrapping up in Boise, Idaho on May 4th.

 

Tickets and more information are available on walkerhayes.com. Check out all of the tour dates below and head to our Instagram to enter to win tickets (here) to a show of your choice, for additional entries fill out the form below.

 

2019 ‘Dream on It’ Tour Dates:

Jan. 31 — Houston, Texas @ House of Blues Houston
Feb. 1 — Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues Dallas
Feb. 2 — Baton Rouge, La. @ Texas Club
Feb. 8 — Lake Buena Vista, Fla. @ The Block
Feb. 22 — Rosemont, Ill. @ Joe’s Live
Feb. 23 — Grand Rapids, Mich. @ Elevation at The Intersection
Feb. 28 — Ashwaubenon, Wisc. @ Green Bay Distillery
March 1 — Madison, Wisc. @ Majestic Theatre
March 2 — Des Moines, Iowa @ Wooly’s
March 5 — Nashville, Tenn. @ Mercy Lounge
March 7 — Atlanta, Ga. @ Buckhead Theatre
March 8 — Birmingham, Ala. @ Iron City
March 14 — Rocky Mount, Va. @ Harvester Performance Center
March 15 — North Myrtle Beach, S.C. @ House of Blues Myrtle Beach
March 21 — Silver Spring, Md. @ The Fillmore
March 22 — Philadelphia, Pa. @ The TLA
March 23 — Boston, Mass. @ House of Blues Boston
April 11 — Columbus, Ohio @ Newport Music Hall
April 12 — Knoxville, Tenn. @ The Mill & Mine
April 13 — Greensboro, N.C. @ Cone Denim Entertainment Center
April 26 — Denver, Colo. @ Grizzly Rose 
April 27 — Salt Lake City, Utah @ The Depot
April 29 — San Martin, Calif. @ Clos La Chance Winery
April 30 — Sacramento, Calif. @ Ace of Spades
May 2 — Seattle, Wash. @ Showbox
May 3 — Spokane, Wash. @ The Knitting Factory
May 4 — Boise, Idaho @ Knitting Factory Concert House

 

* UPDATE: This contest has ended. Congrats to all of the winners!

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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Walker Hayes Premieres New Music Video for “Craig”

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Back in April, we introduced you to rising country star Walker Hayes’ exceptional song, “Craig,” in our Live Swag Session interview with the artist. Then, in May, the entertainer shared his thank you letter to the infamous Craig, who he deemed as an influential and important person in his life.

The track, off Hayes’ debut album Boom, was inspired by a man the singer met at Church, during a difficult time in his family’s life. Without question or ridicule, Craig stepped in to help, and gifted the family of eight, a mini-van. This unparalleled act of kindness ultimately propelled the the singer-songwriter to write, record, and release the song as a thank you.

Fittingly, Hayes premiered a music video, that paints the picture of the lyrics in “Craig” perfectly, on none other, than ‘Giving Tuesday’ (November 27th). The simplistic video, filmed in black and white, showcases the singer playing piano, as stick figure animations mimic the special message of the heartfelt, story-telling lyrics. The song and the video may not get the radio time or award nominations it deserves, but the honesty and the kindness that it displays is unmatched. Check out the tune and the music video below.

More importantly, Hayes made sure to link his organization, “Be A Craig Fund,” encouraging fans to appreciate and partake in acts of kindness, and ultimately, pay it forward, as Craig did. Click here to donate or buy a “Be A Craig” t-shirt to support the cause.

Next up, Hayes embarks on his three month headlining tour, beginning on January 31st in Texas. The ‘Dream On It Tour’ was named by one of the singer’s fans in a contest he held via his Instagram. The show does not hit the New York area this time around, but keep checking our calendars for any updates. Visit walkerhayes.com for more information about his tour, organization, and more.

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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!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: