NYCS First Impression: Tyler Rich ‘Two Thousand Miles’

Tyler Rich Two Thousand Miles

It was 2014 when country newcomer, Tyler Rich released his debut single, “Radio.” Six years later, the California native finally has his first full-length album out. The title, Two Thousand Miles signifies the distance from Los Angeles to Nashville and the journey of Rich’s career as a singer-songwriter. The album contains the five tracks from his 2018 self-titled EP, his three previously released singles, “Leave Her Wild,”Rather Be Us,” and “Feels Like Home,” and three brand new songs. Rich had a hand in writing all but three songs on the record.

“Between Sabina (his wife), my record deal, and the road, my life has been a constant four-year back-and-forth between both places,” the Yuba City-born artist said. “Almost every song that came into this project was inspired by that crazy grind and making that relationship work. It was clearly the obvious title for the first official chapter of my career.”

His most recent release, the Irish folk-sounding bar anthem, “Feels Like Home,” begins the album. Rich sings about the comfort of being around friendly strangers who are all in the same boat as him. The bar is a safe place where everyone can get along and leave behind all their worries. Rich included home-videos from fans in the new music video. Watch below:

Rich’s biggest song to date, “The Difference,” peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot Country charts and serves as the third track on the album. “The Difference” is a catchy, well written song by Rhett Akins, Ben Burgess, Devin Dawson, and Jacob Durrett, that emphasizes the little things that make up serious and casual relationships. For example, there is a difference between asking her ‘what’s going on?’ and ‘how’s your day?’ and Rich sings that he wants to be the difference on the serious side of things. “11:11” follows as another song that contains clever lyrics. Written by Andrew Dorff, Jon Nite, and Lindsay Rimes, “11:11” is based on the theory that when someone spots this specific time on a digital clock and makes a wish, it will come true, so the singer uses this as his last hope to get his former lover back in his arms.

Both “Leave Her Wild” and “Rather Be Us” were released in 2019, the latter of which reminds those in relationships to not compare themselves to other couples, especially the ones on Instagram going on vacation every other week. Social media does not always reflect what things are actually like, and you don’t need to be flashy to be in a healthy relationship. “Leave Her Wild” is another folk-sounding, heavy string production song about a free-spirited girl. Written by Rich, Chris DeStefano, and Jon Nite, the singer says if you are lucky enough to find a girl like that, do not try and change her; love and leave her wild. Trying to tame someone will only hurt her and the relationship in the long-term.

The first new song, “Still Love You,” explains the complications between loving and liking someone, and how you can feel the first without the last. Rich sings of a girl who mistreated him and ended up breaking his heart. He hates her for it but cannot understand why he is still in love and wants her back. The next new track, “Here With You,” has a similar theme to Morgan Wallen’s “Chasing You.” Even though the protagonist in the story is physically with someone else, he is still with his ex, emotionally. The last new song, “Real Love,” was written shortly after Rich got engaged. It describes all the hardships one must go through before stumbling upon the man/woman who is right for you.

The album ends with the last three tracks from his 2018 EP, “Take It Or Leave It,” “Adrenaline,” and his country twist of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” This chart-topping, pop hit has been a staple in Rich’s live sets and he stated in a recent press release that it was always the song that would get him the most tips when he played in casino lounges.

Two Thousand Miles is the perfect name for the album because it covers a lot of ground as a whole. Lyrically, Rich expresses themes that are true to himself, but leaves room for others to relate, as well. Musically, he uses his influence from classic and pop country, folk, indie, and alternative rock to create a sound unique to him. It was long journey for Rich to get where he is today, but we hope this is only just the beginning from the young and talented performer.  

Two Thousand Miles Track List
1. “Feels Like Home” | Written by Tyler Rich, Andrew DeRoberts, Jon Nite
2. “Still Love You” | Written by Tyler Rich, Andy Albert, Lindsay Rimes
3. “The Difference” | Written by Rhett Akins, Ben Burgess, Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett
4. “11:11” | Written by Andrew Dorff, Jon Nite, Lindsay Rimes
5. “Here With You” | Written by Tyler Rich, Josh Hoge, Matt McVaney
6. “Leave Her Wild” | Written by Tyler Rich, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite
7. “Real Love” | Written by Tyler Rich, Andy Albert, Lindsay Rimes
8. “Rather Be Us” | Written by Tyler Rich, Lindsay Rimes, Brad Tursi
9. “Take It Or Leave It” | Written by Tyler Rich, Jaron Boyer, Ben Stennis
10. “Adrenaline” | Written by Tyler Rich, Jordan Baum, Johan Lindbrandt, Michael McNamara
11. “Billie Jean” | Written by Michael Jackson

NYCS Picks

  1. Here With You
  2. Still Love You
  3. Leave Her Wild

 To keep up with Tyler Rich follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

Two Thousand Miles 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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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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS First Impression HARDY – ‘A ROCK’

HARDY A ROCK

“We’re all just livin’ life on a rock” 

Brilliant songwriting, masterful producing, and 12 completely cohesive tracks, HARDY’s debut project, A ROCK, available everywhere today (9/4) continues to prove that the sought after songwriter-artist has something powerful to say with his music. Although this is his first solo project released with his label Big Loud, HARDY has already given fans a ton of music to get to know his persona and what truly makes him tick. His masterpiece of features, HiXTAPE Vol. 1  gave fans all over the country a taste of what it’s like to grow up in the south, giving the peaceful dirt roads or “ain’t nothin’ out here” towns an irresistible appeal. When deciding on releasing his debut full-length album, HARDY went to work, writing and delivering 12 songs to his team, that he knew would make up the project.

A ROCK takes listeners through a lifetime of moments; joy, grief, compassion, distress, and forgiveness showcasing clever wordplay and profound melodies. For each emotion singled out, there is a contrasting feeling for those who might not be going through that exact scenario. While “BOYFRIEND”, a track inspired by his girlfriend Caleigh, talks about a couple deciding to take their love to the next level and taking the ultimate plunge into marriage, “BOOTS” an angst-filled breakup song and whether its a person you are moving on from or this horrible pandemic we suggest turning it up loud.

Although each track shines on its own, an absolute stand out is “So Close” which features his labelmate, Ashland Craft, and was written with Hillary Lindsay and Mark Holman over Zoom during the quarantine. A newcomer to the scene, Craft’s debut “Trainwreck” sets the stage for a powerful female artist and this duet lets her dynamic vocals shine. Similarly, the track allows HARDY’s vocals to soar as they harmonize singing about a couple being so close in proximity and then so close to making it, before ultimately ending their relationship. In our interview to discuss the project, HARDY explains how he took the time to meticulously cut the vocals at his in-home studio. “I did take after take after take, and did all of the harmonies and I sent it back to Mark [Holman], and I said ‘I know this is a lot but I want it to sound like a freakin’ Def Leppard song.” Ultimately deciding that he wanted the song to be a duet, he loved Craft’s gritty vibe so it was a perfect fit.

 

It’s not all love or breakups on A ROCK, “WHERE YA AT” is primed and ready for the first live show back in a room full of rowdy country fans. Smattering electric guitars give a rock n roll feel with lyrics that beg fans to scream them back wearing their redneck badge high. HARDY spitfires cities across this great nation and proclaims “Country pride is countrywide / yea we’re all climbing that podunk ladder / so put your long neck up if you got a little hick in your blood then it really don’t matter, where ya at.” Continuing the pride in his home state of Mississippi and his redneck ways, “UNAPOLOGETICALLY COUNTRY AS HELL” written with Smith Ahnquist, Nick Donley, Jake Mitchell, HARDY recognizes the southern boy cliches and wears them like a badge of honor.

Our favorite from HiXTAPE Vol. 1, “One Beer” which features Devin Dawson and Lauren Alaina is also included and is currently top 20 at country radio and climbing. The ultimate story song and a modern-day “There Goes My Life” the classic Kenny Chesney tune, “One Beer” not only highlights the good that can come out of mistakes but the sonogram heartbeat sound that drums through the track will have anyone who is a parent in tears, remembering hearing their babies heartbeat for the first time.

A tribute to those we’ve loved and lost, “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL” is another standout, allowing a sentimental softer side of HARDY to emerge.  During a celestial conversation with someone who has passed on, the lyrics are filled with sensational imagery of a better place that we can only imagine.  “Make some thunder, make ’em wonder how you got in / Hide your beer, hide your clear from the man upstairs / Crank it loud, hold it down ’til I get there And when I do, I hope you got some new stories to tell / ‘Til then, give Heaven some hell”.

The title track “A ROCK” closes the album and serves as a quiet reflection of each of the stories you just listened to, relating them to something as simple as a rock and the multiple meanings it can have. Letting us into his genius songwriting brain, HARDY tells us in our exclusive interview: “I was just driving down the road one day and my mind was just going 100 mph like it does, and I can’t remember when or where I was but I had this weird thought of how important a rock is to lot of moments in your life,” he continues “That is what your tombstone is made out of, what rings are made out of, and then in this weird way I started thinking about how iron starts out as a rock, if it wasn’t for that, we wouldn’t have anything made of metal so the entire world comes from a rock and then the Earth is one big rock.” The quiet production allows you to zoom out and focus on the story.

It’s safe to say that with the release of A ROCK, HARDY has solidified his place in the genre as a bonafide star, an absolute fan-favorite, and a lyrical genius.

NYCS Picks:

  1. “So Close”
  2. “A Rock”
  3. “Broke Boy”
  4. “One Beer”

To keep up with HARDY follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“TRUCK” 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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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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NYCS First Impression: Ryan Griffin ‘Name On It’

Ryan Griffin Name On It

In September 2019, the “Woulda Left Me Too” singer released the first single “Right Here Right Now” for this project. Looking back, Ryan Griffin’s new EP Name On It was a year in the making after releasing five out of the six tracks over almost a 12-month period. Now, just shy of the “Right Here Right Now” one-year anniversary of its release, Name On It has been molded into an entire collection of memories from the many releases. There’s just one song left on the EP that has not yet been heard titled “All Over Again”.

The first few words have a similar sentiment to Kane Brown’s touching tribute, “For My Daughter” with “I watched my brothers and my daddy / and I learned what not to do”. Though, the rest of the story that Griffin narrates takes on its own personality.  The new songs fans get to experience for the first time today, “All Over Again” is composed of a dense modernization of the pop-country sound that is familiar and popular in the genre today.

Name On It marks the first series of songs from Griffin since 2017, which was when his debut EP Sake of the Summer was released. A lot has changed for the artist since then, though the individualistic creation that is portrayed on either project remains the same. After being signed to a major record label, and Name On It is the first project following the agreement, the EP goes along with the singer-songwriter that introduced himself three years ago. With irrefutable growth, Griffin continues to be a performer who lives and entertains in a way that is true to himself.

Name On It Tracklist
1. Right Here Right Now (Ryan Griffin, Josh London, Jason Massey)
2. Name On It (Ryan Griffin, Nicolle Galyon, Mark Trussell)
3. All Over Again (Ryan Griffin, Mark Trussell, Emily Weisband)
4. Down (Ryan Griffin, Cameron Badell, Mark Trussell)
5. Going Going Gone (Ryan Griffin, Jason Duke, Benjamin Johnson)
6. One Prayer Left (Ryan Griffin, Cameron Bedell, Thomas Finchum)

To keep up with Ryan Griffin, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

‘Name On It’ 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.

 

—————

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: Josh Turner ‘Country State of Mind’

Josh Turner Country State of Mind

The “Your Man” country singer-songwriter, whose 2003 debut album Long Black Train marked the beginning of a successful career in the mainstream music industry, has returned two years after his latest album I Serve A Savior. Josh Turner’s new album Country State of Mind features seven collaborations and five standalone tracks, all of which are new renditions of previous country hits such as Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me” and Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen”. In fact, the two country legends lay down vocals in this project from Turner, which ensures an intriguing production from these iconic partnerships.

After Travis’ stroke in 2013, which caused him to suffer from aphasia, the world-renowned artist and entertainer returned to the music world with his latest single “Fools Love Affair” that was released in July.  Now, the long-serving influence has added to the excitement of his comeback with Turner through a performance that, throughout his entire career, is rare. Travis’ only collaborations can be found on his 1990 album Heroes and Friends where four other country veterans like Tammy Wynette, George Jones, and Merle Haggard are recognized, which makes Turner’s new rendition of “Forever and Ever, Amen”, with help from Travis, that much more compelling.

“I’m gonna love you forever, forever and ever, Amen / As long as old men sit and talk about the weather / As long as old women sit and talk about old men”

Country State of Mind is the first album from Turner since one of his tour buses crashed in central California in September 2019 where one of his crew members, David Turner, lost his life and seven others suffered severe injuries. Though Turner was not on the bus, the loss and anguish affected him, the families involved, and the industry itself.

This new project that has taken place through the many hands and voices involved is, if nothing else, a celebration of life and music. It’s a showcase of both traditional and modern country with contemporary artists like Maddie & Tae and Runaway June, who are also featured on the project alongside several matured entertainers of country music.

Country State of Mind Track Listing:

  1. I’m No Stranger To The Rain
  2. I’ve Got It Made (Duet with John Anderson)
  3. Why Me (Duet with Kris Kristofferson)
  4. Country State Of Mind (Duet with Chris Janson)
  5. I Can Tell By The Way You Dance
  6. Alone And Forsaken (Featuring Allison Moorer)
  7. Forever And Ever, Amen (With Special Guest Randy Travis)
  8. Midnight In Montgomery
  9. Good Ol’ Boys
  10. You Don’t Seem To Miss Me (Featuring Runaway June)
  11. Desperately (Featuring Maddie & Tae)
  12. The Caretaker

To keep up with Josh Turner, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

‘Country State of Mind’ 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.

—————

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:

Brandon Ratcliff Releases Debut EP, ‘Sometimes Always Never’

Brandron Ratcliff - Sometimes Always Never

Louisiana-native, Brandon Ratcliff is quickly making himself known as an artist to keep an eye on. Today, the singer-songwriter released his debut EP, Sometimes Always Never. 

Previously released in October 2018, “Rules of Breaking Up” marks the EP’s first track. The fan-favorite song made waves as it gained over a million streams on Spotify early on and is now currently sitting with well over seven million streams. It’s a contemporary country sonic landscape infused with pop and R&B influences. In the catchy tune, Ratcliff sings about how whoever wrote the so-called “rules” for a breakup, have never experienced the pull of his ex-lover.

“Number in My Phone,” co-written with Pete Good, and A.J Babcock, trails off of “Rules of Breaking Up” and goes through the intangible stages a phone number can go through. It can start out as just a good time, “just met” kind of relationship phone number into so much more, and then back to just a phone number of the past. It sustains the pop and r&b infuses that the first track possesses.

“Slow Down Hometown” is slower and more stripped-down than the latter, but continues the heartbreak theme as Ratcliff sings about the loss of moving on from your hometown as we all grow up.

Slow down hometown // Why you gotta move so fast // Tell me why it feels like // I’m the only one looking back // Oh home sweet hometown // I hope that I made you proud // I wish you well‚ it hurts like hell // But you’re somebody else’s now.” 

Next up, “Follow” more than certainly picks up the beat and is the collection’s first love offering of happy love.

The title track, “Sometimes Always Never” closes out the EP and parallels an acoustic feel while showcasing its acoustic guitar fretwork with sturdy pulse percussion. It’s a strong danceable track to conclude the well-crafted collection of songs. 

The singer-songwriter was not only our very first Swag Spotlight, but the budding star also earned a spot on our Top 10 Artists to Watch of 2019. That same year he opened up for Kelsea Ballerini on her Miss Me More tour alongside Brett Young.

To keep up with Brandon Ratcliff, Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Sometimes, Always, Never 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!

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NYCS First Impression Tucker Beathard ‘King’

Tucker Beathard

Tucker Beathard is an expert at taking personal journal entries and turning them into a lyrical masterpiece with unique music to accompany the heartfelt words. Unlike some artists in the genre, Beathard does not hide any part of who he is from his fans. From heartbreak to grief to joy, the singer-songwriter shares it all on his brand new record KING.

“I decided to name this album in honor of my little brother Clay, with King being his middle name,” Beathard shared via his social media, adding, “From top to bottom this album is a product of the highs and lows, and everything in between that the past few years have been. Through all of it, I’ve realized that at the end of the day there’s only one true King, and his kingdom is not of this world.”

This sentiment perfectly reflects the singer’s new project. Each of the thirteen tracks portrays a different journey that Beathard has experienced, and allows fans a deeper look into his soul and artistry. Songs like “Find Me Here” and “I Ain’t Without You” root the album in faith, which seems to be a driving force in the singer’s life.

One of the most poignant songs of the whole project is “I Ain’t Without You.” The heartbreaking, somber ballad once again leans on the power faith. Written about his late brother’s untimely passing, the singer-songwriter wrote the track with his father, fellow songwriter, Casey Beathard. Being able to write such a powerful and personal song is truly what Beathard does best. “So I keep holdin’ on with everything I got in me / To every piece of your memory so the world can see / I ain’t, I ain’t, I ain’t without you”

Of course, love and heartbreak also remain as pillars of Beathard’s unique musical style. In “Can’t Stay Here’ the recording artist sings about an on-again-off-again relationship, finally making the decision that decision to break-up and end the back and forth. The concept is relatable, yet heartbreaking. In the song, Beathard somehow finds a way to convey strength in a complicated and difficult situation, a talent that truly resonates across all his songs. “You Would Think” is another powerful tune that explores the intricacies of heartbreak.

“Faithful” and “Miss You Now” further explore love and heartbreak. The former is about a couple that is ready to give their all to each other, while the heart-pumping “Miss You Now” is full of Beathard’s signature, gritty voice as it explores all the things that you remind you of a person, but gently, the settings and the objects start to fade, yet the memories remain. Although written in memory of his brother, this song can easily be portrayed as a song about a romantic relationship too.

For fans that prefer the rock-country side of Beathard, “Better Than Me” and “Paper Town” are for you. The former is a previously released jam that pokes fun at the break-up tunes that were written during the punk-rock days of bands like Simple Plan and Blink 182. The music video makes the song really come to life, and it is the perfect track for live shows. “Paper Town” is another guitar-heavy tune that is made for long car rides with the windows down; despite, the deep and thought-provoking content. “Too Drunk” is another song, a drinking song, that fans must add to their car playlist.

Long time fans of Beathard might recognize one of our favorite tracks, “20/10 TN.” The song has been around for years, but the singer finally recorded it. The football-inspired song is full of imagery about love and redemption. “Just had to let you know, it’s 7-zip Tennessee / And by the way I meant to say, that I’m sorry ‘bout last night / I didn’t mean to make you cry / Did you really mean goodbye?”

Beathard is one of the most promising artists in the Nashville scene right now. He knows exactly who he is and the music he wants to release to fans. If he continues down this trajectory, we are confident that the singer will cement himself in country music history. KING is just another example of his one of a kind talent.

NYCS Picks:

  1. “20/10 TN”
  2. “Miss You Now”
  3. “I Ain’t Without You”

KING Tracklist:

  1. Better Than Me
  2. You Would Think
  3. One Upper
  4. 20/10 TN
  5. Paper Town
  6. You On
  7. Miss You Now
  8. Only
  9. Find Me Here
  10. Too Drunk
  11. Faithful
  12. Can’t Stay Here
  13. I Ain’t Without You

To keep up with Tucker Beathard follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

King 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:

NYCS First Impression: Tim McGraw ‘Here On Earth’

Tim McGraw Here On Earth

GRAMMY award-winning artist Tim McGraw is back with his 16th studio album. HERE ON EARTH is the superstar’s first solo project in five years since Damn Country Music and takes listeners through a journey of emotive experiences. His most recent project was released in 2017 and was a collaboration with wife Faith Hill titled The Rest of Our Life. Since then, McGraw has been releasing teasers about new music and the full project is finally here.

The title track “LA” opens with a resemblance to an 80s-synth track, sustaining that ambiance throughout the length of the track. The lyrics discuss the cliches of LA while mentally making you feel like you are in the city of angels.

“Chevy Spaceship” starts with a grainy space-launch message with extraterrestrial loops. It compliments a backing piano instrumentation and builds up as the song progresses. The title track “Here On Earth” contains a more uptempo offering than the previous two tracks and couples with “Hard To Stay Mad At” in terms of upbeat, feel-good songs.

“Sheryl Crow” glimpses at McGraw’s rock side and is a love song about the same nostalgic feelings felt about someone and feeling those same feelings hearing Sheryl Crow on the radio for the first time; almost the same perspective as Taylor Swift’s “Tim McGraw.” “7500 OBO” is an offering from today’s traditional country sound and in correlation with the album’s release, the singer released an acoustic version of the song on YouTube as well as a video for Hallelujahville.

Lead single “I Called Mama” serves as a reminder that comforting voices out there are available and one of the best things out there. He sings: “So I stopped off at a Texaco // Bought a Slim Jim and a Coke // Parked out by the water just to watch that river flow // Grabbed my guitar from the back seat // Wrote a song just for me // And I sung it for the blue sky // And a couple live oak trees // I thought of home, grabbed my phone from my pocket // And I called mama.”

Each track highlights the shared experiences that humans feel, something that is so needed during these uncertain times.

Follow Tim McGraw on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

HERE ON EARTH is available everywhere you buy or stream music.  Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

HERE ON EARTH Track List

1. “L.A.” | Carlton Anderson, Shane Minor, Phil O’Donnell
2. “Chevy Spaceship” | Jonny Price
3. “Here On Earth” | Jessie Joe Dillon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite
4. “Damn Sure Do” | Tony Lane, James T. Slater
5. “Hallelujahville” | Tom Douglas, Blake Griffith, Brett Taylor
6. “Good Taste In Women” | Jaren Johnston, Bryan Simpson, Nathan Spicer
7. “Hard To Stay Mad At” | Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna
8. “Sheryl Crow” | Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, Laura Veltz
9. “Not From California” | Levi Hummon, Marcus Hummon, Matt McVaney, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
10. “Hold You Tonight” | Ross Copperman, Jon Nite
11. “7500 OBO” | Matt McGinn, Jennifer Schott, Nathan Spicer
12. “If I Was A Cowboy” | Zack Dyer, Lonnie Lee Fowler, Dave Turnbill
13. “I Called Mama” | Marv Green, Lance Miller, Jimmy Yeary
14. “Gravy” | Andy Albert, Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
15. “War Of Art” | Lance Miller, Jeremy Spillman, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
16. “Doggone” | Claire Douglas, Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Aimee Mayo

 

 

—————

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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

—————————-

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: Caylee Hammack ‘If It Wasn’t For You’

Caylee Hammack

Today marks the debut of a star in the making! Critics and fans alike may notice Caylee Hammack’s fiery red hair right away, but it’s her voice, her attitude, her talent, and her undeniable charm that declares her staying power. Her brand new debut record If It Wasn’t For You is her story, and boy is it a good one.

Unexpectedly, Hammack begins her record with a song called “Just Friends.” In the beginning, the song appears to be a vocal-based performance with a simple backing, but then the song opens up and explodes into a powerhouse introduction. Just from the first song, fans know that they are in for something special with this project.

Hammack keeps the energy up with previously released tunes “Redhead” and “Preciatcha.” “Redhead” is the song we all needed. Featuring megastar, Reba McEntire, the two ladies jam about all the characteristics that badass redhead chicks possess “Oh, they got their hands full, trying to tame a pistol / Spitfire, freckles that could run among the dead.” Of course, “Preciatcha” has a quieter energy, but still hits just as hard metaphorically. The song is about Hammack heeding her mother’s advice, and holding on to the valuable lessons learned from pain and heartache.

Songs like “Just Like You” and “King Size Bed” showcase the sassy side of the singer-songwriter’s personality. “Just Like You” focuses on getting revenge on an ex-lover, similar to the vibe of Carrie Underwood’s smash hit “Before He Cheats.” On the other hand, “King Size Bed” is a sensual and cheeky jam about a romantic interest.

Family is clearly a central theme on the new record too. In “Family Tree,” Hammack’s debut song, the singer lets her fans in on the good, the bad, and the weird in her family. This type of humble honesty is refreshing in such a young talent. Similarly, in “Sister,” Hammack pays homage to her sibling, expressing the privilege of having a sister to look up to, cry with, and celebrate the good times with.

Hammack continues to hit her sweet spot on personal, yet relatable songs, where she divulges her truth. “Looking For A Lighter,” one of our favorites is a clever tale about heartbreak. The singer’s vocals shine on this track, but it is her creative way of personifying and comparing fire, smoke, and lighters with the painful demise of a push-pull relationship. Lyrics like “Spark up a memory / I’m burning for you so bad” are laced throughout the entire song.

“Forged In A Fire” is another personal anecdote that was put to music. Hammack finds inspiration in life’s journey throughout this song. She eventually draws the conclusion that she was meant to be a fighter. The song conveys a quiet sense of strength, which is refreshing. Hammack continues her story-telling with “Small Town Hypocrite,” a sonically pleasing song inspired by the singer’s move to Nashville and subsequent break-up. Although heartbreaking, the song is one of her best.

Similarly, the spectacular song, “Mean Something,” which features incredible fellow artists Ashley McBryde and Tenille Townes, paints the picture of women trying their best to find their footing in life through all the adversity. The song is an anthem in the making, and completely relevant to the battle females in the industry are enduring in country music right now.

“Ain’t we all just trying to mean something, mean something / AIn’t we all just trying to be something, be something”

Ending with the song “New Level of Life,” Hammack seems to have made it full circle. She acknowledges her trials and tribulations in love and life but manages to come out the other side stronger, brighter, and happier. The uplifting and creative tune is the perfect way to end such a strong debut.

Hammack’s first full project was the perfect introduction to her talent. She truly created something that is unique to her and aesthetically pleasing in every area. This particular collection of songs is going to resonate with fans across the genre and beyond. Hammack is on fire, and we cannot wait to hear these songs live!

To keep up with Caylee Hammack follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Mean Something”
  2. “New Level of Life”
  3. “Small Town Hypocrite”
  4. “Looking For A Lighter”

 

If It Wasn’t For You Tracklist:

  1. Just Friends
  2. Redhead (featuring Reba McEntire)
  3. Looking For A Lighter
  4. Preciatcha
  5. Sister
  6. Just Like You
  7. King Size Bed
  8. Forged In The Fire
  9. Family Tree
  10. Mean Something (featuring Ashley McBryde and Tenille Townes)
  11. Small Town Hypocrite
  12. Gold
  13. New Level Of Life

 If It Wasn’t For You 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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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.

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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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NYCS First Impression & Exclusive Interview: Mo Pitney ‘Ain’t Lookin’ Back’

Mo Pitney

Sophomore records are often the ones that make or break an artist, but for rising talent, Mo Pitney, his newest project, Ain’t Lookin’ Back is even more intriguing than his debut. The singer-songwriter knows his sound and his fanbase and delivers exactly what we want, a true-blue country album laced with a wide range of influences.

“So I took a long time to make the second album for a number of reasons,” Pitney began during our exclusive interview with the artist, “I wanted to find out how to have a common thread from the first album to the second album, but being open to introducing all of my influences and let them meet in one place.” It is safe to say that he accomplished that feat with this record.

Opening up with “A Music Man,” Pitney wastes no time showcasing his one of a kind talent. The single is a beautiful story about feeling like God put him on Earth to play music. The beautiful “three chords and the truth” song is everything fans could want to kick off the project.

Pitney continued to transition his vocal skills into a series of love songs, such as “Right Now With You,” “Boy Gets the Girl”, and “Mattress on the Floor.” Although all three are sublime in their own right, “Mattress on the Floor” is a standout track, where Pitney vocalizes that love is all you really need to get by.

According to Pitney, most of the songs were inspired by the love he has for his wife. “Local Honey” is a sweet and sultry song about falling in love that everyone can relate to. “Plain and Simple” is another stellar example of how well Pitney can express a simple story through the song. The love song is the perfect simplest declaration of endearment. “Always have and always will love you / Plain and simple”

On the other hand, “Looks Like Rain” is arguably one of the best songs on the project. Written about mental health struggles, Pitney takes vulnerability to a whole new level on this gut-wrenching, but much needed track. In our exclusive interview, he deemed this song one of his favorites and even opened up about the inspiration, sharing; “I wanted to record it because it is a song about depression. It is a song about having the sun shining, and the birds are singing, but the whole world is grey. And I think that’s a common human experience, and I wanted to share that I’ve been through that and other people aren’t alone with that.”

Of course, family remained a tenant on this record. As a recent father of two girls and a touring musician, Pitney knows how it feels to be away from his family.  In “’ Til I Get Back To You,” the singer expresses that sentiment through the lens of a truck driving industry. In our conversation, the singer-songwriter explained how effortless the songwriting process was for this song. “We talked about the history of country music and truck driving songs and we wanted to try to bring that to this record in a new way so I welded my story of traveling and wanting to get back to my wife with these truck driving industry.” “Old Stuff Better,” a fun country-folk jam about family roots and “Ain’t Bad for Good Ol’ Boy” also lend themselves to the family first mentality.

Overall the brand new project is a little bit of the old mixed with a whole lot of the new. Like most of us, Pitney is just on the journey called life, and constantly peeling back the layers that make him who he is. I’m sure true fans of music will continue to support his unmatched and refreshing talent.

To keep up with Mo Pitney follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

 

NYCS Picks:

  1. “A Music Man”
  2. “Looks Like Rain”
  3. “’Til I Get Back to You”
  4. “Boy Gets the Girl”

 

Ain’t Lookin’ Back Tracklist:

  1. A Music Man (feat. Jamey Johnson)
  2. Right Now with You
  3. Ain’t Bad for a Good Ol’ Boy
  4. ’til I Get Back to You
  5. Looks Like Rain
  6. Boy Gets the Girl
  7. Ain’t Lookin’ Back
  8. Old Home Place (feat. His All-Star Band)
  9. Plain and Simple
  10. Mattress on the Floor
  11. Local Honey
  12. Old Stuff Better
  13. Jonas

Ain’t’ Lookin’ Back 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:

NYCS First Impression: Lindsay Ell ‘Heart Theory’

lindsay ell heart theory

Country music is a genre built on storytelling and real life. Over the past few years, that definition has been watered down by some. It’s not that modern country isn’t fun or meaningful; it’s just that often artists are afraid to “go there” like they used to — they’re afraid to step on people’s toes. Lindsay Ell bared it all on her phenomenal sophomore project heart theory. Sonically, she made a stellar current country-pop record with influences of rock and blues, but conceptually, it’s as country as could be.

heart theory successfully covers the seven stages of grief: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance. Ell explores everything from a breakup that ended badly to working through trauma to finding yourself on the 12-track project. “If theory is the science of music, heart theory is the science of a heart,” Ell said of the record. “I hope this roadmap can be a comfort if you need it, reassurance when you need to remember to believe in yourself or maybe just a glimpse into a memory that’s made you who you are.”

“how good” falls under the denial category and is a groovy, almost funk-pop inspired Brandy Clark co-write. Her vocal range is on full display, from a controlled, mellow verse to a soaring chorus. “You don’t know how good I could love you/Boy if you just would let me love you/You might not think you should/but if I were you I would”, she sings on the chorus.

Ell shows off her bolder side on the three-song anger stage. “wAnt me back”, the current single is an addictively catchy tune. She tells her ex that she knows she’s worth it in a relationship, and if she were in his shoes, she’d miss her too. “You ain’t gonna find nobody like me/I’m the best you ever had and I’m always gonna be, so/If I were you… if I were you/I’d want me back too.”

Sitting in the middle of the album is the fourth stage: bargaining. Written by Ell, Sam Ellis, and Laura Veltz is “body language of a breakup”, a clever representation of watching a relationship fall apart from the outside. Although there are plenty of songs about breakups, this hits the nail right on the head in a completely fresh way. The craftsmanship of heart theory is incredibly unique. None of the 12 tracks sound exactly like something heard on the radio, yet at the same time, they all feel familiar. The lyrics are smartly written, and with Ell’s guitar solos that catch you off guard in the best way, it makes it even more interesting. She’s clearly grown as a writer and artist since her debut, The Project.

The most vulnerable and heartbreaking moment is the second-to-last song, “make you”, which is filed under acceptance. Written by Ell and Clark, is Ell’s story of being a sexual assault survivor. At 13, and again at 21, she was raped. When she decided to make an album as personal as heart theory, she knew she had to tell her story. “I called Brandy, an absolute wordsmith and songwriter genius, and asked her if she would write this song with me. She fearlessly and immediately said yes,” Ell said in a press release. “The day we wrote ‘make you’ I knew we had written something special that will hopefully help others to not feel alone in their survival. And more personally, it was finally the moment in my life where I got to validate that little girl inside – letting her know that ‘I see her and I love her.”

The album ends on a hopeful note. “ReadY to love” is an empowering, upbeat jam about owning who you are and taking back the power after being hurt so many times before. “I’m ready to love again/Ready to trust again/Ready to put my heart back out there/If your heart is out there”, she sings on the chorus. It’s at this moment that you can hear how truly free Ell feels.

Lindsay Ell has been making music for more than half of her life, and with each release, she digs deeper. Not letting a genre or sound define her, she poured her heart out and it paid off big time. Part of what makes this an outstanding and authentic record is that it is the very definition of three chords and the truth. She shared the ups and downs of life, letting every scar show and heal. As she sings on her cover of John Mayer’s “The Heart of Life”, “Pain throws your heart to the ground/Love turned the whole thing around/No, it won’t all go the way it should/But I know the heart of life is good.”

 

heart theory Track List

a journey through the seven stages of grief

shock
1. “Hits me” (Lindsay Ell, Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder)

denial
2. “how good” (Lindsay Ell, Brandy Clark)
3. “i don’t lovE you” (Adam Hambrick, Melissa Fuller, Neil Medley)

anger
4. “wAnt me back” (Lindsay Ell, Kane Brown, Matt McGinn, Lindsay Rimes)
5. “get oveR you” (Lindsay Ell, Gordie Sampson, Kelly Archer)
6. “wrong girl” (Lindsay Ell, Steph Jones, Matt McGinn, Luke Niccoli)

bargaining
7. “body language of a breakup” (Lindsay Ell, Laura Veltz, Sam Ellis)

depression
8. “good on you” (Lindsay Ell, Sam Ellis, Micah Premnath)

testing
9. “The oTHEr side” (Lindsay Ell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt McGinn)
10. “gO to” (Lindsay Ell, Nicolle Gaylon, Jordan Reynolds)

acceptance
11. “make you” (Lindsay Ell, Brandy Clark)
12. “ReadY to love” (Lindsay Ell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt McGinn, Joey Hyde)

NYCS Staff Picks:
“make you”
“i don’t lovE you”
“how good”
“ReadY to love”
“wAnt me back”

To keep up with Lindsay Ell, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

‘heart theory’ 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: