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NYCS First Impression: Adam Doleac ‘Famous’ EP

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Adam Doleac Famous EP

In October of 2017, our very first LIVE Swag Session featured none other than Adam Doleac, and in 2018, we named him as one of our Artists to Watch. Today, nearly three years since that first Swag Session, Doleac has released his Famous – EP with Sony Music Nashville.

The six-song collection features a handful of previously released tracks, including “Famous,” “Whiskey’s Fine,” and a new version of “Mom and Daddy’s Money.” Doleac also included the sultry “Neon Fools” and the mid-tempo ode to not going home alone, “Solo.”

The EP also features the driving new track, “I Choose Lonely,” one of the collection’s highlights. “If it ain’t you/ If it can’t be you/ Then maybe I choose lonely,” He sings. “I’ve never been so sure of being so damn sure of something/ And if what you got ain’t what I get then I don’t want nothing/ If it ain’t you/ Then baby maybe I choose lonely.”

While some of the EP’s other tracks may have been previously released, they include Doleac’s brilliant breakthrough hit “Whiskey’s Fine,” which features the brilliant play on words, inviting someone to “Come on in, the whiskey is fine.”

There’s also the newly recorded version of his independent release. “Mom and Daddy’s Money,” which is a piano-driven ballad telling the coming of age tale of him realizing everything his parents sacrificed and gave him. “The older I got/ The more I saw,” He admits here, “This whole time it was time they bought/ They looked out for me/ Til I didn’t need/ Mom and Daddy’s Mommy.” Doleac is at his best here, honest and heartfelt, flipping the last verse to give back to the parents that gave him so much. “Now I know where it came from/ And I know what it meant/ I know it’s hard to come by and easy to spend/ When time’s get tough/ Man I’ll never tell/ I’ll go through hell so they can live/ In the land of milk and honey/ Mom and Daddy’s money.”

To keep up with Adam Doleac, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Visit his official website for upcoming tour dates, merch, and more.

“Famous – EP” 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.

Famous – EP Track List:
1. Famous
2. Neon Fools
3. I Choose Lonely
4. SOLO
5. Mom and Daddy’s Money
6. Whiskey’s Fine

 

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Adam Doleac Releases Sultry Track “Neon Fools”

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Neon Fools

One of our 2018 Artists to Watch and one of Arista Nashville’s newest signees, Adam Doleac is getting ready to send his single “Famous” to country radio in January but to hold fans over with some new music, he released “Neon Fools”, available everywhere today. Doleac wrote the track with Andy Skib and Thomas Finchum and the mid-tempo, sultry track is all about making bad decisions seem like they are the right ones.

“Neon Fools” commences with distinctive, beauteous fretwork imbricating a percussive medium. He inaugurates: “If I was smart I would walk out the back door. / I wouldn’t say, “I’ll buy you a drink” that you can’t afford”

“I think it’s safe to say that many of us have allowed the neon setting of a crowed club to fool us into getting involved in situations,” Doleac says in a press release. “And when folks hear this track, wherever it takes them, I hope they love it.”

Doleac welcomes the incandescence of the room to elude them to fall in love. When the lights are low and it’s just the two, and you know it isn’t going to be able to last once walking back out the front door, why not make the time last underneath the neon lights.

“Let’s let the neon fool us into thinking / Me and you ain’t gonna burn out / Give in to this thing and feel it / Underneath these lights right now / We know better than to leave here together / But, baby, what do we got to lose? / Let’s be neon fools and let that neon fool me and you tonight”

Doleac will be joining Ryan Hurd on select dates on the Platonic Tour as well as select dates with Mitchell Tenpenny. For full list of tour dates head to www.adamdoleac.com

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

“Neon Fools” 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.

—————————-

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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Adam Doleac’s New Video features “Famous” Friends from The Bachelor

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Cassie Randolph Colton Underwood Famous

Adam Doleac enlisted some of his celebrity friends for the music video for his song “Famous.” If you’re a fan of the dating show, The Bachelor on ABC, you might remember Colton Underwood from a few seasons ago or maybe the fence jumping scene rings a bell? He ultimately ended up with Cassie Randolph and neither of them hide the fact that they love country music.

The up-and-coming artist told People that when he originally put “Famous” out, Randolph and Underwood posted a video of them singing along to the song and tagged Doleac. After seeing it and thinking about what direction to go with the music video, he thought it was only right to ask them to star in it.

“Cassie and I often think about how we would have met each other outside of the bachelor, would I buy her a drink? Would I bump into her on the beach? Would she play hard to get? (Of course) — in this video that drops today it tells a story that we love so much, it’s about not doing the predictable thing, it’s about taking a chance and being bold. I love you @cassierandolph & want to thank @adamdoleac for trusting us for representing this song,” Underwood wrote on Instagram.

The music video centers around Underwood, an actor, filming scenes for a movie but he can’t stop looking at one of the personal assistants off to the side, Randolph. In every scene, she catches his eye which goes right along with the lyrics to the song:

“Girl you look famous / Like South Beach or Vegas / All up in the paper, in the supermarket aisle / That dress on you I swear / I know you from somewhere / Gotta know what your name is / ‘Cause God you look famous when you smile”

After filming, Underwood and Randolph ultimately share a dance in the empty studio but just like any movie, there’s a plot twist. The video ends with Doleac behind the counter of a grocery store where Randolph is checking out but a few magazines with Underwood’s face catch her eye. When she finally leaves, she passes Underwood as he’s entering and you realize she made up the entire movie scene in her head and it’s all a dream.

Watch our most recent interview with our 2018 Artist to Watch, Adam Doleac below and click here to check out some of the country artists that have performed on The Bachelor or Bachelorette.

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

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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:

5 Undiscovered Male Artists You Should Be Listening To

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We are loving how the country music genre continues to grow and develop. As a platform, we believe it’s important to promote and support megastars, rising artists, and independent artists in the industry. There is so much rising talent in Nashville that we look forward to continuing to champion.

Here are five of our current favorite undiscovered male country artists that we know you’ll love…

 

1. Adam Doleac
LISTEN: “Famous”

We had to start off this list with one of our current favorites, Adam Doleac, who just so happens to be our first ever Swag Session Artist. He is the epitome of contemporary country music right now! With his charm, good looks, and killer vocals, it’s just a matter of time until he makes it big in the industry. We last caught up with the singer-songwriter at Taste of Country back in June, where we talked about his hit, “Famous” as well as, plans for new music. Check out the interview in the video below and give a listen to “Famous”, along with some of his other songs “SOLO” and “Wake Up Beautiful” that we are also loving. Keep up with Doleac on Instagram and Twitter.

 

2. Nick Wayne
LISTEN: “I Knew It Was You”

Next up, Nick Wayne is another artist that we’ve got on repeat. His unique sound blends effortlessly with his creative lyrics, making you want to sing along to each song right from the beginning. His newest song “I Knew It Was You”, off his soon to be completed Coffee Black is an infectious tune about knowing you found your soulmate, and we believe that Wayne has found his soul’s calling with music. He is a true storyteller. Make sure you keep Wayne on your radar. Give him a follow on Instagram and Twitter.

 

3. Baker Grissom
LISTEN: “Right Bar Wrong Stool”

One of our more unexpected picks is Baker Grissom. Virtually unknown until the release of his debut EP Saturdays & Sunday, Grissom is taking the country music world by storm in a big way. Both myself and our managing editor, Christina, fell in love with his sound and story-telling ability almost instantly, when we first listened to his record. He’s one of those artists that exists in his own lane, which is both refreshing and endearing. Check out his EP, especially “Do I Drink” and “You Are Who You Listen To”. Keep up with Grissom via his Instagram.

 

4. Levi Hummon
LISTEN: “Drop of Us”

Levi Hummon is another artist that we’re loving. He’s armed with clever lyrics, a charming smile, and a great voice. His newest song, “Drop of Us” is story-telling at its finest, and you’ll want to listen to it this summer! Arguably his most popular song, “I Still Do” is still one of our favorites, but it’s only the beginning of his talent. Hummon played “I Still Do” and the rest of the songs off his EP Patient back in October, when we caught the singer at his intimate release party in Nashville. To watch Hummon’s career take off, make sure to follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

 

5. Drew Baldridge
LISTEN: “Middle of Nowhere Kids”

Snagging our last spot is Drew Baldridge. We’ve been fans of the rising artist since back in 2016 when Baldridge released his single “Dance with Ya”. Fast forward to April 2018, when Baldridge joined us on Refinery Rooftop for a live Swag Session. Now, Baldridge is busy promoting his newest singles “Middle of Nowhere Kids” and “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” gearing up to play at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival in Canada later this week. We’re excited to see what the singer has in store for fans this year. Keep up with him via Instagram and Twitter.

 

Who are some of your favorite rising stars? Let us know in the comments and make sure you’re following us on Instagram, so you don’t miss any new music!

 

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Adam Doleac Releases Two New Songs “SOLO” & “Wake Up Beautiful”

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Adam Doleac SOLO

Here at New York Country Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers and championing artists in all stages of their career, but we get especially excited when one of our favorite rising artists finds mainstream success. Our 2018 Artist to Watch, Adam Doleac is doing just that!

His single “Famous” found its way to number 1 on the Sirius XM The Highway Hot 30 Countdown, and we are eagerly awaiting a full project from the singer-songwriter. Just today, he released two new songs, “Solo” and “Wake Up Beautiful” to give us another taste of what’s to come.

Both tracks are romantic and sentimental in their own right. The former, “SOLO” is Doleac’s plea to a girl to stay with him, even though it wasn’t, at first, meant to be anything serious. In the slow-burn track, the country crooner expresses his vulnerability through his vocals and the heartfelt lyrics. At his pop-up New York City show on Monday night, Doleac told the audience that SOLO stood for “Stay Over Lay Over”

“I don’t want to be solo / I don’t want to watch the sun come up alone / Nah, you ain’t gotta go home / Wait three days to talk on the phone / Just cause the night is over / Don’t mean I don’t want you next to me / I don’t want to be solo / Stay over, lay over here with me”

Adam Doleac Wake Up Beautiful

The latter, “Wake Up Beautiful” is a confident and charming love song, featuring a catchy hook and chorus. Doleac gushes over a girl, singing compliments as lyrics and explaining, “I bet you wake up beautiful.” Like his single, “Famous,” “Wake Up Beautiful” will have all the girls swooning and wishing for a partner, who puts them on a pedestal as Doleac does in his music. The singer continues to prove his staying power with two more solid tracks to add to his collection of impressive songs.

He is on the road this summer, making stops in Colorado, Arizona, California, Arkansas, and more. We caught the singer’s set earlier this week, first at Hunter Mountain’s Taste of Country Festival and again, on Monday night in New York City at his headlining show. It was great to see how much the singer-songwriter has grown as an artist since we hosted our first ever Swag Session with him back in 2017. To hear more about both new songs, watch our interview below.

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

“SOLO” and “Wake Up Beautiful” are 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!

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Adam Doleac Shares An Acoustic Set at an Intimate NYC Venue

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Guest post by Andrea Rogers for NYCountry Swag

Adam Doleac

After playing for 20,000 fans at Taste of Country Music Festival, Adam Doleac did a pop-up show at Berlin NYC on the lower east side Monday night. He told the audience that he loved playing acoustic intimate venues that allowed for more interaction with the audience and storytelling. He allowed the crowd to control the set list and joked that he knew all his own songs if anyone wanted to request his original music. “We are hopefully able to build this thing bigger and bigger as we go and continue to do stuff like this. This is the first of many pop-up shows and it’s so cool that I only posted it yesterday and y’all came”.

He joked with the audience about experiencing NYC and riding the subway. “We normally Uber and we rode the subway. Ride the subway they said. It would be fun they said. At least we are experiencing the culture of NYC” He played originals such as “Refill”, “Shady”, and “Mom and Daddy’s Money”. He opened up about his gratitude towards his parents for all they have done for him. “The best thing you can have in the world is two good parents. That’s the best start anyone can have. I was lucky enough to have two good parents. I was spoiled by them…I wouldn’t be here without them. They treated me good…I knew I could never say thank you enough in person so this was my way of thanking them via song. It’ll be around forever, they can listen to it, and I love playing it when they are in the audience. I hope I can do it as well as they did when I have my own kids”.

He announced that his next single will be “Solo” and it will be released to Sirius XM radio next Friday. NYC got to hear him play it for the first time live. “I wrote it with a track guy in the room so I didn’t have to play it and I haven’t sung it for anyone yet. The first time playing it, it could be a good thing or a bad thing” he joked. He also shared that the initials of “SOLO” mean “Stay Over Lay Over”, a play on words similar to Florida Georgia Line’s song “H.O.L.Y.”.

He also played hits such as “Whiskey’s Fine” and he shared how that song was his start two years ago on the radio. He was named “Highway Find” artist in 2017 and was our very first Swag Session back in October of that year.  He ended the night with “Puzzle of Us”, “Bigger Than Us”, and his latest hit “Famous”. “Famous” being his first #1 song on Sirius XM The Highway’s Hot 3o Countdown. “It’s the smallest song I’ve ever written but it’s doing big things at #1 on the Highway for 2 weeks, going on 3”. The inspiration behind famous is his girlfriend. There was a night she was all dressed up and his brother described her as “looking famous” which was his muse for the song. Check out our interview from last weekend at Taste of Country Festival below.

To keep up with Adam Doleac, 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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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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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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[Listen] Adam Doleac Releases “Famous” and “Puzzle of Us”

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One of our 2018 Artist to Watch alum, Adam Doleac gave country music fans a real treat by releasing two singles to kick off the new year. Followers were lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the songs before they were released last night on his Instagram. It’s no surprise Doleac continues to establish himself and make a name in country music as “Famous” and “Puzzle of Us” are catchy, heartfelt songs that will undoubtedly be fan favorites.

Adam Doleac Famous & Puzzle of Us

“Famous” is showcasing the undeniable feeling about someone who you are utterly amazed by. With lyrics like “Girl, you look famous, like South Beach or Vegas,” Doleac is putting his love interest on a pedestal. The lyrics can make anyone fall in love with this easily relatable song which was co-written with Bobby Hamrick and Andy Skib.

Adam Doleac Famous & Puzzle of Us

“Puzzle Of Us” was inspired by a man Doleac met in a bar who had an entire sleeve tattooed on his arm with one piece missing. As he explained on his Instagram post, he asked why the piece was missing, and the man said: “Give me three minutes and I’ll show you.” When a woman came back and sat down, she had a tattoo right where he didn’t have his, it was her only tattoo.  Needless to say, they completed each other through tattoos and Doleac and his co-writer Anthony Smith turned that story into a sentimental love song.

Doleac is proving he is here to stay and these two singles are just a snippet of what is to come from him. Be sure to check out both of these songs below and stay up to date on tour announcements and new music at https://www.adamdoleac.com.

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NYCS 2018 Artist to Watch Where Are They Now: Adam Doleac

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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 January of this year we named the 10 artists below in our “Artists to Watch in 2018” 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 year what is coming up for them in 2019.

Adam Doleac

(L-R) Christina Bosch, Managing Editor, Adam Doleac, Stephanie Wagner, Founder

We chose Adam Doleac for one of our 2018 artists to watch and in this past year, we have seen him soar in this industry like no other. Since releasing his self-titled debut EP in June of 2017, Doleac has released two songs that have given him a huge boost in his career, “Bigger Than Us” and “Whiskey’s Fine”. With those two songs taking over Sirius XM The Highway by storm the singer-songwriter has gained a fan base that continues to grow and has caught the attention of everyone in Nashville. With over 8 million streams between the two, Doleac has also caught the attention of the streaming world. Several of his songs have gained top spots on Spotify country playlists including New Boots and our own playlist New Country Music. Sirius XM continues to be one of Doleac’s largest supporter as they have played multiple tracks from his EP on The Highway routinely and featured him as an artist on the fall 2017 Highway Finds Tour.

Also in the fall of 2017, we hosted the singer-songwriter for one of our very first Live Swag Sessions where he sang for us and answered questions for our team. Watch both parts of the Swag Session below.

Doleac was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time back in September during Coffee, Country & Cody on 650 AM WSM. What is arguably the most important night of the year, Doleac stepped foot in the circle for the very first time on October 6th, 2018 surrounded his family and friends. He says it is a night he will never forget. Among this incredible honor, the rising artist has been named one of CMT’s Artist Discovery, Texas Roadhouse Artist of the Month, and had his first CMT video premiere with “Bigger Than Us”.

Doleac pairs honest, vulnerable lyrics with a laid-back vibe, inviting vocals and has emotional connections to his songs, making him the perfect artist to add to your watch list if you have not already. Listen to his self-titled EP below and stay updated on upcoming tour dates on his website.

Adam Doleac Track List:
“Bigger Than Us” (Adam Doleac / Lindsay Rimes / Michael Heeney)
“Shady” (Adam Doleac / Brock Berryhill / Taylor Phillips)
“Refill” (Adam Doleac / John Gurney / Matt Roy / Taylor Phillips)
“Everybody Needs Somebody” (Adam Doleac / Jon Nite / Tom Douglas)
“Whiskey’s Fine” (Adam Doleac / Monty Criswell)
“Some Girls” (Adam Doleac / Lindsay Rimes / Monty Criswell / Luke Sheets)

 

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