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Hailey Whitters: ‘RAISED’ – Album Review

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Hailey Whitters third studio album, RAISED is out now, March 18th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the new album below.

Hailey Whitters has been an artist to watch for many years, and after making a splash with her sophomore record The Dream, Whitters has returned with a brand new 17-track project, RAISED.

The album opens with an instrumental in Latin titled “Ad Astra Per Alas Porci”, which translates to “Pigasus”, a pig that flies – a trope that Whitters holds close to her heart. Pigasus is the name of Whitters’ personal record imprint, so this cinematic opener really sets the scene of learning her backstory sonically. It ties in perfectly to the title track “Raised”, an airy, nostalgic song with fabulous imagery about being raised as a Heartland girl. You can hear her Chicks influence, but it also feels like an extension of “Heartland”. It’s no coincidence that Whitters wrote this song with the same co-writers. It’s classically Hailey; it sounds like a sunrise.

Much of the first half of the record are stellar story-songs written specifically about Whitters’ childhood growing up in Iowa. Yet, the specificity remains relatable. Between the perfectly fiddle-heavy “Big Family” and John Mellencamp-esque “Middle of America” (the latter of which features alternative country band American Aquarium); and the bonafide fan favorite “Boys Back Home”, all are pulled from the life that she has lived so far. Whitters is a strong songwriter by herself, but she also collaborated with some of the best songwriters in Nashville on the project. From the storytelling queen, Lori McKenna to her record–label head, Nicolle Galyon to the insanely legendary, Tom Douglas, it’s no wonder each lyric has such prominent meaning.

All 17 tracks are evocative, witty, and intentional. “Boys Back Home”, which she wrote with frequent collaborators Brandy Clark and Jessie Jo Dillon captures the essence of hometown scarcity. “When I think about all of the men that I know // They’re ain’t none like the boys back home”, she sings with a shine in her voice on the chorus.

Another highlight on RAISED is “College Town”, an anthem for all those who took the big leap of faith to further their education. “She’ll come home for Christmas and cut off her hair // Got a whole new opinion her parents don’t share”. The way Whitters approaches the song is different from most country songs about college and is still authentically country.

The interlude that goes into “Our Grass Is Legal” has Whitters’ Aunt Cindy on the phone with a potential customer at the Whitters family turf farm who mistakes their business for one that sells weed. The song that follows it – and is the family businesses’ slogan – “Our Grass Is Legal” is the midwestern, blue-collar anthem of the album. It has a real rocking, slight jazzy groove to it, and will without a doubt be a crowd-pleaser when performed on tour.

The official closer, and another highlight, is the sweet “In A Field Somewhere”. It’s the bookend for the title track and the entire RAISED project. It tells the story of Whitters learning to drive, sneaking off with her friends as a teenager, and even when she got proposed to by her fiancé, fellow Iowan native, and producer, Jake Gear. It’s the perfect closer, and the reprise of the first instrumental finishes it off so wonderfully.

RAISED is a true record, one that is best listened to in order, maybe in the car with the windows down, or at home watching the sunset. Music isn’t made like this anymore, and Hailey Whitters continues to raise the bar in every way for songwriters, musicians, and frankly, music fans everywhere by being herself. RAISED is a love letter to the midwest as much as it’s a love letter to storytelling. And it’s a story that keeps getting better the more chapters Whitters writes.

RAISED Tracklist:

  1. Ad Astra Per Alas Porci (Jordan Lehning, Pedro Palomino)
  2. Raised (Hailey Whitters, Nicolle Galyon, Forest Glen Whitehead)
  3. Everything She Ain’t (Hailey Whitters, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell)
  4. Big Family (Hailey Whitters, Cameron Bedell, Nicolle Galyon)
  5. Middle Of America (feat. American Aquarium) (Hailey Whitters, Bobby Pinson)
  6. Plain Jane (Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsey, Cary Barlowe)
  7. College Town (Hailey Whitters, Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy Robbins)
  8. Interlude (Hailey Whitters, Pedro Palomino)
  9. Boys Back Home (Hailey Whitters, Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon)
  10. Everybody Oughta (Matt Roy, Craig Wiseman)
  11. Pretty Boy (Hailey Whitters, Scooter Carusoe, Tom Douglas)
  12. The Neon (Hailey Whitters, Rodney Clawson, Lori McKenna)
  13. The Grassman (Hailey Whitters, Aaron Raitiere)
  14. Our Grass Is Legal (Hailey Whitters)
  15. Beer Tastes Better (Hailey Whitters, Lori McKenna)
  16. In A Field Somewhere (Hailey Whitters, Jeff Hyde, Bryan Simpson)
  17. Ad Astra Per Alas Porci (Reprise) (Jordan Lehning, Pedro Palomino)
Hailey-whitters-album

Hailey Whitters’ new album ‘RAISED’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Hailey Whitters announcements and releases.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

Hailey Whitters: ‘Living The Dream’ – Deluxe Album Review

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Hailey Whitters’ brand new deluxe album LIVING THE DREAM is available now, February 26th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the project.

Hailey Whitters' 'Living The Dream Deluxe Album' is available everywhere now, February 26th

Hailey Whitters’ ‘Living The Dream – Deluxe Album’ is available everywhere now, February 26th

For almost exactly a year, rising singer-songwriter and former Swag Spotlight artist, Hailey Whitters has been riding the high from the release of her debut full-length record The Dream. Clearly feeling like the album’s journey was not completely finished, the profound songstress is releasing a deluxe version of the project adding five new songs to the record, officially out today!

The record features familiar songs and fan-favorites like “Ten Year Town” and “Janice at the Hotel Bar.” The former is her dynamite former single, a song that paints the picture of what it was like for Whitters as she was trying to figure out if she should continue to try to ‘make it’ in Nashville. Written with the exceptional Brandy Clark, the track is one that will be a staple for Whitters for a long time coming.

The latter is another one of our favorites. Reminiscent of Lori McKenna’s awe-inspiring, “Humble and Kind”, Whitters combined forces with McKenna to express a real-life tale about an encounter with a wise woman named Janice. The song offers advice on how to live a good life, suggesting simple lessons like “get on the pill if you ain’t ready to start a family” and “make good love, good company.”

The songstress continues to remind us to be appreciative of life’s little moments in “The Days,” while expressing her truth in the breathtaking “Loose Strings,” a song about both love and loss. In “Heartland,” Whitters once again sings about life not going the way she thought it would, but alas, she knows she can always fall back on her Midwestern roots. “Heart – land in the middle of nowhere.”

The record also features “Happy People”, a song that Whitters wrote and was recorded by Little Big Town on their album, The Breaker. This new version is a mid-tempo jam that is laced with authenticity, gritty lyrics, and a traditional-country rooted instrumental. It focuses on the simple, yet complex concept of happiness and how to obtain it.

Whitters even collaborates with LBT on a brand new song on the record called “Fillin’ My Cup.” The track is a fun-loving, traditional-country jam, filled with banjos and eloquent harmonies. We’d love to see Little Big Town and Whitters perform this one live!

Like “Fillin’ My Cup,” the other four brand new songs are also collaborations. On “How Far Can I Go,” the songstress fulfills a childhood dream and duets with country superstar, Trisha Yearwood. The duet is truly timeless, and it feels like the two women have been singing together forever. Similarly, “Glad To Be Here,” Whitters’ dueling duet with Brent Cobb is just as enticing. The song is a nostalgic track about appreciating where you are, especially your hometown.

One of our favorite collaborations off the record is “How To Break A Heart.” A song that is truly songwriting and storytelling at its finest. It’s no surprise that Whitters combined her talent with two extraordinary musicians, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey. The song is so beautiful and captivating both lyrically and melodically.

Whitters also collaborates with fellow rising country star, Jordan Davis on “The Ride,” the final song on the record. Although different than the other collaborations, Whitters and Davis prove how talented they both are. Their ability to stay true to their individual sounds, while creating something new and fresh has superstardom written all over it for both of them.

Of course, we would be remiss if we did not mention the closing track off the original version of the album, a song entitled “Livin’ The Dream.” Whitters inspires people to look at every step, every trial, and every hardship as part of ‘The Dream.’ For the songstress, her grind in Nashville, which included waiting on tables and living in a small apartment are all important parts of her journey, her story, and ultimately, her dream.

“Oh the one thing I’ve learned is that the world keeps on spinning / Love is the only thing that makes it go round / I’ve given it all with the time I’ve been given / I’m out here livin’ / Yeah we all just livin’ / the dream”

Whitters is an artist that is done trying to fit whatever mold the industry tries to push female singers into. Her artistry rivals that of any established superstar in country music, but it is her infectious vocals, stellar songwriter, and pure talent and perseverance that is going to take her far. Moreover, the fact that she chose to collaborate with the artists and songwriters that have helped her or inspired her on her journey just shows how proud she is of her craft.

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Ten Year Town”
  2. “The Ride”
  3. “Janice at The Hotel Bar”
  4. “How To Break A Heart”

LIVING THE DREAM Deluxe Tracklist:

  1. Ten Year Town
  2. The Days
  3. Red Wine & Blue
  4. Dream, Girl
  5. Loose Strings
  6. Heartland
  7. Janice at the Hotel Bar
  8. Happy People
  9. The Devil Always Made Me Think Twice
  10. All The Cool Girls
  11. The Faker
  12. Living the Dream
  13. Fillin’ My Cup (feat. Little Big Town)
  14. Glad To Be Here (feat. Brent Cobb)
  15. How To Break A Heart (feat. Lori McKenna & Hillary Lindsey)
  16. How Far Can It Go? (feat. Trisha Yearwood)
  17. The Ride (feat. Jordan Davis)

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Hailey Whitters releases.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Living The Dream 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.

Hailey Whitters Announces ‘Living The Dream’, Releases Jordan Davis Collab

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Hailey Whitters’ new song “Ride” is available now, January 15th on all streaming platforms. Featuring Jordan Davis, the track is the second of five new songs off her forthcoming deluxe version to her critically acclaimed album The Dream, re-titled Living The Dream. The song follows the first single to be released from the project, a collaboration with Little Big Town called “Fillin’ My Cup”.

“The Ride” is a reflective, driving down a backroad type of song. Sonically, it’s reminiscent of Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic” – there’s something about it that sounds like a fresh start; a new beginning. The lyrics match this vibe, written by Hillary Lindsey, Ben West, and Whitters is a song all about how everything leads to where you are now.

“But it’s the stars that make the night / It’s the low that makes you high / It’s the song that makes you cry / It’s the road that makes the ride”.

Life is pretty uncertain right now, and Whitters’ contemplative outlook on it is the perfect soundtrack for this time. Jordan Davis joins in on the second verse, echoing Whitters’ sentiments.

“Might be hard to see it through the tears / But you still got a lot of good in your good years”

The two of them together sound like they are pushing the listener and themselves to ride out the hardships like we’re all diamonds in the rough waiting to shine. It’s a timely, universal message.

Hailey Whitters: 'Living The Dream' due out February 26th

Hailey Whitters: ‘Living The Dream’ due out February 26th

“Jordan Davis took me out on his very first headlining tour when I was only an independent artist. I thought that was a bold statement for him to make, and I am very appreciative of him taking a chance on me,” explains Whitters in a press release. “He’s one of the key reasons I’ve been able to say I’m ‘living the dream,’ so when thinking about who to collaborate with on this project he was a no-brainer. I just love his voice and everything he’s bringing to the Country format.

Living The Dream, out February 26th, features five new tracks, with collabs from Trisha Yearwood to Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey. “I wanted to show fans full circle what ‘living the dream’ looks like for me,” she says. I felt it was important to show what can happen when you don’t give up on yourself.”

When Hailey Whitters, a 2021 NYCountry Swag Artist to Watch, released her life-changing single “Ten Year Town” about the journey and hardships of making it in Nashville, she pondered hopefully in the last line, “this next song could turn it all around”. It did turn all around for Hailey, and she is proof that paying dues and creating music that lifts people up changes everything.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Hailey Whitters releases.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“The Ride” 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.

Hailey Whitters & Little Big Town Release New Years Treat “Fillin’ My Cup”

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Hailey Whitters and Little Big Town made the first day of 2021 even sweeter by releasing their new song “Fillin’ My Cup”, perfect for raising spirits in these trying times. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Fillin' My Cup Hailey Whitters Little Big Town
It’s hard to believe that the most insane year in many of our lifetimes is over. While 2020 was, in many ways, the worst of times, a huge silver lining was the phenomenal music and art created in that time. Among that music was Whitters’ fantastic record, The Dream, released only a few weeks shy of lockdown. A true songwriter’s record is what was needed to get through the last 10 months, so what better way to start 2021 than with Hailey Whitters’ new perfectly-timed single, “Fillin’ My Cup”?

The song and it’s music video is filled with everything from fiddle to fashion. Written by Whitters, Nicolle Galyon (who also serves as Whitters’ label-head), and Hillary Lindsey is a neo-country sounding track (courtesy of co-production by Whitters and fiancé Jake Gear) all about trying to find the high’s within the inescapable lows of life. It’s sweet and new, yet nostalgic, and distinctively Whitters.

“It’s one part happy and one part chaos / Whole lotta borrowed, little bit paid off / You can’t appreciate the sugar if you never had the salt / Ain’t it nice and sweet even when it’s on the rocks?” Whitters is so good at figuring out how to tie universal and thoughtful messages of living with her own personal musings.

Just when you think the song can’t get better, between the stellar songwriting and Whitters and Little Big Town’s harmonies, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman take the second verse. It’s not that the song needed Little Big Town, but having them on it added so much to it vocally, and it made the vibe even more fun and lively. Both have these dreamy, vintage aesthetics that reflect sonically, lyrically and visually. It’s a natural collaboration.

The end of the song is boot-stomping, honky-tonk happy. It coincidentally feels light in the way champagne does on New Year’s Eve. “Yeah, it ain’t the whiskey, it ain’t the wine / Though it sure goes good from time to time / With this high-low life, go and shake it on up / Yeah, that’s the stuff that’s fillin’ my cup”, they sing together on the final chorus.

In 2017, Little Big Town released “Happy People”, a standout Whitters and Lori McKenna co-write that opened their album The Breaker. Both Whitters and McKenna released their own versions of the lighthearted tune, and it’s the song that really kick-started Whitters’ career. This collaboration feels very full circle and characteristically hopeful. And after the year we’ve all had, there’s nothing we need more than hope.

For all your country music, tours, songwriters, news, and releases, fans can subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up newsletter here.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Fillin’ My Cup” 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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Best Country Albums of 2020 – Our Favorite Picks

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As this crazy, unprecedented year finally comes to a close, the one thing we could all find solace in was music in 2020.  The New York Country Swag team is highlighting the wide range of our team’s favorite songs and artists when it comes to the country music genre by featuring our favorite album picks of 2020.  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 the albums we’ve had on repeat this year.

Best Country Albums of 2020 - Our Favorite Picks

Best Country Albums of 2020 – Our Favorite Picks

Find below each of our team member’s favorite albums and why in our 2020 best country album picks.

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: Southern Symphony – Russell Dickerson

Although the album has only been out a few weeks, I would be lying if I said I haven’t been playing it on repeat nonstop since its release. It’s one of those albums you can listen to over and over again and each time fall in love with a new song. This was one of the records I was looking forward to most this year and I’m so glad that in a year of uncertainty, this new music from Russell Dickerson has made its way out into the world. I can not wait to see songs from this project performed live!

Honorable Mention:  Southside – Sam Hunt – When I think of the early days of quarantine, I think of this album and listening to it on repeat night and day. It’s full of jams, relatable lyrics, and clever twists that made it easy to listen to over and over again.

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: The Other Side – Cam

Cam

Throughout this unprecedented and unpredictable year music has been healing and also very painful to listen to. Missing live music and the way our old life played out was something I had to come to grips with early on in the pandemic but each time a new album was released, I fell deeper and deeper in love with music and was able to really focus on my favorite part of the country genre – the lyrics.

Picking a favorite album of 2020 was nearly impossible. Three different albums were constantly playing throughout the year, the first half of the year was Nightfall by Little Big Town, then came my favorite singer-songwriter HARDY with A ROCK. Both of those albums were chosen by two of our writers so finally, released at the end of October was Cam’s sophomore project, The Other Side.

Cam’s impeccable vocal ability blew me away from the moment I first heard her sing but with this second project, she proves her power in this genre. Each song tells a different story from heartbreak, divorce, growing older, and a love that is envied by all. “Happier for You”, “Redwood Tree”, and “What Goodbye Means” are highlights but even choosing three songs to showcase was hard. I am so glad that “Diane” is getting a second life on this project as well after being released back in 2017.

For any fans of real country music that tells a story, The Other Side will instantly become a favorite for years to come.

 

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: The Dream – Hailey Whitters

2020 has felt like multiple years rolled into one. Between a global pandemic, civil unrest, and ultimately, vast unpredictability, the true silver lining has been the incredible music released over the last 12 months. This year has produced some of my favorite works of all time, two being Brett Eldredge’s risk-taking Sunday Drive, which I got to review in July, and Hailey Whitters’ magical and brilliant The Dream. Choosing between these albums was hard because they are both my favorites on different ways, but when it came down to it, I had to choose Hailey Whitters’ The Dream.

The Dream is a dream album. It’s cohesive and gorgeous, insightful and witty, heartbreaking and hopeful. “Dream, Girl” and “All The Cool Girls” have a real groove and mystique to them, making them standouts. “Janice At The Hotel Bar” is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of song. I remember where I was when I first heard the song, walking in Central Park, so moved I had to stop. I immediately played it for my parents and my sister. Lyrically, it’s incredible, as is any story-song written by Whitters and the unparalleled Lori McKenna. “Paris in the spring of 1973/She said if there is a heaven, that’s where I’ll be”.  Something about the delivery and production makes it incredibly evocative, with Whitters’ reverbed vocals and a shimmering acoustic guitar gliding you along. It’s the kind of musical moment you never forget.

It’s hard to encapsulate what music has meant to me this year. “The Days” gave me the closure I needed to end my senior year of high school; “Heartland” and “Janice At The Hotel Bar” got me through my first semester of college. Whenever I hear this record, I will always be transported back in time to 2020, a year that even if we try to forget, we never will. I can’t wait to see what Hailey Whitters does next.

 

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: Southside – Sam Hunt

With all live shows being canceled this year, we needed artists to drop a lot of new music to fill the void and get through quarantine. Luckily, country artists delivered and we got a ton of great albums from Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, Dustin Lynch, Brett Eldredge, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton, and many others. My favorite was Sam Hunt’s Southside.

Hunt covered a lot of themes on this record. Being that his last album was released five and a half years ago (which could’ve been another reason why I loved Southside so much), he had a lot of stories to tell. His songs are very personal to him, but are general enough where others can relate as well.

If you want to dance and have a good time, “Kinfolks” and “Hard to Forget” are great tailgate anthems. If you want to get in your feels and maybe even cry, “2016” and “That Ain’t Beautiful” are for you. “Young Once” and “Sinning With You” paint great pictures of young love if you want to reminisce on your youth. There is a song for every type of emotion on this record which makes it so versatile and relevant.

Honorable Mentions: A ROCK-HARDY, The Lemonade Stand-Tenille Townes, The K Is Silent-Hot Country Knights.

 

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: Tullahoma – Dustin Lynch

Remember a time when artists put out albums, did press about the new record, and maybe even have an album release party? It seems like that was a lifetime ago. Dustin Lynch put out Tullahoma, his fourth studio album, right before the Covid-19 pandemic hit and let me tell you, I can still listen to it front to back nearly a year later. The album is named after Lynch’s hometown of Tullahoma, Tennessee, and is a central theme throughout the album from running into an ex-girlfriend at the Circle K in “Thinking ‘Bout You” or singing about momma’s fried chicken in “Dirt Road.”
I grew up on a dirt road dreaming ’bout making a name // And getting out of dodge and the same ol’ same // Graduate and settle down, man I was out of that town // Now I catch myself rewind and reminiscing // ‘Bout a small town girl and mama’s fried chicken // I can taste it right now // Let me tell you I’m proud
 
Lynch sings about his hometown in a way that so many that grew up in the small towns can relate to: driving down backroads, having everything remind you of an ex, and memories with some of your best friends. I think that’s why I love this album so much, it’s relatable and simple. When Lynch can finally perform these songs live in front of thousands of fans, I have no doubt they’ll be crowd favorites.

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer

Pick: Rollin’ On – Jesse Daniel

If your knowledge of country music relies solely on what’s played on country radio, you probably wouldn’t have heard of Jesse Daniel. But, if you listen to country radio and also keep up critics’ reviews, you would have heard the buzz about the California native. Though Daniel released his debut album back in 2018, it is his sophomore (and latest) effort that caught the ears of many. Rollin’ On is a throwback to the warmth of classic country, whilst also giving a nod to the Bakersfield sound made famous by icons like Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam.

The twelve-track project boasts plenty of fiddle, steel, mandolin, and all your favorite traditional country elements. Sometimes, you hear the phrase “my life is a country song” tossed around in lighthearted humor. But Daniel’s life truly is a country song. He’s lived through poverty, drugs, substance abuse, jail time, rehab and more. This roller-coaster journey is on full display in Rollin’ On. “Champion” boasts a story of overcoming odds, “If You Ain’t Happy Now (You Never Will Be)” is a timely reminder of true contentment, while the rollicking title track celebrates the adventure of life everyone is on. Like classic country? Like authentic songwriting? Like a record with impeccable production? Then Jesse Daniel’s Rollin’ On is definitely for you. Look out for him in 2021! This album is just the beginning for the rising country star.

 

Erin Crosby, Contributing Writer

Pick: Lady Like (Deluxe) – Ingrid Andress

This “More Hearts Than Mine” singer-songwriter and piano ballad enthusiast did not only release LadyLike, her debut record, in a time when the word quarantine was still freshly coming off the tongue like a foreign island that protrudes its way onto the coast, impacting the nation in more ways than could have been anticipated. But, Ingrid Andress followed up with a deluxe edition just six months after the collection itself.

LadyLike (Deluxe) deepens and expands a presence of the crisp, lovable yet heartbreaking sentiment that exceeds an already palpable sense of her artistry in the original album. A stripped-down and honest production is only accentuated in the follow-up project with a rearranged tracklist that is said to tell the story in the order that it occurred. Each song acts as a chapter of Andress’ life whether it highlights emotional distress or an attempt at a real relationship, though intentions vary throughout depending on where you left off in the story. LadyLike (Deluxe) acts as a true representation of modern ideologies of romance while not closing the curtain on inner frustrations and insecurities along the way.

 

Caleigh DeCaprio, Contributing Writer

Pick: kelsea– Kelsea Ballerini

There were a few albums that I found myself playing on repeat this year, including The Speed of Now Part 1, What you see Ain’t Always What You Get, and Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil. But when it came to what album got me ~through~ this year, it was kelsea.

Too many of these songs felt like Kelsea wrote them just for me. I’ve never heard a song that was so lyrically perfect for me before I listened to “club”. Seriously if you know me, this song is my anthem. I had already loved “homecoming queen?” and “la” because of how vulnerable and relatable they were and when I heard the full album, I felt the very same way about “overshare”, “half of my hometown”, and “a country song”. I related so strongly to these songs to the point that I felt I could have written them myself. (not that I could have done that, but you know what I mean).

The artistry in the songwriting and production of this entire album is a pure example of a true and rare talent. No matter what song you come across on this record, it will be some of the most vulnerable and honest music you have heard. Ballerini shares her highs and lows and everything in between. It’s not that common for an artist to be so open and forward about their struggles with anxiety and introversion, especially this early on in their career, but Ballerini showed that side of her and then some with this album.

My heart hurt for her when this album came out the week the world shut down. I wanted her to get to play these songs live and receive all the glory she deserved for this beautiful work of art. However, the way that she was able to spin that negative into the reimagining of the very same songs on ballerini in order to give herself the chance to re-fall in love with these songs was extraordinary and a lovely example of music that would not exist if it weren’t for this year’s events. The re-imagined ballerini album just made fans understand even more how much love she had for this collection of songs.

The pair of albums was meant to show that there are two sides to every story and every person. Understanding that we all have more to us than what is seen on the surface is an important and beautiful lesson that we can take away from these albums and this year. When the day finally comes for Kelsea to play these songs on tour, I will be the first one in line to see it.

Julia Grubbs, Contributing Writer 

Pick: Starting Over – Chris Stapleton

2020 has been a certain kind of year, so I was looking for something that told a complete story. As soon as I heard Starting Over, I knew it captured everything I was feeling about how the year had gone: some of the anger, some of the resentment, some of the just getting up every day for a brand new day that looked very similar to the one before. While Stapleton always manages to speak truth to listeners in ways no one else can, this year we needed comfort and assurance unlike any other that we will make it through this. “Cold” is one of my favorites, using his iconic tone and lyricism to hit raw emotion. “Starting Over”, just like the title of the album, reminds us that through this journey, we can still learn and grow, find moments of joy, and serves as a reminder that we must accept what has happened, and use that as a pivotal moment for the path forward.

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: Nightfall – Little Big Town

My favorite and most listened to album of 2020 was easily Little Big Town’s Nightfall, which came out in simpler pre-pandemic times back in January. In fact, their phenomenal concert at the Apollo was my last taste of live music this year, so at least I went out on a high note.

Although not as single-heavy as some of their other releases, Nightfall is truly a cohesive masterclass in harmony. With standout songs such as “Sugar Coat,” “Questions,” and “The Daughters,” this album is one I’ll be listening to through 2021 and beyond.
Pick: My Gift – Carrie Underwood
Whether or not you’re a religious person, this album is absolutely stunning. We needed something positive to come out of 2020 and the first ever holiday project from the queen of country definitely delivered. From gorgeous covers of Christmas classics like “O Holy Night”, “Mary Did You Know” and “Joyful Joyful” to new original songs like “Let There Be Peace” and “Sweet Baby Jesus” the album truly has something for everyone. Underwood’s voice shines on the power ballads and the softer hymns alike, and you can hear her emotion and faith come through every song.
My personal favorites off the album happen to be the two collaborations: “Hallelujah” with John Legend and “Little Drummer Boy” featuring Underwood’s son, Isaiah. Curling up with hot chocolate and a blanket and listening to My Gift has been my weekend routine since it came out in September, and I’m definitely going to be listening to these songs well after the holiday season.

What a year wild ride 2020 has been. While it was so strange not going to any concerts, new music from many great country artists certainly got me through. While this was a tough decision to make, my favorite album of 2020 had to be Granger Smith’s Country Things (Both Volumes). It just gives you such perspective to live in the moment and enjoy the little things. This was such an important message for 2020 as while we may not have gotten to enjoy the big events, we got to enjoy those moments with our loved ones we may not have gotten to if we had a year of our normal, busy schedules.

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: A ROCK – HARDY

If there is one thing that got me through this year, it was music. As 2020 comes to a close, I could not be more grateful for country music! With that being said, my favorite record of 2020 has to be HARDY’s album, A ROCK.

I am completely in love with everything HARDY does as a singer, a songwriter, and a performer. He continues to exceed my expectations and delivers music that I relate to, enjoy, and want to share with my friends and family. HARDY’s ability to craft lyrics is a skill I’ll never get enough of. Moreover, his record is a cohesive masterpiece that tells a full story from start to finish.

Songs like the title track, “A ROCK,” “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL,” and “SO CLOSE” are all so different, yet distinctly HARDY.  Time after time, the singer-songwriter and superstar in the making proves that he has an IQ high above the rest when it comes to creating a captivating song and full-length project.

I truly cannot wait to see what he does next. Also, it is an added bonus that HARDY gave us all a live concert via streaming to celebrate this record. Even through the screen, I could feel how amazing the record truly is and will be when performed in front of a live audience; hopefully next year! Congrats to HARDY and his team for delivering a badass and unique record to an ever-growing fanbase!

Honorable Mention: Jordan Davis Self-titled EP

 

How do our favorite picks match up to yours? Let us know what music you’ve had on repeat in 2020. Already anticipating new music in 2021? Check out our list of albums to expect in the new year here.

 

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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!

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for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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NYCS First Impression: Hailey Whitters ‘The Dream’

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Hailey Whitters

Back in September, rising singer-songwriter and former Swag Spotlight artist, Hailey Whitters released her EP The Days, a project that featured six of the songstress’ most profound songs. Flash forward to today, the undeniably talented singer dropped her full-length debut album, The Dream, which combines her EP with five other honest, authentic, and inspiring songs.

The record begins with her prolific single, “Ten Year Town,” a song that paints the picture of what it was like for Whitters, as she was trying to figure out if she should continue to try to ‘make it’ in Nashville. Written with the exceptional Brandy Clark, the track is one that will be a staple for Whitters for a long time coming.

Another song that is arguably the best on the new project is the previously released “Janice at the Hotel Bar.” Reminiscent of Lori McKenna’s awe-inspiring, “Humble and Kind”, Whitters combined forces with McKenna to express a real-life tale about an encounter with a wise woman named Janice. The song offers advice on how to live a good life, suggesting simple lessons like “get on the pill if you ain’t ready to start a family” and “make good love, good company.”

As soon as the song was released, fans took to it, and lifestyle blogger and local Nashville businesswoman and personality, Lanydn Hutchinson (Living with Landyn) who originally met Janice and told her story, started encouraging her followers to tag #WomenLikeJanice on whoever inspired them the way Landyn was inspired. Those photos made it into the lyric video below.

Whitters’ shared in a press release, “We get so consumed with the next achievement and accomplishment […] and what’s next that you forget something you’re living right now,” adding, “don’t forget this is also the dream.” We wonder if this revelation had anything to do with what she decided to call the album.

The songstress continues to remind us to be appreciative of life’s little moments in “The Days,” while expressing her truth in the breathtaking “Loose Strings,” a song about both love and loss. In “Heartland,” Whitters once again sings about life not going the way she thought it would, but alas, she knows she can always fall back on her Midwestern roots. “Heart – land in the middle of nowhere.”

The record also features “Happy People”, a song that Whitters wrote and was recorded by Little Big Town on their album, The Breaker. This new version is a mid-tempo jam that is laced with authenticity, gritty lyrics, and a traditional-country rooted instrumental. It focuses on the simple, yet complex concept of happiness and how to obtain it. Whitters’ sings “You are never gonna be it / By taking someone else’s away / Never take it for granted / You ain’t gotta understand it / But here’s to whatever puts a smile on your face / Whatever makes you happy, people.”

Like in the slow-jam “Red Wine & Blue,” Whitter’s relies on a sultry vocal with bluesy instrumentation to convey the message of her rendition of Chris Stapleton’s “The Devil Always Made Me Think Twice.” On the other hand, “All The Cool Girls” portrays a secretly vulnerable character, a character that many girls can relate to in today’s day in age.

Finally, the record closes with another standout on the project, a song entitled “Livin’ The Dream.” Whitters inspires people to look at every step, every trial, and every hardship as part of ‘The Dream.’ For the songstress, her grind in Nashville, which included waiting on tables and living in a small apartment are all important parts of her journey, her story, and ultimately, her dream.

“Oh the one thing I’ve learned is that the world keeps on spinning / Love is the only thing that makes it go round / I’ve given it all with the time I’ve been given / I’m out here livin / Yeah we all just livin / The dream”

Whitters is an artist that is done trying to fit whatever mold the industry tries to push female singers into. She wants to introduce her fans to real her, which means conveying her truth and open dialogue in her music. Her artistry rivals that of any established superstar in country music, but it is her infectious vocals, stellar songwriter, and pure talent and perseverance that is going to take her far. Congratulations to Hailey on making ‘The Dream’ a reality.

The Dream Tracklist:
1. “Ten Year Town”
2. “The Days”
3. “Red Wine & Blue”
4. “Dream Girl”
5. “Loose Strings”
6. “Heartland”
7. “Janice at the Hotel Bar”
8. “Happy People”
9. “The Devil Always Made Me Think Twice”
10. “All The Cool Girls”
11. “Livin’ The Dream”

To keep up with Hailey Whitters follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

NYCountry Swag Picks:
1. “Janice at the Hotel Bar”
2. “Ten Year Town”
3. “Livin’ The Dream”

The Dream 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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Jordan Davis Releases “Trouble Town” and Announces Headlining Tour

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Jordan Davis Trouble Town Tour

Mike Spotz (@illkoncept) for NYCountry Swag

With both a number one and number two single under his belt “Singles You Up” and “Take It From Me” from his critically-acclaimed debut record Home State, Jordan Davis decided to up the ante, finally releasing new music. “Trouble Town” premiered last Friday (10/25) and it has the signature Davis vibe that fans are sure to love. Fan club ‘The Parish’ members got to hear the song first, as Davis made it available early for diehard fans.

The new mid-tempo song is laid-back, cool, and enticing, fitting into his catalog of songs effortlessly. Its sensual message is clearly meant for lovers, as Davis laments about knowing that he’s headed for ‘no good,’ but that he cannot help himself. Written by the singer with songwriters, Josh Jenkins and Matthew Jenkins, the song is as relatable as it gets. We all can relate to knowing that something or someone is bad for us, but yet, it is still desirable. As always, Davis conveys honest and vulnerable lyrics that make his music so refreshing.

“Gimme those ‘Leave here’ eyes / I’ll follow you out that door / Ain’t even left the parking lot / Already know that I’m heading for / Trouble town”

Davis just ended a successful opening gig on tour with Old Dominion. We caught his performance when the tour stopped in New York City back in May. Going forward, the recording artist will be a staple at country music festivals this season, including Tortuga as well as his headlining tour, announced early this morning. The “Trouble Town” Tour will feature two rising female artists that we love, Hailey Whitters and Kassi Ashton. Both ladies just joined Maren Morris on her GIRL The World Tour and we caught the show at Radio City Music Hall.

“I’m really excited to get back on the road and in front of my amazing fans,” Davis says in a recent press release. “Kassi is just a true artist in every sense of the word and Hailey is an extremely talented songwriter, I’m glad the rest of the world is getting to know both of them. Not only are they incredible songwriters, singers, and artists but they are even better people and I’m honored to have them out with me.”

TROUBLE TOWN TOUR Dates:

Jan. 10 Milwaukee, WI The Rave*
Jan. 11 Rosemont, IL Joe’s Live*
Jan. 16 Springfield, IL Boondocks*
Jan. 17 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater*
Jan. 25 Detroit, MI Majestic Theatre**
Jan. 30 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theater*
Jan. 31 Charlotte, NC Coyote Joe’s*
Feb. 1 Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theatre*
Feb. 6 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s*
Feb. 7 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre*
Feb. 20 Council Bluffs, IA Whiskey Roadhouse**
Feb. 21 Denver, CO Grizzly Rose**
Feb. 22 Denver, CO Grizzly Rose**
Feb. 27 Boise, ID Knitting Factory+
Feb. 28 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory+
Feb. 29 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre**
Mar. 5 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades+
Mar. 6 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre**
Mar. 19 New York, NY Webster Hall**
Mar. 20 Verona, NY Turning Stone Resort Casino**
Mar. 21 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live**

*Featuring Kassi Ashton
**Featuring Hailey Whitters
+Show Opener TBD

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

“Trouble Town” 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!

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for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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NYCS Swag Spotlight: Hailey Whitters

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Hailey Whitters

“I just became obsessed with the city and just the energy that circulated Nashville, and so I went home from that trip, and was pretty much like once I graduate high school, I”m going to Nashville, Tennessee.”

Our Swag Spotlight artist this week just released her newest project The Days EP last Friday, which is chock full of stellar songwriting and sonically beautiful songs, including one of our favorites “Ten Year Town”. On top of that, the blossoming songstress recently opened up for Lori McKenna and most recently, performed her heart out at Radio City Music Hall, opening up for Maren Morris on her sold-out headlining tour. We got a chance to chat with Whitters about her musical influences, her journey to where she is now, and of course what she has in store for us going into the rest of this year and 2020.

Growing up in small-town Iowa, radio greatly impacted her love for music. She grew up listening to artists like The Spice Girls and The Dixie Chicks. Whitters shared, “I was on my own little planet in Iowa. I grew up on country radio, and at the time, it was all these really powerful females, and they all had a point of view and perspective, and I wanted to be in a girl band. I remember asking my guidance counselor, how do you do music because I just had no idea how that worked,” she recalls. “He asked me who my favorite artists were and I said The Dixie Chicks. And he was like ‘ya know they wrote their own songs.’ That was where I learned that I needed to write songs, so then I got a guitar, and I started writing.”

After playing gigs in her hometown wherever she could and a life-changing trip to Nashville, when she was 16 years old, Whitters went on to graduate from high school and made the move 9 hours away from her hometown to Music City. “Nashville was kinda like my crash course into the industry and how it works. I didn’t know anyone when I moved here, and I just kinda started getting on the internet and contacting bookers and showing up at the bar and being like “hey can I play?!” I really had to feel my way through the dark, but being young and ignorant to this business, I was able kinda to make mistakes, and feel my way through it without having too much of an idea of how it all works,” she explained.

Like many artists, the singer-songwriter had to persevere through many struggles to make it in the industry. Although she’s been dedicated to her craft for 12 years now, she’s had times where it felt like her dreams weren’t going to come true. As fate would have it, this led her to write her song, “Ten Year Town,” which revitalized her career and reignited her drive to chase her dreams.

“I kinda felt very broken hearted and kinda sick of Nashville honestly. Two years ago I was coming up on my ten-year mark, and I was looking at my life and looking at my career, and feeling like ‘is it the end of this chapter for me’?” she tells us. “I had to do a lot of internal work and tune out a lot of voices that I had in my head, and just go make a record that I love and so ya know, getting to do that and seeing this response to it, it has been so rewarding and just like good for my soul, I keep saying I needed to find the music and magic in Nashville again.”

Whitters wrote “Ten Year Town” with the extraordinary Brandy Clark, after being turned down by many other co-writers. The two powerful women created a relatable, yet deeply personal tune. According to the Whitters, the song felt like therapy at the time, but two years later, it became the first song on her upcoming record. She agreed with us that the ending lyric “This next song could turn it all around / I’m twelve years into a ten year town” was one of the ‘aha’ moments in the writing process, adding, “The fact that we threw out that line- it ends on the hope that we all when we’re in our co-writes and in our sessions. That’s just the crux of the dreamer like hanging on and hope that the next set or the next day or the next song or the next whatever can turn anything around.”

Ironically, the success of that poignant song has opened doors for the songstress, and her career is finally taking off. Throughout this interview, we learned quickly that Whitters is wise beyond her years and primed for success, due to her can’t quit attitude and unique talent. We cannot wait to see what she has in store for the new year and look forward to the release of her full-length record The Dream, which will be related at the top of 2020.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Days 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: Hailey Whitters ‘The Days’ EP

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Hailey Whitters The Days

Photo Credit: Harper Smith

We love when a strong female artist delivers a record with an undeniably unique perspective and songs with the depth and emotion that we so crave. Rising artist, Hailey Whitters delivered just that with the first part of her newest project entitled The Days.

The EP opens up with arguably the most prolific song off the record, “Ten Year Town.” Our Managing Editor Christina picked this song as her ‘Song of the Month’ back in March, and it’s been one of our favorites ever since. Whitters wrote the song with the exceptional Brandy Clark, during a time in her life, where she was falling out of love with Nashville, after a decade of trying to ‘make it’ in the music industry.

She shared in a recent press release that she was tired of trying to “water herself down to fit in,” and that she was “craving something that [was] raw, real, and imperfect.” Those statements embody the opening track to a ’t.” Although highly personal, the track is as relatable as it gets for anyone who is feeling lost in their current situation. Last Friday evening during her opening slot on Maren Morris’ GIRL The World Tour stop at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Whitters said “To anyone out there tonight hanging on to the tail end of a dream, and wondering if you should just give it up…don’t,” before playing the track for the audience who hung on to every last word.

“Lesser fools woulda given up / They don’t go for broke like a dreamer does / Gotta get back up when you get knocked down / I’m twelve years into a ten year town.”

Next up, the title track is rhythmic and sonically-enticing. Drawing inspiration from her childhood and all the moving moments since, Whitters sings about all the little things that make up this adventure we call life. She flips the script and focuses on the little moments that we sometimes let pass us by. “The other day it hit me like a hammer / that you can’t get back those moments that really matter.”

“Red Wine & Blue” is a bluesy slow-jam, where Whitters emotes how it feels to go through a break-up, while “Dream Girl” is a more upbeat track with an 80s vibe that uplifts women, encouraging them to know their worth and remember that, “you’re someone else’s dream girl” and to “never settle for less than what you need girl.”

In “Loose Strings” Whitters relies on her gritty, yet beautiful vocals. With a simple instrumentation, she reveals her truth in the breathtaking song. The track was written by Whitters with a team of A-list female songwriters, including Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsay, Nicolle Gaylon, and Brandy Clark.

Rounding out the expressive record is “Heartland.” The final song on the first part of this project was inspired by Whitters’ Midwest upbringing. It’s romantic, nostalgic, and catchy. The play on words is simple, yet effective, as she sings about letting her “heart- land in the middle of nowhere” and despite life not going the way it would have if she stayed in her smalltown, she knows that she can always fall back on her roots.

As Whitters says, “this is the first record that feels 100 percent me. It’s a time capsule of my time in Nashville and coming to terms with dreams and what they mean to you,” and The Days is truly just that. It’s an enticing project that makes you feel like you know exactly who she is, which is both inspiring and makes you want to root for her success.

We recently caught Whitters in her opening spot on tour with Maren Morris and Kassi Ashton at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. Check out some of our highlights from the show here. She will continue to play shows on ‘GIRL The World Tour’, through September. In October, the songstress will open up for singer-songwriter, Brent Cobb. For tickets and more information, head to haileywhitters.com.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Days 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.

 

 

—————

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:

 

Maren Morris’ GIRL The World Tour Sells Out The Iconic Radio City Music Hall

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What do the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Radio City Music Hall all have in common? They are iconic New York City landmarks and on Friday night, three women who all hail from different cities in the country stood on the stage at the latter, sang their hearts out and inspired a sold-out crowd. Maren Morris’ GIRL: The World Tour made its way back to the tristate area this past weekend, a few months after playing smaller venues around the city including Brooklyn Bowl and Terminal 5. 

The sheer fact that her fans are so dedicated that they sold out another venue, this time a room filled with six thousand seats, is remarkable, but, what is even more outstanding is these country music fans all came to see three women. In a time where Morris and Kelsea Ballerini are the only two females who have made it to the top of the charts in the past year and a half, the amount of love and support for these three female artists displayed throughout the night was palpable.

 

The night of girl power kicked off with Hailey Whitters, a smalltown Iowa native who has been grinding away in Nashville, writing music and performing around town for 12 years, all while waiting tables to pay the bills. Feeling like a human disco ball, she laughed, Whitters took the stage covered in sparkles from her romper to her shoes and even specks of sparkles in her tights. She delicately delivered songs that are soon to be released this Friday, on her EP The Days including “All The Cool Girls”,  “Dream Girl”, “Heartland” and the title track.

Her cool, folky rhythm and honest songwriting captivated the fans who arrived early.  “To anyone out there tonight hanging on to the tail end of a dream, and wondering if you should just give it up…don’t,” Whitters humbly emotes to the crowd before playing the song that truly ‘turned it all around’ “10 Year Town”. She thanked Morris who she said, “changed the whole damn game” for her by inviting her out on this tour, allowing her to showcase her talent to a sea of new fans each and every night.

 

 

Next up, was one of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Kassi Ashton, who absolutely brought the heat and the energy to the famed stage. Ashton who is as unique as they come, kicked her set off with “Taxidermy”, a tongue in cheek revenge track that was released last year. This powerhouse danced in front of white flames, singing not only her previously released tracks, “Violins”, “California, Missouri” and “Pretty Shiny Things” but she performed an epic cover of Eric Church’s “Chattanooga Lucy” as well as Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts”, which was met with screams from the sold-out audience.

Ashton has the ability to make you fall in love with her charismatic personality while watching her perform, enticing you to get up and dance but also carefully listen to her well-crafted lyrics. After seeing her set, we are certainly proud to have named her one of our Artists to Watch this year and we just know she will be garnering throngs of new fans on this tour run.

The most nominated artist in the upcoming CMA Awards was up next, headliner, Maren Morris. She opened her set with her latest number one single “GIRL”, and Morris, who may be small in stature, commanded the attention of the sold-out venue standing behind a mic stand, holding an acoustic guitar and strumming those familiar first chords. Throughout the night, Morris performed songs from both of her albums, HERO and GIRL.  “Thank you so much, this is honestly such a friggin bucket list dream of mine to play this venue and the fact that you sold it out, it’s Friday night, it just means the world to me,” she gratefully expressed.

The true songwriter was also on display throughout her set as she took time to chat with the audience about moments in her life that have ultimately led her to stand under that legendary velvet curtain. It was apparent to all in the room how important music is to the songstress, especially before she performed “A Song For Everything”. “In this weird ass world that can sometimes feel really fucked up and dark, music is kind of the most magical form of time travel, and for me, it’s the strongest sense tied to memories,” she stated “You feel that song, when you hear a lyric or hear a chord and it just immediately transports you back to the first time you were on the way to kindergarten in your mom’s car, and there was a song on in the background, also your first kiss and the first time someone just completely destroyed your heart, there are those songs that became the soundtrack of those periods in your life.”

Of course, she performed her biggest hits including her collaboration with Zedd and Gray, “The Middle”, her first number one hit “I Could Use A Love Song” and “80’s Mercedes”. She even took a few moments out of her show to pay homage to her brand new band, The Highwomen which were celebrating their album release day. Morris along with Amanda Shires, Natalie Hemby, and Brandi Carlile make up the supergroup and she stood alone on the stage to perform “Crowded Table” from their debut, self-titled album. “This song was really born out of wanting to say, you know through all of the polarizing shit, please, come and sit with us at our table and let’s have a conversation….” she continued. “There is a lot of love in this world and I feel so much of it when we sing this song, this is our song “Crowded Table”.

She then welcomed back to the stage her direct support, Kassi Ashton and Hailey Whitters to perform together one for “the 90’s babies” a cover of The Cardigans “Love Fool”. The ladies even channeled their best inner Rockettes and closed out the song by linking arms for a sweet little kick line dance. The energy and the fun could be felt throughout Radio City to the very top of the venue.

No backup singers were needed at Radio City Music Hall on Friday night, the audience sang along like a well-versed choir to even the deep cuts including “Second Wind”, “Gold Love” and “Once”. Closing out the evening with the song that got it all started for her, “My Church”, it was the perfect ending to the most flawless night. As the confetti rained down, whether you have been a fan since before her superstardom, or you were seeing Morris perform for the very first time, there was no doubt that she deserved every single moment of applause and appreciation that New York City willingly gave.

For all of the additional GIRL: The World Tour dates head to marenmorris.com.

To keep up with Maren Morris follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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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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