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Kelleigh Bannen Releases Timely Track Titled “The Optimist”

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The Optimist

In the music industry, there is such a thing as demo-itis. Demo-itis is when you listen to the original writer’s demo and love it/hear it so much that it’s hard to ever make a better version.

Kelleigh Bannen embraced this wholeheartedly and released a song recorded right from her kitchen. “The Optimist” is perfectly sparse production-wise, and full lyric-wise. While beyond more than just a demo, Bannen captured that essence for her ever-so-timely release.

The song opens with a quiet piano, and Bannen’s voice fills your ears soon after. In the verse, she lists all the simple things that she believes in, things such as hand-written love letters, good timing, midnight pizza, and New York City in the rain. By the time the chorus hits, where she explores themes of self-doubt and hesitation, beautiful guitars and mellow strings harmonize her voice. The hook of the song, however, is about how great love can change your dwindling perspective. “I believe in second chances / Wine drunk kitchen dances / And magic ain’t just on TV / But I can’t believe you made an optimist out of me”.

The stunning ballad was co-written by Bannen, Will Bowen, who also produced the track and Claire Douglas back in September, but the song was recorded in the midst of quarantine. “The pace of all of our lives has slowed down so much, and I need a little extra hope right now… doesn’t everybody?” Bannen says in a press release. “This song is about seeing the world with a fresh, and hopeful perspective. It was recorded as a simple piano vocal and was only ever supposed to be a demo. When I heard the song back, it just struck me differently in this season we’re all weathering, so I wanted to share it.”

Bannen leaves a lot of space throughout the song, and it’s part of the reason it evokes so much emotion. Her delivery and the universally timeless lyrics don’t sound like anything that’s been said before, yet it sounds so familiar. “What makes this song feel special is that it doesn’t even feel like I wrote it,” Bannen told American Songwriter. “This song is a lesson to me. And some of the images in this song that we wrote months ago are so zoomed into what is happening right now…it’s crazy. It’s really about finding that next little place of hope.”

Hope is floating all around in this song, and you can hear it in her voice. Bannen created her own kind of magic that will stand the test of time, and hopefully, remind everyone that this too shall pass.

To keep up with Kelleigh Bannen, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Kelleigh Bannen Enlists Nashville Females for her “Suit” Music Video

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Swag Session alum, Kelleigh Bannen is one of our favorite female independent artists. She never shies away from taboo subjects, and she always maintains her authenticity throughout all of her music. Recently the singer-songwriter released a kickass music video for her song “Suit.”

Although the single started its life as a love song, Bannen flipped the script with the music video. She decided to feature some incredible female entrepreneurs and leaders from Nashville, Tennessee including choreographer Joy Spears, Founder of ADR Creative, Colson Horton, and Cafe Roze chef, Julia Jaksic, among some other talented women.

As Bannen shared in her video, the song truly became “a love song to ourselves.” Each woman wears their own version of a suit, while images and words highlight what each woman loves and values about themselves. The empowering video celebrates womanhood in all stages of life and showcases Bannen and her girl gang singing and dancing along to the catchy tune. To learn more about each woman in the video, head to the singer’s socials linked below.

The video comes on the heels of International Women’s Day, and our third annual Babes, Booze & Brunch event, which featured two other incredible females, Nicolle Gaylon and Madison Kozak. We pride ourselves on featuring and supporting women in the industry and beyond, so it is incredible to see Bannen take on that message in her own way!

Head to our Woman of the Month feature here to learn about more inspiring women.

To keep up with Kelleigh Bannen follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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A Country Music Fan’s Guide To Podcasts

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Podcasts are one of the most popular forms of entertainment these days. There are podcasts on almost anything, and if it’s not out there, anyone can create it. Whether it be about crime, TV shows like The Bachelor, or politics, there’s something for everyone. There are so many amazing podcasts created by people in the country music community. We’ve put together a list of the best podcasts for a country music fan to listen to.

 

Breaking Thru with Elaina Podcast

  1. Breaking Thru with Elaina Smith

You might know Elaina Smith from her co-hosting gig on the nationally syndicated radio show and ACM nominated “Nash Nights Live”. Whereas on the air Smith interviews everyone from Luke Combs to Lady Antebellum, Breaking Thru is a podcast exclusively for women impacting country music, whether it be country singers or people working behind the scenes. She’s been joined by everyone from country superstar Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, to rising stars Avenue Beat to NYCountry Swag’s own Stephanie and Christina. It’s an empowering podcast that is so timely; listen to Stephanie and Christina’s episode here and to learn more about Elaina, check out our Woman of the Month feature with her here. 

Girls Just Pod To Have Fun

  1. Girls Just Pod To Have Fun

Nashville singer-songwriters/duo Jill & Kate, whom you might know from singing backup for Kelly Clarkson created a podcast that circles around Nashville, country music, the industry, and just life itself. The tagline speaks for itself: it’s a podcast about what to do when life doesn’t go the way you planned. They’ve had guests from Charles Esten, who played Deacon Claybourne on the ABC show Nashville to actress Lauren Grahm and they asked Stephanie and Christina to join them for their live podcast from New York City. To listen to their episode, click here.

Jill and Kate Podcast

Bobbycast Podcast

  1. Bobbycast

You might know Bobby Bones from is award-winning morning radio show The Bobby Bones Show, where he interviews all of country music’s biggest stars. It’s possible you know him from Dancing with the Stars, or his mentoring appearances on American Idol. Bones is everywhere these days, yet he still has time for his incredible podcast, Bobbycast. He talks to everyone from Jake Owen to hit songwriter Nicolle Galyon to Luke Bryan’s manager Kerri Edwards. He records the podcasts from his house, and they are more of a conversation than a traditional interview. His episode featuring Dustin Lynch is definitely one to check out, as is his episode featuring Nicolle Galyon. You can find it on Spotify or the Podcasts app.

 

Get Real! Podcast

  1. Get Real with Caroline Hobby

Caroline Hobby is a singer-turned-podcaster. She used to be in a band called Stealing Angels with Runaway June member Jennifer Wayne (who she also teamed up with to compete on The Amazing Race). She’s married to Michael Hobby, who is part of the country band A Thousand Horses, so she knows first-hand what it means to be a female in country music and a country artist’s wife. And that’s Get Real: she interviews the wives of country stars and songwriters, as well as female artists and women in the entertainment industry. It’s inspiring, it’s entertaining, and it gives fans a whole other perspective on the country music community. Her episodes with superstar Carly Pearce (listen here) and Luke Combs’ fiance Nicole Hocking (listen here) are two that stand out in particular.

All Our Favorite Peopler

  1. All Our Favorite People

Ashley Eicher and Hunter Kelly are two of Nashville’s most successful media personalities and are two close friends who love country music and Music City with all their heart. Their podcast, All Our Favorite People, is where the Nashville community comes together and shares their stories. They have guests like fellow podcaster Caroline Hobby to actor-singer Chord Overstreet to country superstar Kelsea Ballerini on their show where they talk all things life and career. Eicher and Kelly have a quick-witted dynamic, and it’s the type of podcast that makes you feel like you’re at the dinner table rather than listening to an interview. Their episode with Lauren Alaina is really great; to listen, click the link here. To find out more about Ashley Eicher, check out our Woman of the Month feature with her here.

This Nashville Life Podcast

  1. This Nashville Life

Country singer Kelleigh Bannen has had a really successful year: She released her debut record the past fall, Favorite Colors, is the host of Today’s Country on Apple Music and has a wildly successful podcast called This Nashville Life, which is hosted by herself and producer-engineer Kevin Sokolnicki. Bannen and Sokolnicki serve as your “tour guides” to Music City; they talk with people like Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, as well as Jason Owen, manager of Kacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini and owner of Sandbox Entertainment. A recent episode with CMT’s Leslie Fram was posted, and it’s inspiring and will teach any country music about the industry and genre they love so much.

Let us know if there are any other podcasts that we missed that you love listening to!

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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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NYCS First Impression: Kelleigh Bannen ‘Favorite Colors’

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Kelleigh Bannen Favorite Colors

If you’re searching for a record that is emotional, raw, fierce, honest, and impactful, look no further than Kelleigh Bannen’s debut record Favorite Colors. The independent artist showcases true artistry in all of her music, but this record is all her. She throws caution to the wind, and delivers an album that is authentic to who she is as a person.

All co-written by Bannen, the record consists of fourteen well-rounded and vulnerable tracks. All reflective in nature, the songstress leans on themes of love, love lost, empowerment, and story-telling. Beginning with, “Damn I Still Love You,” the singer-songwriter reflects about running into an old flame, surprising herself with the revelation that she’s still in love. On the contrary, “Sleeping Alone” is reflective and a tad melancholy, but ultimately, it is a powerful song about being on the other side of things, overcoming the heartache.

Both “Happy Birthday” and “Time Machine” are songs that revisit the past, leaning on the nostalgia that is laced throughout the entire project. The former shows off Bannen’s vocals as she reminisces about all the birthdays she spent with her ex. She just calls to say “Happy Birthday.” The latter skews towards a more general wondering, eventually transitioning into remembering memories with an old lover. She cleverly calls songs, a “stranger’s perfume,” and landmarks- time machines that bring you back to those exact moments.

Like “Happy Birthday,” Bannen included the two other songs off her EP on this record, “John Who” and “The Joneses.” The first song is smooth, soulful, and thoughtful. It is inspired by a whirlwind romance with a man named John, who Bannen is seemingly trying to get over after he just up and leaves. She sings “I need a clean slate from this heartache / I need a reason to forget,” later adding “I need a don’t look back / Kiss that stops me in my tracks.” In “The Joneses” Bannen uses quick, impactful lyrics to describe the old age adage that there’s no point in trying to “keep up with Joneses.” Like with her music, Bannen refuses to fit in and continues to blaze her own path and create her own mold. To learn more about these songs, check out our Swag Spotlight with the singer-songwriter from earlier this year.

Four of the songs were pre-released, including “Deluxe,” “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Diamonds,” and “Faith in You.” Although all different in nature, the group of songs are all inspiring and hopeful. “Deluxe” is inspired by an extravagant type of love. She compares a man’s advances to high-end luxury in the sonically-pleasing song. “Boys Don’t Cry” is a plea to girls who are going through a break-up, not to compare themselves to how guys go through a break-up. She encourages the ladies to “pull yourself together,” and of course to “get to getting over.” Finally, both “Diamonds” and “Faith In You” pay tribute to having someone to lean on, when times get tough, describing long-term commitment as the holy grail.

Favorite Colors boasts two true-blue upbeat tunes with “Suit” and “Haters.” The songs are on the opposite side of the spectrum, when it comes to context and instrumentals; however, they are both indicative of passion and truth-telling. “Suit” is a romantic, flirty track, where Bannen daydreams about her wedding day, cheek-fully singing “I can see you in a suit and tie / I can see you at the end of an aisle.” On the other hand, “Haters” confronts the social media monsters, calling out the trolls that hide behind their technology to bring others down. Both of these songs prove that no topic is off-limits.

Finally, “Your Favorite Colors” and the closing track, “Long Shadow” may be the best of the beautiful collection of songs on this project. Both showcase her songwriting chops, projecting the brutally-honest vulnerability that is so important in great story-telling. “Your Favorite Colors” depicts the ebbs and flows of getting through heartbreak. She admits the truth that “I don’t know where love goes when it’s gone.” In the later, “Long Shadow” the singer contemplates her thoughts, ultimately realizing that the ones we loved and lost, never really leave us.

Overall Bannen’s body of work is innovative and pleasing to listen to. It’s safe to say that Bannen’s goal of “telling stories and bringing people together” has been accomplished, as her record far exceeded expectations.

To keep up with Kelleigh Bannen follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Favorite Colors 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!

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

Kelleigh Bannen Reveals “Diamonds” For Billboard.com

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Kelleigh Bannen Diamonds

Nashville singer-songwriter Kelleigh Bannen released a fan favorite song today (Sept. 12, 2019) exclusively with Billboard.com titled “Diamonds.”

The song came about when Bannen was listening to Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and loved the idea of what the diamonds represented. Taking it into her co-writer Scott Stepakoff, the two began writing the song that paid tribute to a diamond, being more than just a stone. “Diamonds” is filled with a powerful pop influence, Bannen’s rich voice and her unique ability to add wit into any situation. The song perfectly describes the high of a long-term commitment with a love that’s written in stone.

She told Billboard, “I started playing the song out around town, and it was so fun for me to perform, it became an early favorite when we started narrowing down songs for the album,” she adds. “It’s probably my favorite song to sing from the album, and I love how the track turned out. It feels kind of vintage and modern at the same time.”

This song is one of the few to be released off the anticipated album, Favorite Colors, which is a collection of 14 songs, all of which she co-wrote. Each track shows Bannen in a new light as she showcases a new way to cut to the truth and offers something for everyone with a bold aesthetic and undeniable vocal prowess. Fans can pre-order the album now and receive songs “Deluxe” and “Faith In You.”

To keep up with Kelleigh Bannen, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“Diamonds” will available everywhere you buy or stream music tomorrow. Check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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

Kelleigh Bannen Releases “Boys Don’t Cry” Along with Social Campaign

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Kelleigh Bannen Boys Don't Cry

One of our favorite female independent artists, Kelleigh Bannen is keeping us on our toes this summer. She has already released two songs, including “Deluxe” and “Faith In You,” off her upcoming studio album entitled, FAVORITE COLORS. Both songs show different sides of her talent and personality. Now, Bannen is giving us even more to be excited about with her new song, “Boys Don’t Cry,” which just premiered today.

The new upbeat track is a plea to girls who are going through a break-up, not to compare themselves to how guys go through a break-up. Similar to the message of Dierks Bentley’s song “Different For Girls,” Bannen gives us the female perspective on what actually goes on for both people in a break-up. Her delivery packs a punch and gives you the much-needed inspiration (and a slap in the face) to move on with your life and to focus on yourself.

“Pull yourself together / ain’t nothing gettin’ better / laying on the sofa / get up get out / move on get loud / and get to getting over.”

Fitting her innovative personality, Bannen launched a social campaign to accompany the release of the song. As both a songstress and a podcast host, she is encouraging influencers to playfully share their break-up copers, tips, and tricks. Some of the questions on the form include your zodiac or enneagram sign, guilty pleasures, and your post-breakup anthem. The challenge lends itself well to the lyrical nature of “Boys Don’t Cry,” and we can’t wait to see how she utilizes it throughout all her creative outlets.

We hope to hear more new songs from Bannen before the October 11th release of her upcoming record. Stay tuned for our first impression review of the Favorite Colors.

To keep up with Kelleigh Bannen follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Boys Don’t Cry” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below and check out more recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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

6 Undiscovered Female Artists You Should Be Listening To

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We’re loving the changing of the tides that is occurring in the country music scene. It’s been an exciting month for the ladies, as Maren Morris’ song “GIRL” went number 1 on country radio and Grammy-nominated songwriter, Nicolle Galyon unveiled her newest project, an all-female label named Songs & Daughters.

Female musicians are making sure their voices are heard in the industry and delivering songs with lyrics that aim to empower women. We’ve already shared 6 of our favorite rising female artists that we are loving, but here are 6 more undiscovered, yet extremely talented female artists that deserve the spotlight too!

1. Lacy Cavalier

Listen: “Cheating On U”

One of our newest Swag Sessions alumni, Lacy Cavalier is taking the music industry by storm! She is sassy, beautiful, and passionate, with killer vocals to match. At only 22 years old, it’s only a matter of time until everyone knows her name. She just released her newest EP, k i’m done, which is filled with heartfelt, honest, and relatable songs that will be stuck in your head in no time! Make sure to give it a listen and keep up with her via Instagram and Twitter.

2. Hailey Whitters

Listen: “Ten Year Town” 

Singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters is one to look out for! She’s no stranger to the music industry, as she’s been songwriting since she was a teenager. Currently, she is holding her own on tour with prolific singer-songwriter, Lori McKenna and we caught her set just last month at City Winery. Later this year, she will open for superstar Maren Morris. Whitters is poised, honest, and primed for success. Listen to her song “10 Year Town” to get a taste of her unique talent and be sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

3. Hannah Ellis

Listen: “Friends Like These”

Another artist that we are loving is Hannah Ellis. She performed at our inaugural ‘Babes, Booze & Brunch’ event back in 2018, as well as, opened for Walker Hayes at Mercury Lounge the same year. She is a clever lyricist and songstress that truly sings from her heart. Check out debut single, “ILY So What” and “Home and Hometown” which she sang for us during a live Swag Session back in 2018. Most recently, she was chosen as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and released her brand new single, “Friends Like These.” Keep up with her endeavors via Instagram and Twitter!

4. Renee Blair

Listen: “Girlfriend”

Our next artist signed a publishing deal with SMACK in 2017 and has been a powerhouse ever since. She’s opened up for many great performers in the industry, including Mitchell Tenpenny, Willie Nelson, and Michael Ray; however, she is a stunning performer in her own right. She premiered her newest song “Girlfriend,” earlier this month, which explores the inner workings of her heart as she wishes for a man, who is unfortunately in a relationship. Both a Swag Spotlight and Swag Sessions alum, we know how spectacular Blair is and can’t wait for more people to recognize her talent. Stay in the loop via her Instagram and Twitter.

5. Lauren Duski

Listen: “The Weather (Grandpa’s Song)”

Lauren Duski got her start on NBC’s The Voice, but she is proving her staying power with her independently released debut EP entitled Midwestern Girl. She plays with the gamut of emotions on the heartfelt record, especially on songs, “The Weather (Grandpa’s Song)” and fan-favorite “Costume Party.” She earned her spot on this list because of her beautiful songs and unique song-writing. Learn more about Duski in our Swag Spotlight with her, as well as, by following her on Instagram and Twitter.

6. Kelleigh Bannen

Listen: “Happy Birthday”

Rounding out our list is seasoned singer-songwriter, Kelleigh Bannen. The Nashville native is a vocally-gifted storyteller. She delivers epic lyrics in her songs, “Happy Birthday,” “Deluxe,” and her newest track, “Faith In You.” Bannen is an artist, who is equally as impressive on emotionally-heavy songs, as well as, sassy uptempo tracks. We featured her in a Swag Spotlight back in 2018, and we can’t wait to see where her career continues to take her. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

We hope you add these talented ladies to your music collection!

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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

Kelleigh Bannen Can’t Get Enough of This “Deluxe” Love

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Kelleigh Bannen Deluxe

Cover Photo Credit: John Shearer

Kelleigh Bannen is back with new music, and a rocking “Deluxe” single off her upcoming studio album. Known for nailing emotionally-heavy and feisty uptempos (whichever route she decides to take with each song), Bannen and co-writer Danielle Blakey put a badass, sassy twist to a love story on this tune.

Drawing comparisons to an over-the-top hotel stay and lavish lifestyle choices, the song paints the picture of a relationship that one just can’t seem to ever get enough of.

“Pulling off exit 105, turning in the parking lot of an old motel / Sign says AC and cable TV no extra charge / And I’m like damn that’s kinda like you / You love like a free upgrade room with a view of the pool / It’s open til sunset only the best for the best”

With a listen to Bannen’s new tune, we figured out some qualities of this extravagant lover she sings of.
1. He is a 22% tipper
2. Treats the lady to a buffet dinner on a date night
3. Doesn’t scrimp on the good stuff
The end product of this luxurious elaborateness? A “gold-plated” and “first-rated” relationship, as Bannen sings proudly of.

Sonically, “Deluxe” could fall into the same family of songs Bannen’s “You Are What You Love,” “Sorry On The Rocks” and “Famous.” But, her latest release has vocal deliveries that augment the edginess and plausibility of this almost too-good-to-be-true relationship. “I just loved the idea for this song, about being a love with a little extra, and still being very relatable to so many people. I had the title for a while and finally was able to write and record it. I’m excited to be able to share it with my fans,” said Bannen in a recent press release.

Kudos to the two brilliant writers and producer Jaren Johnston (of The Cadillac Three) for giving what would seem like a plain vanilla happy love story; a fresh, hifalutin twist! Can all our relationships be this fancy too? Damn!

To keep up with Kelleigh Bannen follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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

NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Kelleigh Bannen

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“Is it really true that there isn’t a place for us? We’ve been told that for so long, I was told that 10 years ago and 2011 when I signed my first record deal and now it’s even worse, that we are even less of a presence on the radio and I don’t say that to call out radio, I just want to know is it true that in 2018 there is no room for women in this genre?” 

Kelleigh Bannen

Singer-songwriter Kelleigh Bannen took the time to chat with our Managing Editor recently about growing up in the heart of music city, finding her path to her music career and especially about being a woman in this music industry.  Although she may be a new artist being played across your Spotify or your radio waves, Bannen has been in this industry, working to unveil the struggles and provide an honest look at the life of a singer and songwriter for years.  She did grow up in Nashville but that does not mean that she automatically chose the life she is now pursuing.  “The people that I knew that were chasing country music were our babysitters who moved to town and they would sing jingles and trying to get there break and I really just saw a lot of people come to town and then go home when it didn’t work out. To me as a Nashville native, the music business felt really unattainable,” she explained. She grew up learning to play classical instruments like the violin and even to this day says that it informs the melody in her writing.

She fell in love with storytelling, the way Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, and even Frank Sinatra would express the lyrics in a song.  In high school is when her admiration for women in country music started, looking to Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood for inspiration.  Now, as her own artist creating music, she strives to always write the best song, looking for lyrics that mean something and tell a great story.

Most recently she released a mini EP, The Joneses, featuring three songs all co-written by Bannen.  Her latest single, “Happy Birthday” has resonated with fans and listeners after she premiered it on Sirius XM The Highway which has fully embraced all three songs, playing them for their listeners across the country.  The track tells the story of missing someone on their birthday and making the bold choice to reach out even though it may not be the best decision at the time.  “I love that way that songs happen to you as a writer, you work really hard and you try really hard to do certain things in the writing room but the most magical things that happen, are the things that happen to you,” Bannen explains about the writing process.

Besides songwriting and recording new music, Bannen has her own podcast.  ‘This Nashville Life’ discusses the inner workings of the music industry, the good, the bad, and the sometimes not so pretty.  She features executives, Nashville’s biggest songwriters and influencers in the business looking to shine a light on what fans of the genre may not realize. “I have a neat perspective where I can be an ambassador for our town and I love storytelling and I think there are so many ways to go about it and it’s just another way to be a storyteller and to advocate for our business, not from a financial perspective from a heart perspective,” she says.  “I really care about what we do and I care that great songs still have a place in this world. I really care about people knowing about those stories and another way to let the fan in and connect with what we are doing and let them peek behind the curtain and be a part of it.”  She explains that she loves how in country music the artists and the songwriters have an intimate relationship with their fans and this podcast is just another way to let them be involved in the process behind the songs that they are supporting. Click here to listen to ‘This Nashville Life’.

Finally, we discuss the topic on everyone’s minds this past month, women in country music.  Bannen has a lot to say and laughs telling us, “Okay, this is going to be a long answer…”.  Earlier this month, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild included her name during her acceptance speech at the CMT Artist of the Year event, proving that women are making great music they just need the recognition and chance to be heard.  First, she comments on how much she respects and admires Karen and Kimberly from Little Big Town and explains that they have been huge supporters of her career for many years. After that, she digs into the real problem, being told that there isn’t a place for women in this genre. “I just want to know is it true that in 2018 there is no room for women in this genre? What the heck, I don’t believe that there isn’t an audience for us because we are telling the truth about our lives, we are writing our asses off, we are singing our asses off, I just don’t believe it, I just believe there is a disconnect.”

She says these things, not knocking the men who are out there getting radio play and huge tours, she is happy for their success, however, she knows that it isn’t just the women that need to advocate for other women, the men need to step out and do it too. “What we need is the opportunity and when you hear a song of ours that you love, don’t just text me privately, it is so sweet but I want to be like ‘Hey, thank you, can you please tell someone.’ My girls do it, Raelynn just shared the video this week, Kelsea [Ballerini] did it when the song first came out so, hey dudes, we need you to use your incredible platform to champion us. We are so glad that you get the opportunities that you have we are just asking to champion us too,” she passionately expresses.  She honestly tells us that although she understands how the business works, she hopes that we can break the cycle of women not being played on the radio, therefore they don’t have hit singles and then don’t get picked up for major tours.

As an independant artist, Bannen is continuing to pave her own journey in this industry, releasing music and looking forward to a full-length album in the new year. Be sure to follow Kelligh Bannen on social media, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and listen to The Joneses below.

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Kelleigh Bannen Gives Visuals to the Heartfelt “Happy Birthday”

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EMI Records Nashville songstress, Kelleigh Bannen garnered success back in June, when she released a three-song music premiere to SiriusXM’s The Highway. The release included new tracks, “John Who,” “Happy Birthday,” and “The Joneses,” all showcasing her beautiful and soulful vocal ability.  CMT’s Next Woman of Country alumna debuted the music video for “Happy Birthday” on CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown.

The heartfelt song, co-written by Bannen with Claire Douglas and Dallas Wilson revolves around Bannen’s vocals and story-telling abilities. The artist shares her thoughts behind the song in a recent press release stating “There’s something about birthdays that are so nostalgic… even if it’s just in an ‘I wonder how they’re doing’ kind of way. The details of this song are really personal, and I think that is why this song has connected with so many people. It’s just a really truthful song.”

The music video for “Happy Birthday” embodies that sentiment. The singer is shown making phone calls to her ex-boyfriend on his birthday, and all the feelings that encompass remembering what that day used to be for both people. It shows a complete story and personifies emotions. The surprise ending will viewers on their toes. Check out the video below.

Along with being a uniquely talented singer-songwriter, Bannen is creative in other realms too. She is the pioneer of a successful podcast entitled “The Nashville Life,” which explores the positives and negatives of the music industry and has featured prominent songwriters and music executives. Season 3 was released earlier this month. For information about her podcast and future tour dates visit Bannen’s website. We hope to hear a full-length album from the talented artist in the near future.

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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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