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Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain” Goes Number One On Country Charts

Michael Ray’s single “Whiskey And Rain” officially reached number one on the country charts this week, marking his fourth number one song of his career. As Ray took to social media to thank his fans and team, the artist became emotional reflecting on the journey. Check out the tear-jerking response in the video below.

Michael Ray has dethroned Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter’s five-week run at number one on the country charts with their song, “Thinking ‘Bout You.” As Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain” tops the charts, the artist lands his fourth number one song.

The 90s country-inspired song was a clear hit with fans, gradually climbing up the charts since it impacted radio in October of 2020. Written by Jesse Frasure and Josh Thompson, Ray recorded the song early on during the pandemic. He has shared in interviews that the song remains one of his most favorite songs to date.

“Yeah, whiskey and rain coming down, coming down // Splash of bourbon in a glass // Yeah, pouring something on the pain, let it drown, let it drown // Try to wash away the past, oh-oh-oh // Since my blue sky, sunshine, whole life  // Hopped on that midnight train // ‘Til the bottle runs out or the clouds roll away // It’s just whiskey and rain”

It will be interesting to see if Ray’s song, “Whiskey And Rain” continues to hold down the number one spot on the country charts next week. Until then, congrats to Ray and his team on a well-deserved feat!

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Michael Ray announcements and releases.

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

“Whiskey And Rain” 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.

Michael Ray Releases New Song “Just The Way I Am” Ahead of EP

Michael Ray’s new song “Just The Way I Am” is available now, July 30th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the track below.

Following the release of his most recent single “Picture” in May of this year, Michael Ray is back with another brand new song, “Just The Way I Am”. With the deliverance of the track comes the news of a forthcoming EP from the singer-songwriter titled Higher Education, due out August 27th.

Michael Ray first made waves in the country music world with the release of his self-titled debut album in 2015. The introductory project included breakout songs like “Kiss You in the Morning”, “Think a Little Less”, and “Real Men Love Jesus”. Then, in 2018, his sophomore album, Amos, included another trio of hits with “One That Got Away”, “Her World or Mine”, and “Get to You”. Now, with more recent and frequent music that also happens to be his most true and personal music to date, Ray is ready for an EP release, and fans are eager for it.

“Just the Way I Am” is a song about staying true to who you are. In the words of Ray, he says that this song is about “Being unapologetically just who you are, how God made you, because God only made one of you, so just keep being just the way you are.”

When he announced the release of the song, Ray shared that “this song really feels autobiographical to me. It touches on the good parts of people while still acknowledging that they have faults and flaws, myself included. I hope that when you guys hear it, you understand more about me… and maybe you can even relate to it too”.

Ray also dropped the music video for “Just the Way I am”. Filmed in his hometown of Eustis, Florida, the video stars the people and community that helped make him the way he is.

Michael-ray-new-song

Michael Ray’s new song “Just The Way I Am” is out now, July 30th.

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

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

“Just The Way I Am” 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.

Michael-ray-whiskey-and-rain

Michael Ray Releases an Autobiographical Song Called “Picture”

Michael Ray’s new song, “Picture” is available everywhere you buy or stream music now, May 7th. Written by Ray with HARDY and David Garcia, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the reflective new track.

Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael Ray always releases music that fits him as a singer, but his newest release, “Picture’ out today is something special. Written during a tough time in Ray’s life with songwriters Michael Hardy (HARDY) and David Garcia, the new song is a reflective and emotional tune that every country fan needs to listen to.

“This last year has made me so appreciative of the people who can just sit still with me, reflect and reminisce,” shared Ray on his Instagram earlier this week, “It’s one of my favorite things about growing up in the south, and I hope we never lose it. My new song “Picture” is very autobiographical in that way. I hope that when y’all hear this song, it’s not something that brings sadness. I hope it’s something that brings joy and serves as a reminder that’s it okay to slow down and be present… because you’ll never regret the time you take to be with your family and friends.”

Ray was inspired to write this song after the passing of his uncle back in June 2020. Though the song is a tribute in some ways, it is also a reminder to fans to appreciate and live life with joy and happiness as much as possible. The song is one of the singer’s most personal and emotional songs to date.

“One day we’re barefoot, young and alive // the next we’re a story in a three-by-five // That somebody’s sure glad to have”

We are loving this new wave of artistry by the singer-songwriter, and it seems more music like “Picture” and current single, “Whiskey And Rain” are on the horizon. Keep an eye out for more new music coming down the pipeline by Ray soon!

Michael Ray's "Picture" is available now, May 7th

Michael Ray’s “Picture” is available now, May 7th

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

To keep up with Michael Ray, follow him on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

“Picture” 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.

NYCS First Impression: Carly Pearce’s Self Titled Album

Carly Pearce

Carly Pearce is giving her fans a special gift this Valentine’s Day with the release of her self-titled sophomore album. The thirteen song collection shows Pearce expanding her sound, showing off a variety of sides, including flirty, empowering, and more.

For Pearce, this album is a personal one, as it was produced by late songwriter/producer, Busbee, and marks his final full work. Pearce revealed to PopCulture.com about Busbee’s contributions to her career. “I feel like we both felt like this album would be the one that really put my flag in the ground, and hopefully took me to the next level. And we had so much fun making this one. I would just tell him, in the last two records, and since the beginning of Every Little Thing, he helped me find my voice. He helped me find my artistry. He helped me get my dream and I’m just forever grateful to that and really, really proud of what we did.”

The album opens with a pair of fun up-tempo tracks, drawing listeners in immediately with the catchy one-two punch of “Closer to You” and “Call Me.” However, it’s tracks four and five that show Pearce at her best. On the twangy “Dashboard Jesus,” written by Victoria Banks, Sara Haze, and Emily Shackelton, Pearce is a girl who leaves home in search of something bigger. “As long as she’s going somewhere/ It doesn’t matter to her anyway/ Everybody says she’s dreamin’/ Call her crazy for believin’/ Sometimes all you really need is/ Fifty dollars and a dashboard Jesus.”

Track five is the emotive “Halfway Home,” written by Pearce, Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz. “You can try to tell a heart/ To feel somethin’ that it don’t,” She sings, her voice practically breaking. “But halfway to heaven isn’t heaven/ And halfway home just ain’t home.”

“I Hope You’re Happy Now,” Pearce’s chart-climbing duet with Lee Brice, is another of the album’s highlights, putting an optimistic spin on a broken relationship. “I hope you find what you were looking for/ I hope your heart ain’t hurting anymore/ And you get moving on, all figured out/ And you don’t hate me somehow/ ‘Cause I hope you’re happy now.”

While Pearce’s duet with Brice is bittersweet, her collaboration with husband, Michael Ray, is 100% saccharine. On the R&B tinged mid-tempo, co-written by Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, Ashley Gorley, and Jesse Frasure, they sing of knowing each other so well that they know what the other’s thinking.

Pearce shines on empowering songs, as evidenced by “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” which she co-wrote with Sam Ellis and Natalie Hemby. Another of the album’s highlights is the ode to women and their strength, titled “Woman Down.” Here she sings, “She can make a mountain move/ And do it in her high heeled shoes/ If she ain’t back up yet, just stick around/ You can’t keep a woman down.”

For Pearce, this album is the perfect follow up to 2017’s Every Little Thing. With the variety of songs and stories here, she continues to prove that she’s one of country music’s most exciting new female voices.

CARLY PEARCE TRACKLIST:
1. “Closer To You” | Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson, Troy Verges
2. “Call Me” | busbee, Emily Shackelton, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook
3. “I Hope You’re Happy Now (Carly Pearce and Lee Brice)” | Carly Pearce, Luke Combs, Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton
4. “Dashboard Jesus” | Victoria Banks, Sara Haze, Emily Shackelton
5. “Halfway Home” | Carly Pearce, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
6. “Heart’s Going Out Of Its Mind” | Carly Pearce, Joe Ginsberg, Laura Veltz
7. “Finish Your Sentences (Carly Pearce and Michael Ray)” | Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett
8. “It Won’t Always Be Like This” | Carly Pearce, Sam Ellis, Natalie Hemby
9. “Lightning In A Bottle” | Hannah Ellis, Anna Vaus
10. “Love Has No Heart” | Sara Haze, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen
11. “Woman Down” | Shane McAnally, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
12. “You Kissed Me First” | Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson
13. “Greener Grass” | Hillary Lindsey, Jonny Price, Ben West

To keep up with Carly Pearce follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook. Pearce will play at Joe’s Pub in NYC on March 10 as part of the Songs for a Cause concert along with Michael Ray, Ryan Griffin, and Luke Laird. For more tour dates and tickets, visit her official website.

NYCountry Swag Picks:
1. Woman Down
2. Halfway Home
3. Dashboard Jesus
4. I Hope You’re Happy Now

Carly Pearce 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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The Hero Collectionby 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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NY’s Country 94.7 Event with Carly Pearce, Michael Ray & Jake Owen

This past Friday night, New York’s Country 94.7 celebrated their first Up Close & Country of the decade with a special Radio.com event at Chelsea Music Hall. Winning your way in was the only way to catch this special performance from superstars Carly Pearce, Michael Ray, and Jake Owen.

Carly Pearce

Pearce is gearing up to release her sophomore, self-titled album next month but took the time to perform some fan favorites from her debut album, including “Doin It Right”, and “Every Little Thing”. She also performed two previously released songs including “Heart’s Going Out Of Its Mind” and her current single, a duet with Lee Brice, “Hope Your Happy Now”. The former, Pearce explained that she wrote just a few days after her first date with Michael Ray and she told her cowriters that she was “totally going to marry him”.  The latter is currently climbing up the country radio charts and fans were singing along with the songstress.

Michael Ray

It was such a treat for fans to get to see the newlyweds on the same bill. Michael Ray took the stage next, so grateful for the chance to perform during this special night thanks to the radio station and thanked each member of their team. Ray who has a ton of hits in his career so far sang “Kiss You In The Morning”, and his number one song, “One That Got Away”. He also welcomed his beautiful wife back to the stage for a stirring duet of Alison Krauss’ “When You Say Nothing At All”. Watching their chemistry on stage was spectacular. His current single, “Her World Or Mine” had the audience singing along as he emoted true heartbreak.

Michael Ray Carly Pearce

Finally, Jake Owen took the stage to perform some of his biggest songs, including the past decade’s most-played country song “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”.  Owen took time out during his set to talk to the small group of fans, ask them what they wanted to hear and even sang “Happy Birthday” to one lucky audience member. He threw it back to one of his earlier albums with “Alone With You”, and “The One That Got Away”. He also performed a few songs from his most recent album, “Down To The Honky Tonk”, “Drink All Day”, and his current single “Home Made” which he explained was written about his grandparents who are 97 and 95 years old and have been married for 72 years.

Owen even performed the impromptu song he wrote after watching The Bachelor “Alabama Hannah” which went viral on social media after he posted it. His energy, honesty when explaining each song and his banter with the audience made for a great night and the perfect way to kick off the radio station’s events for 2020.

Jake Owen

To keep up with all of the cool things New York’s Country 94.7 has going on be sure to tune in and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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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!

Carly Pearce Releases Uptempo “Heart’s Going Out of Its Mind”

Carly Pearce

In continued anticipation of the February 14th release of her self-titled sophomore album, Carly Pearce has released the new track, “Heart’s Going Out of Its Mind.” Written by Pearce, Joe Ginsberg, and Laura Veltz, the song is all about those special kinds of flutters that come with a new love.

The song starts with a twangy banjo, before segueing into a full-out pop-country banger that is sure to be a highlight of the album. On the catchy up-tempo, Pearce puts a fun spin on those feelings that come at the start of a new relationship. While she knows its uncharacteristic of herself, she loves the fact that her heart is going a bit crazy.

“You make my heart go thump, thump, thump/ Like nothing else / Who am I? / What the hell?/ I don’t recognize myself,” She sings. “Boy, whatever you’re selling/ I’m buying it/ I’m losing it a little but I’m liking it/ There’s something in the air tonight/ My heart’s going out of its mind/ Boy whatever you’re doing, keep doing it/ My lipstick baby you can ruin it/ If I look a little crazy, that’s fine/ My heart’s going out of its mind.”

“Heart’s Going Out of Its Mind” is one of many releases from Pearce’s forthcoming album, which also includes “Closer To You,” “Call Me,” “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” and her duet with Lee Brice, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The album will also feature a collaboration with her husband, Michael Ray, that was co-written by Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett, along with Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley,

To keep up with Carly Pearce follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.
“Heart’s Going Out of Its Mind” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Carly Pearce Announces Self-Titled Album Due Out Valentine’s Day

Carly Pearce Album

For newlywed Carly Pearce, her first Valentine’s Day as a married gal is going to be extra sweet, she announced this morning that on February 14th, 2020 her new album will be released.

“So much has happened to me in the last few years. My fans have changed my life and given my music a home in this world. I grew up, let go of things that needed to go, fell in love, fell on my face, went through some hell and found ‘Carly’ fully for the first time EVER. I’m so excited to announce my sophomore, self-titled album will be released on VALENTINE’S DAY!!!” Pearce shares in a press release” This record is dedicated to my late producer busbee. It’s the last full record he made and one that I am so very proud of – Thank you for bringing these songs to life. I can’t wait to honor you and hear/see how people connect to what we created.” Hit producer and songwriter busbee lost his battle with Glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, back in September.

In her latest interview with Build Series for Yahoo, Pearce shares that there will be a song on the new record with her husband, fellow country singer Michael Ray and the story behind writing her current single, which features Lee Brice, “I Hope Your Happy Now”. 

To pre-save Carly Pearce click here.

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

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

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Carly Pearce and Michael Ray’s Intimate ‘Whimsical’ Wedding

 

Congratulations are in order! The newest country music couple have officially tied the knot and People.com is sharing the first photo of the beautiful couple.  The rising country stars said their vows at a Nashville-area farm in front of their closest friends and family on Sunday (October 6th). Keeping the celebration in the country music family, their wedding was officiated by none other than Bill Cody, radio DJ and the announcer for the Grand Ole Opry and Jake Owen sang their first dance, “Made For You”.

NYCountry Swag caught up with the “Her World Or Mine” singer earlier this summer at Taste of Country Music Festival where he dished about the upcoming wedding and told us about the moment he heard “Made For You” and decided that Jake Owen just had to sing at their wedding. Check out the full interview below.

As Pearce gears up to release her sophomore record, she teased the new music with a duet featuring Lee Brice, “I Hope Your Happy Now” which she says is all about the relationship that broke her heart, before meeting her now husband, Michael. We look forward to hearing new music from Pearce and hearing even more details about their incredible day.

Congratulations to Michael & Carly!

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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 InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Michael Ray Performs “I’m Gonna Miss You” on ‘Strahan & Sara’

Country music singer-songwriter Michael Ray joined GMA’s Strahan & Sara this afternoon to discuss how 2019 is turning out to be his best year yet and to perform the song “I’m Gonna Miss You.” When asked about his recent first ACM Nomination, Ray spoke about the importance of awards shows saying, “Growing up in Central Florida, my family had a band so the ACM’s and awards shows were like the Super Bowl, so I would keep a list of artists that are nominated and circle who won.” He graciously continued, “Just to be nominated for any award, you kind of already feel like a winner. We feel very blessed and lucky to be put in a category with a lot of other artists that are having other great years as well.”

Strahan asked about other recent big news that put Ray and Carly Pearce in the limelight, saying “You did something really big recently, you got engaged, to fellow country singer Carly Pearce,” “And the one thing you said you wanted to do – you wanted to make your proposal bigger than anything they do on The Bachelor, so I am curious how did that work out for you?” With a great sense of humor, Ray explained that he asked her parents for their blessing prior to going to Tulum, Mexico, and planned the big day along with her mother. When describing the proposal Ray gushed “I rented out a private deck at a resort they had in Tulum and had all these flowers sent in, and a private dinner, and rose petals from our door all the way down,” and he even hired a mariachi band and a photographer to capture it all. Needless to say, he definitely gave The Bachelor proposals a run for their money!

After being congratulated by Strahan and Sara, Ray took the stage and sang his latest hit “I’m Gonna Miss You.” From being named Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music in 2018 to a 2019 ACM nomination – Ray is continuously proving that he has the voice, confidence, and incredible stage presence that is guaranteed to bring him much success in the years to come.

 

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

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and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Michael Ray Performs “One That Got Away” on Live with Kelly and Ryan

This morning, ACM nominated New Male Artist Of The Year, Michael Ray stopped by Live with Kelly and Ryan to perform his current chart-climbing single, “One That Got Away.” Before taking the stage to perform his infectious tune, co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest came out to introduce the singer to the audience.

Kicking off the month, Ray brought a little bit of summer to this cold winter morning dressing in a Hawaiian style shirt, while giving viewers at home an upbeat and energized performance to remember. As always, he captivated his audience with his undeniable confidence singing his lyrics about a one of a kind girl with his infectious smile never leaving his face. At the end of the song, the studio erupted in cheers, while Ripa and Seacrest came back to the stage cheering.

That wasn’t all for his appearance, Ripa and Seacrest took time after to chat with the singer. Seacrest mentioned how both Ray and his fiancé Carly Pearce, are both nominated for this year’s ACM Awards simultaneously, with Ray responding, “Yea it’s incredible! It’s my first one so it made it that much more special.” While mentioning his fiancé, Ripa couldn’t have him leave without talking about his elaborate proposal to Pearce in Mexico. Ray mentioning, “I went a little far out…I wanted to give her what she deserved…something we both remember forever and she watches the Bachelor so I had a lot to live up to.” Before leaving the stage, the co-hosts congratulated him on all his success, making this a moment to never forget.

 

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

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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