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Carrie Underwood Pandora LIVE – Recap

Carrie Underwood is getting fans in the holiday spirit with an HBO special, appearances on daytime and late-night talk shows, and now, a session through Pandora LIVE.

Carrie Underwood Pandora

The exclusive broadcast on the popular music streaming platform gave listeners an opportunity to hear the country superstar sing songs from her first Christmas album, My Gift. Underwood was joined by her band and the gospel quartet The McCrary Sisters as she performed holiday classics and original songs from the project. The American Idol winner also sat down with SiriusXM The Highway radio host Storme Warren to chat about the process of writing and recording the album over zoom and her favorite holiday traditions and recipes.

During the event, fans had the chance to message each other in the chatroom, play Carrie Underwood and Christmas trivia, and even upload a selfie using the virtual photo booth.

“This year, more than ever, we are all looking forward to Christmas,” said Underwood. “I hope My Gift and Pandora LIVE can help get people in the spirit as they prepare for and celebrate the holidays.”

With more than a billion streams, Underwood is the top female country artist in Pandora history. My Gift is streaming now on Pandora.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming Carrie Underwood release.

To keep up with Carrie Underwood, follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

My Gift is available everywhere you buy or stream music. 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 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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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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Thomas Rhett Album Release Week in New York City

 

Thomas Rhett Album Release Week iHeart

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter, Thomas Rhett arrived in New York City this week to celebrate the release of his fourth studio album Center Point Road, which is available everywhere you buy or stream music today (5/31). With a many number one songs already, successful collaborations, and sold-out shows to his name, Rhett is sure to find success with his new record that perfectly embodies both nostalgia and personal moments with fun and lively summer anthems.

To promote his new LP, Rhett headed to the iHeartRadio Theatre in downtown Manhattan yesterday afternoon to meet and play for some of his lucky fans, as part of iHeart’s album release party. iHeart’s Amy Brown of the ‘Bobby Bones Show’ introduced Rhett to the stage, where an intimate amount of fans were eagerly waiting for the reigning ACM Male Artist of the Year to start his performance.

Thomas Rhett iHeart Album release

The entertainer sang songs off the new record, including his smash hit, “Look What God Gave Her,” the heartfelt “Remember You Young” “That Old Truck,” and the rowdy, “Beer Can’t Fix.” Although some songs were just released, fans in the audience jammed out and sang along to each and every song, leaving the artists awestruck and grateful. Although this was an album release party, the singer made sure to mix in some fan favorites as well, including “Marry Me” “Die A Happy Man,” “Life Changes,” and ending with, “Crash and Burn.”

In between songs, Brown interacted with the singer, asking him his inspiration for the new album, the writing process, and about his upcoming ‘Very Hot Summer Tour. Rhett shared that he knows a song is good when his daughters want to listen to it again and again, and of course, that his beautiful wife, Lauren is his muse.

Thomas Rhett Album Release Week

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora Media)

Next up, New York Country Swag headed to SubCulture in SOHO to catch Pandora Music’s Sound On Special With Thomas Rhett presented by Marshalls. Fans lined up down the block, in hopes of being one of the few lucky fans to snag a coveted seat to the invite-only event. Once inside, guests were greeted with a cocktail and a Thomas Rhett lanyard, and of course, invited to take a photo in front of a backdrop, inspired by the Center Point Road album art. After a few minutes, attendees were escorted downstairs to enjoy some snacks and drinks. Once seated, guests were gifted a gift card to Marshalls, as well as, a suede official Thomas Rhett and Pandora koozie to keep.

The lights in the beautiful and intimate venue began to dim, as both SiriusXM’s The Highway radio host, Storme Warren and Thomas Rhett took the stage to talk everything Center Point Road for the broadcast that will air this weekend. Seated across from each other in comfy chairs, Warren and Rhett dived deeper into the singer’s inspiration for the new album, highlighted his favorite songs, and gave audience members a first listen of ten of the sixteen songs off the record. The duo even recounted about Rhett’s journey in the music industry, offering valuable advice to always stay true to who you are.

Although only 29, as Warren liked to say, Rhett shared “people say that 29 is too young to be nostalgic and I say bull crap,” as the singer-songwriter explained the reflective creative process that embodies the new record. He added that he likes to write music based on what he’s listening to, which inspired the opening track off the album, “Up,” a modern take on gospel music with an incredibly inspiring message. Invitees also learned that the track was written on the same day as his previous hits “Unforgettable” and “Marry Me.” Warren and Rhett went through a similar process with nine other songs- Rhett provided the audience with some context, and each track played afterward.

Both the iHeart and Pandora events were filled with highlights, but one of the most magical moments, during the interview was when Rhett spoke about the songs inspired by his wife, “Notice” and “The Dream You Never Had.” Each song was both a thank you and an apology to Lauren for always standing by him; even the times when he is in his own head or on the road. He left the audience in awe and in tears with the tracks, and his meaningful statement, “when you’re on each others’ team so much, there’s nothing that can break ya.”

Thomas Rhett Album Release Week Pandora

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora Media)

At the end of the interview, Rhett was gifted with a plaque from Pandora for 3 billion spins on the streaming platform, a feat that music icons, Keith Urban and Fleetwood Mac had just recently achieved. As the night came to a close, Rhett humbly and graciously thanked everyone in the room for supporting him and his music and was escorted off stage, during a standing ovation.

Soon thereafter, attendees made their way out of the venue with a cookie and a t-shirt in hand, and excitement buzzing around, as we all eagerly awaited for the clock to strike midnight on album release day.  For more exclusive coverage of his album release events, check out his Today Show performance, as Thomas Rhett took the plaza stage this morning to further celebrate the new record.

In addition to the new album, Rhett’s “Very Hot Summer” tour just kicked off with his dad Rhett Akins, Russell Dickerson, and Dustin Lynch. Hitting thirty-nine cities across the country, there are plenty of opportunities to see this star-studded concert. New York fans will have the chance to see this tour at the legendary Madison Square Garden on September 20, 2019.

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

Center Point Road 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 InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Dierks Albu

Dierks Bentley NYC Album Release Week

Dierks Bentley released his latest album, The Mountain last Friday so naturally, he came to NYC to help promote the new music.  Stopping at Good Morning America, Nash FM 94.7 Studios, Pandora, Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and many other outlets.

Dierks Album Release

Photo courtesy of Nash FM 94.7 Facebook

The New York Country Swag Team headed first to his Nash FM 94.7 Stage 17 show yesterday, (Wednesday, June 13th) where Bentley chatted with Nash DJs Katie Neal and Jesse Addy about the new music.  He was pridefully rocking an FDNY t-shirt during his set.  He performed his 17th number one chart-topper “Woman, Amen” as well as his next single “Burning Man” which features Brothers Osborne on the album version.  He couldn’t leave the studios without singing his biggest hits, “Drunk on a Plane” and “I Hold On”.

Bentley with NYCountry Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner

Next up, we caught Bentley at his Pandora Up Close performance which took place at the beautiful Capitale in downtown Manhattan.  The theme of Bentley’s album, The Mountain was prevalent throughout the space, his backdrop the outline of a mountain with tiny lights representing a night sky.  He opened his hour-long set with an oldie but a goodie from his debut album, “What Was I Thinking”  right after exclaiming to the crowd “What was I thinking? I was thinking that New York City has the best fans!”

Dierks Album Release

Throughout the night he mixed new songs from his album including “Woman, Amen”, “Burning Man” and “Living” with hits that have gotten him to this point in his career like “Up On the Ridge” and “Somewhere on a Beach”.  “We haven’t done this song in many, many years but we wanted to keep you guys on your toes tonight, I hope you remember it,” he told the audience before singing “Come A Little Closer” from his 2005 album Modern Day Drifter.

Bentley referenced several times how excited he is to bring his Mountain High Tour to Madison Square Garden this fall.  “We’re playing the biggest honky-tonk in the world, MSG, that is right at the top of my bucket list, bigger than any dream I could ever dream.” For tickets to the September 8th show, head to www.dierks.com/tour “This song is for you guys, I certainly want to specifically thank all of our firefighters and police officers as well,” Bentley told the crowd before singing his emotional and uplifting hit “Riser”.

Before playing his final song of the night, Pandora hosts surprised Bentley on stage with a plaque that indicated he had reached over three billion spins on Pandora.  Putting him in a class with the Rolling Stones, Snoop Dog, Lady Gaga and one of Bentley’s all-time heroes in country music, Alan Jackson.  Bentley was honored and humbled by the surprise.  He closed out the high energy set with “Drunk on a Plane”, leaving the packed room of fans in awe of his stage presence and commitment to making incredible music.  Grab your copy of The Mountain here.

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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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Top 10 NYCountry Swag Moments of 2017 – #2: Luke Bryan Album Release Week…

The countdown continues as we give you our Top 10 New York Country Swag Moments of 2017. Bringing us to favorite moment #2: Luke Bryan Album Release Week.

 

 

Growing up in a small waterfront community in Queens, New York, our founder Stephanie wasn’t always a big country music fan.  Although a lover of music and live events in general, Stephanie enjoyed everything from Pop to R&B to EDM. It wasn’t until attending her first Luke Bryan concert a few years ago that Stephanie discovered her true love for country music.

“I think it was the live show and the energy in the room that really drew me in. Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square were the opening acts that night. Although not knowing many songs, from beginning to end I found myself bopping along and enjoying the night. It’s safe to say I was completely hooked. From then, I started going to more and more shows and my love for country music grew,” Stephanie says.

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora)

As an events manager for In Good Company Hospitality, Stephanie began curating “Country Night” events back in 2014. After the success of several country music themed events, Stephanie saw the audience she was tapping into and truly discovered her niche. This is where the idea of New York Country Swag would stem from.

Today, Stephanie credits that first Luke Bryan concert as where it all began for New York Country Swag. Fast forward nearly 5 years later to where things truly came full circle when Stephanie and the New York Country Swag team had the privilege of covering Luke Bryan’s Album Release Week. Bryan’s busy NYC week included a Close Up With Luke Bryan for Pandora, an intimate show at Nash FM’s Stage 17 and his early morning set live for Good Morning America at the brand new Opry City Stage.  For more about our Luke Bryan filled week click here.

 

For more of our favorite moments of 2017, make sure to be following us daily as the countdown continues!

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Thanks for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Click Here to learn more about NYCountry Swag
+ Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!

– Team NYCountry Swag

 

Luke Bryan NYC Album Release

Luke Bryan ‘What Makes You Country’ NYC Album Release Week

Luke Bryan Getty Images

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora)

Luke Bryan is no stranger to success when releasing music, whether the track makes you move your body or moves your soul, his singles climb the charts and he sells out arenas.  His last album, Kill the Lights was the first in history to have six singles reach No. 1 on the Country Billboard charts and his “Huntin’, Fishin’ And  Lovin’ Every Day” tour has packed arenas all over the country this past year. His newest album, What Makes You Country, which is available everywhere today brings Bryan back to his roots.  Blending his own unique brand of country music which combines pop-country with traditional lyrics.  For his 6th studio album, Bryan gave fans more of what he knows they love, songs that will translate well in his live shows as well as radio-friendly hits.

Luke Bryan Pandora

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora)

To celebrate the release of the album, Bryan took NYC by storm this past week.  First up, New York Country Swag headed to The Altman Building to catch Pandora’s Up Close With Luke Bryan presented by FedEx Wednesday night. The line of fans wrapped around the long city block, hoping that they would make the first come-first serve cut into the venue.  Once inside, fans were treated to free Luke Bryan t-shirts, a photo booth backdrop and a close spot in front of the stage. Although this was an album release party, fans were excited to hear plenty of Bryan’s hits from his ten-year career including, “That’s My Kind of Night”, “Play It Again” “Fast” and of course closing with a high octane version of “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”.

Luke Bryan Stage 17

(Photo by New York CountrySwag.com)

Thursday, Bryan stopped by NASH FM 94.7’s Stage 17 studio to perform more singles off his forthcoming album including “Hooked On It” and the title track.  The performance and interview, curated by Mike Allan, assistant program director for NASH FM 94.7 was broadcasted live across the country.  DJs Katie Neal and Jesse Addy chatted with Bryan about writing the new songs and asked him to describe what he thinks “Makes You Country?” “An overall way that you view life, the way that you approach life with humility and honor and compassion and faith and belief.” the singer explained.  A small group of audience members and winners from NASH FM were treated to stripped down, acoustic versions of the songs and the intimate setting was the perfect place for Bryan to be his goofy self, joking about his shirt being too tight and popping a button off. He ended his visit by taking pictures with his biggest fans.

Although all 15 tracks work well together to create a cohesive country record, a few highlights on the album include “Land of a Million Songs” a true testament to the struggles that Nashville songwriters go through to create your favorite music.  Another stand out is “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” which was written by Ryan Hurd, Chase McGill and Zach Crowell.  Hurd took to Instagram hours before the album was released to express his gratitude to everyone involved, especially for his fiance Maren Morris, for who he says the song was written about.

The final track on the record, “Win Life” was written by husband and wife songwriters Nicolle Gaylon and Rodney Clawson along with Ross Copperman.  It fits right into Bryan’s wheelhouse, as a dad, a country superstar, and a husband just trying to do his best with the time he is given.

Luke Bryan GMA

(Photo by New York CountrySwag.com)

For Bryan’s biggest appearance during his album release week in NYC, he took the stage at the brand new Opry City Stage in the heart of Times Square for his live performance on Good Morning America.  Joined by Robin Roberts and GMA’s leading meteorologist, Ginger Zee, Bryan performed his latest single “Light It Up”,  as well as another track off What Makes You Country, “Most People are Good” and other hits for the select few in the studio audience.  Finally, Bryan’s fans across the country were able to hear some of the songs live and head to their favorite outlet to purchase the full album.

Grab What Makes You Country on iTunes and head to our Instagram for more from the album release week.

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Thanks for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Click Here to learn more about NYCountry Swag
+ Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!

– Team NYCountry Swag