Parker McCollum Archives

Parker McCollum Hits Number One With “To Be Loved By You”

March 15, 2022/in Blog, News, Number One Songs /by Erica Zisman

Parker McCollum’s song “To Be Loved By You” is the number one song at country radio. Read about McCollum’s second number-one single and check out an exclusive video of him performing the number one hit below…

On the heels of winning his first ACM Award, New Male Artist of the Year and 2020 Country Swag Artist to Watch, Parker McCollum is celebrating again! The rising artist earned his second number one single at country radio with his song “To Be Loved By You.” The track follows his hit “Pretty Heart.”

A little over a year since its release, “To Be Loved By You” steadily made its way to the top of the charts. The song speaks to the vulnerable side of McCollum’s artistry. The singer is already a bonafide superstar in Texas, it is just a matter of time before the rest of the country catches up. We predict that soon enough, McCollum will be a mainstay in mainstream country music.

“So why are you always angry? // Why are you always quiet? // Why do you sleep alone // When I know you don’t like it? // Maybe you might be different // Will it kill you to tell me the truth? // What in the hell does a man // Have to do, to be loved by you?”

If “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You” are any inclination, fans and radio alike love McCollum’s heartfelt and brooding songs. We look forward to what’s next from the rising artist! Congrats to McCollum and his team on their number one!

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

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

“To Be Loved By You” 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.

Thomas Rhett Announces 2022 Tour with Parker McCollum and Conner Smith

January 21, 2022/in Blog, News, Tour Announcements /by Team Country Swag

Thomas Rhett returns to the road with Parker McCollum and Conner Smith. Check out the full list of dates and ticket information below.

Thomas Rhett is gearing up for a big 2022 on the Bring The Bar To You Tour and he’s beinging along Parker McCollum and Conner Smith.

The dates launch June 17th with tickets on sale this Friday (1/28) at 10A local time via thomasrhett.com.

Check out the full list of tour dates below.

THOMAS RHETT BRING THE BAR TO YOU TOUR DATES:
6/17/2022 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion
6/18/2022 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion
6/23/2022 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
6/24/2022 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
6/25/2022 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
7/14/2022 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
7/15/2022 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
7/16/2022 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
7/21/2022 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
7/22/2022 – Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
7/23/2022 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
8/11/2022 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
8/12/2022 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
8/13/2022 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
8/18/2022 – Seattle, WA – White River Amphitheatre
8/19/2022 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
8/25/2022 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/26/2022 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
9/22/2022 – Columbia, MO – Mizzou Arena
9/23/2022 – Springfield, MO – JQH Arena
9/24/2022 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
9/29/2022 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center
9/30/2022 – Bismarck, ND – Bismarck Event Center
10/1/2022 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
10/6/2022 – Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Arena
10/7/2022 – Bozeman, MT – Brick Breeden Fieldhouse
10/8/2022 – Missoula, MT – Adams Center
10/13/2022 – Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center
10/14/2022 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
10/15/2022 – Dayton, OH – Nutter Center

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

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

Thomas Rhett’s music 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.

CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2022 Announced

December 13, 2021/in Blog, News /by Erica Zisman

Last week, Country Radio Seminar (CRS) officially announced the CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2022. Check out the class here.

The CRS New Faces of Country Music is one of the most coveted showcases during the Country Radio Seminar that spotlights five emerging artists that have achieved significant success in the country genre. This year, Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Jason Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson were honored with the title.

Over the past year, all five artists have had significant success. Barrett earned her second number one single, while Hayes’ “Fancy Like” catapulted him back into stardom. Both McCollum and Rodgers continue to make waves on the country charts, each earning top singles at country radio. Additionally, newcomer, Wilson, received notoriety and praise for her hit single “Things a Man Oughta Know.”

The New Faces of Country Music is a long-standing tradition in the country music genre. Prominent artists like Reba, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Eric Church, and more are just some of the few who have been honored with the title and praise early on in their respective careers.

It is clear that this year’s class have all proven their talent and their tenacity over the course of their careers, but especially this year. It will be exciting to see them perform at the coveted showcase next year! The upcoming Country Radio Seminar will be held February 23rd to February 25th, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news

Parker McCollum: ‘Gold Chain Cowboy’ – Album Review

July 30, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Lucie Bernheim

Parker McCollum’s new album Gold Chain Cowboy, out now July 30th, serves as his major-label full album debut. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the 10-track project.

McCollum opens the album with the upbeat number “Wait Outside” written by McCollum, Jon Randall (who produced it), and Randy Rodgers. While identifiably country, there are hints of alternative rock in the production and McCollum’s vocal delivery.

The second track is “Dallas” – a heartfelt country-rock moment featuring fellow Texan Danielle Bradberry. Her harmony is sweet and subtle, and the use of organs in the song is very compelling.

“To Be Loved By You” is McCollum’s current single to country radio, and to put it quite simply, something about the song truly makes it absolutely addicting. “Hell, maybe I’m right, maybe I’m wrong // Finding out why shouldn’t take this long // Easier said than done, I guess // I’m a little bit harder to love than the rest”. The lyrics fall off the tongue so effortlessly, even if a little bit angry and pleading – it makes you want to listen to the song again and again.

What Parker McCollum does best on Gold Chain Cowboy is refrain from sounding like everyone else on country radio. On the record, there are moments intense enough to remind one of Death Cab for Cutie; lyrics as evocative as Jason Isbell; and phrasing as existential as John Mayer.

“I want to have Luke Bryan success, singing Chris Knight-caliber songs,” he shares in a press release. “To have longevity, you can’t sacrifice integrity to get on the radio. People know the difference, look at Willie, look at Strait. I knew I could do Texas and never leave, or come to Nashville and do the pop-country thing. My goal is to ride the middle.”

You hear all of that on a song like “Falling Apart”, which lives in the middle of the album. A Miranda Lambert co-write, you can hear they are songwriters from Texas who also love their 80s music. For fans of Mayer’s recent album Sob Rock, this is a must-listen.

“Heart Like Mine” is a standout, with a rhythm that is classically Americana and lyrics that leave you aching. The drums are soft, and the harmonies add just the right amount of depth that is needed.

“With ‘Heart Like Mine,’ I’d had that first verse for four years”, McCollum says. “I’d been saving it, because I always knew it was special. I’d almost pulled it out a couple of times in co-writes that weren’t working. But I knew not to. When I sat down with Tony, I knew he was the one. I told him those lines, and he went, ‘That’s fucking badass.’ We finished it in an hour… It was unbelievable.”

“Rest Of My Life” is a solo McCollum write, and it’s incredibly introspective. “I’m shakin’ like winter but I just can’t eat // It’s just one of those late nights that I’m never gonna beat //And I lay down for a moment and my eyes start closin’ // I can’t help but wonder why, yeah it’s just the rest of my life”. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to find clarity, and that is definitely apparent in this song.

Gold Chain Cowboy is sonically more polished than his first two albums, but the heart of it stays the same. He is young but well-traveled. The album is equal parts Texas and Tennessee, and that combination makes it all the more successful. For an album that walks the line of an identity crisis to finding yourself all over again, there is a precision and cohesiveness to the record that makes it clear why McCollum is country music’s next big thing.

Gold Chain Cowboy Tracklist:

Wait Outside (Parker McCollum, Jon Randall, Randy Rogers
Dallas ft. Danielle Bradbery (Parker McCollum, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers)
To Be Loved By You (Parker McCollum, Rhett Akins)
Drinkin’ (Parker McCollum, Lee Miller)
Falling Apart (Parker McCollum, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Randy Rogers)
Heart Like Mine (Parker McCollum, Tony Lane, Ben West)
Why Indiana (Parker McCollum, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)
Rest Of My Life (Parker McCollum)
Pretty Heart (Parker McCollum, Randy Montana)
Never Loved You At All (Parker McCollum, Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley)

Our Picks:

“Heart Like Mine”
“To Be Loved By You”
“Rest Of My Life”

Parker McCollum makes his major-label debut with his new album ‘Gold Chain Cowboy.’

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

To keep up with Parker McCollum, you can find him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Gold Chain Cowboy 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.

BREAKING: Dierks Bentley Announces 2021 ‘Beers On Me’ Tour

May 7, 2021/in Blog, News, Tour Announcements /by Stephanie Wagner

Dierks Bentley has announced The Beers On Me Tour kicking off this Summer 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.

Joining Dierks Bentley on tour will be show openers, Riley Green and Parker McCollum.

The show hits the New York area on Friday, September 24th at Jones Beach Theater and we’re getting you early access tickets to the show! Click here to purchase tickets using our presale code: SWAG beginning on Thursday, 5/13 at 10AM-10PM!

For all other tour dates, tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, 5/14 at 10AM ET at dierks.com.

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dierks Bentley shows and releases.

Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…

2021 THE BEERS ON ME TOUR DATES

8/13/21 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
8/14/21 Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
8/15/21 Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater
8/20/21 Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre
8/21/21 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/22/21 Stateline, NV – Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s***
8/26/21 San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/27/21 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
8/28/21 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
9/16/21 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
9/17/21 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
9/18/21 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
9/23/21 Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
9/24/21 Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
9/25/21 Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
10/07/21 Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
10/08/21 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
10/09/21 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live*
10/15/21 Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center**
10/16/21 Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake**
10/21/21 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
10/22/21 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP*

*Riley Green and TBD
**Mitchel Tennpenny and TBD
***Riley Green Only

Photo by Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag

Parker McCollum Lands First Number 1 Song with “Pretty Heart”

December 23, 2020/in Blog, News /by Erica Zisman

Parker McCollum’s “Pretty Heart” is officially a number one song, marking his first chart-topper of his career.

Rising country star and Texas superstar, Parker McCollum officially has a hit song to his name! The singer-songwriter’s major label debut “Pretty Heart” is the top song on the charts, representing a major feat for the talented artist.

The lead single “Pretty Heart” off McCollum’s EP, Hollywood Gold has been steadily climbing the charts for months. It is clear that the song has truly touched the hearts of fans across the nation. The achingly beautiful declaration of remorse for a break-up is the songwriting country music deserves.

“And what does that say about me / I could do you like I did / That I could break an angel’s wings / What does that say about me / Then I stood there like a fencepost / As you drove off in your car / What does it say about me / Now that I’ve broke your pretty heart / Your pretty heart”

Although McCollum may be new to the mainstream country music scene, he is an experienced singer and songwriter, who has released critically-acclaimed independent projects in the past. “Pretty Heart” going number one is just further affirmation that the singer-songwriter is one to look out for.

Fans can anticipate more new music out by the singer in the future, and we are definitely excited about it. Congrats to Parker and his team for all the success!

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

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

Hollywood Gold EP is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to 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. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

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:

Parker McCollum: Hollywood Gold – EP Review

October 16, 2020/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Parker McCollum’s major-label debut EP Hollywood Gold is available now, October 16th on all streaming platforms. Watch below in our Up Close & Virtual Interview as we chat with McCollum about the new music + read our full EP Review below as we dive deeper into the collection of songs.

Texas native and NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch, Parker McCollum signed with MCA Nashville/UMG Nashville last year, and since then, has garnered thousands and thousands of fans across the nation. Today marks the release of his brand new EP, his major-label debut Hollywood Gold.

The EP is a dedication to McCollum’s craft, his fans, and of course his loved ones. It’s name pays homage to the singer-songwriters grandfather, his prized horse, and the message his grandfather always taught him to “just keep swinging.” His grandfather also played a role in why the singer chose to record the only song off the record that he did not write, “Like A Cowboy.” Written by Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson, the tune is a pensive song about having an internal identity conflict.

“Girl I will love you the best that I can / But you need to know that I am what I am / And I’m not a bad guy, but I’m not a good guy at heart”

On “Young Man’s Blues,” McCollum shares his version of home and what his home has ingrained in him. His vulnerability and honesty in this song is unparalleled. Similarly, fan-favorite tune, “Hallie Ray Light” showcases the same type of honesty and relatability. Named after his girlfriend, the song focuses on showing affection to a new lover.

The lead single “Pretty Heart” is steadily climbing the charts and has truly touched the hearts of fans across the nation. The achingly beautiful declaration of remorse for a break-up is the songwriting country music deserves.

“What does it say about me / Now that I’ve broke your pretty heart / Your pretty heart”

The closing track “Love You Like That” is another standout. The singer-songwriter confesses his insecurities in love as he sings about feeling like he could fly with his girl, but he doesn’t know if he can do the same despite promising everything to try.

“I never really had no peace of mind / I’m a running heart / Living fast / I never understand you putting up with that / Cause I’m the same man that I’ve always been / And I hope that that’s the man you’re loving in the end”

Of course, each of the six tracks off the record paints a unique picture, running the gamut of the human experience, all of which showcase McCollum’s talent at connecting to fans. “If I’m going to sing these songs every night, I’ve gotta mean the things I”m singing about. I can’t fake it,” declared McCollum in a recent press release.

Parker McCollum’s debut EP, Hollywood Gold, is available now, October 16th.

It has been a long time coming for McCollum, whose lifelong dream has finally been recognized with this project. Overall, each track puts a modern twist on true-blue traditional country music, without blurring the genre lines. His roots in Texas country music are truly embedded in his signature sound. If this is any inclination of what a full-length project will look like from the artist, fans are in for a real treat, because the singer-songwriter’s staying power is undeniable.

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

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

NYCS Picks:

“Pretty Heart”
“Love You Like That”

Hollywood Gold EP Tracklist:

Young Man’s Blues
Like A Cowboy
Pretty Heart
Hallie Ray Light
Hold Me Back
Love You Like That

Hollywood Gold EP is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to 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. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

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:

Parker McCollum Saddles Up “Like A Cowboy” On New Song

April 10, 2020/in Blog /by Jeremy Chua

Parker McCollum’s brand-new song, “Like A Cowboy” is a lyrical masterpiece that would fit right into a classic western film. The tune is an aching, quality country song for many reasons. Firstly, it’s written by Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson, and they have spun stellar country songs over the years.

“When I first heard ‘Like A Cowboy’ I probably listened to it 15 times in a row,” shares Parker in a press release. “It made me think of my Grandpa who would have loved this song. He was one of my best friends and he believed in me so much that I know he’d be happy to see everything that’s happened in my career.”

Chris Stapleton is, well, Chris Stapleton. He’s a superstar artist and songwriter, having penned innumerable songs for Nashville’s biggest acts over the years before finally stepping in the spotlight as an artist himself. Al Anderson, for the younger or newer country fans, is also a hit songwriter and longtime staple in the country music songwriter’s scene. His songs have been cut by Vince Gill, Tim McGraw, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Alabama, Diamond Rio, LeAnn Rimes, and the late Joe Diffie, just to name a few. So, the result of coupling a song written by the talented writers with a great country singer? A GREAT song.

Secondly, a good song sometimes has the ability to paint beautiful imagery of its story, and “Like A Cowboy” does just that. The mid-tempo ballad tells the story of a guy struggling with the constant tension of how his girlfriend and others perceive him, and who he really is. “I’m not a bad guy but I’m not a good guy at heart,” McCollum sings in honest sincerity, pleading for someone to understand him.

The song ultimately ends with a resolution in the bridge: tough as the conflict is, the cowboy has to be true to himself and embrace his core identity.

“Wish I could tell you that I’ll always stay / But I can’t help it, God made me this way / And I know that there’ll come a day / I’ll ride like a thief on the run / Say goodbye to the things that I’ve done / And I’ll fly like the wind to the sunset / Just like a cowboy should do,” the Texas native sings, as he readies to saddle up and leave.

McCollum, while an established Texas country music superstar, is just starting to cut his teeth in the commercial country music scene. He signed his first record deal with Universal Music Group Nashville’s MCA Records in June last year, and then launched his major label debut song “Pretty Heart” in September. In just a few weeks, on April 27, “Pretty Heart” will go for adds on country radio as the singer’s first introduction to mainstream country.

This is only the beginning of a lasting career in country music for Parker McCollum, one of our 2020 Artists to Watch and we’re excited to watch him establish his roots as a mainstream country superstar soon!

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

“Like A Cowboy” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music 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:

NYCountry Swag’s 2020 Artists To Watch

January 6, 2020/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner and Christina Bosch

The New York Country Swag team loves to support rising artists and introduce our followers to the best new music in the genre. Since our inception four years ago we have named rising stars like Russell Dickerson, Luke Combs, Brett Young, Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Jimmie Allen as our Artists to Watch. Check out our picks in 2017, 2018, and 2019 before checking out the 10 artists we picked to have a huge 2020 below.

10. Parker McCollum – This Texas native may have just released his first song on a major label, “Pretty Heart” this past summer after signing with MCA Nashville/UMG Nashville but in the past, he has independently delivered two full-length projects. Focusing on the depth and artistry behind songwriting, McCollum has found a clever balance between traditional Texas country and what is coming out of modern Nashville. We are looking forward to more new music in 2020 and to catch a live show.

For Fans Of: Cody Johnson, Riley Green

Listen: “Pretty Heart”

Stay Connected: @ParkerMcCollum

9. Madison Kozak – Growing up in Ontario but moving to Nashville when she was only 14 years old, Kozak has been chasing the music dream, honing in on her incredible ability to write a song that is filled with emotions for years. We first heard of the songstress in May we were instantly hooked and since then 2019 was a whirlwind for the budding star, signing a record deal as the flagship artist on a female-driven label, Songs & Daughters and touring the country on three different tours. Label head, Nicolle Galyon in partnership with Big Loud Records saw something special in this songwriter artist after hearing “First Last Name”, a song she wrote for her father and ever since has been releasing exceptional songs. She kicks off the new year by heading overseas to tour with Chase Rice.

For Fans Of: Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood

Listen: “OMG ILY”

Stay Connected: @Madison_Kozak

8. King Calaway – Last January we were introduced to a brand new band comprised of six talented musicians from different places, Caleb Miller (Ohio), Chris Deaton (Nashville), Simon Dumas (Gibraltar), Jordan Harvey (Scotland), Chad Michael Jervis (Delaware), and Austin Luther (Minnesota). One of the very first time they played for fans before their music was released, King Calaway performed a showcase with NYCountry Swag in New York City and all in attendance were blown away. Their impeccable harmonies, catchy tunes, and larger than life personalities have since caught the attention of country music fans across the nation. Their debut record, Rivers features 12 tracks written by some of Nashville’s biggest songwriters and covers an array of topics.

For Fans Of: One Direction, Rascal Flatts

Listen: “Rivers”

Stay Connected: @KingCalaway

7. Chris Bandi – When a song is streamed 60 million times, you know there is something special about it. St. Louis native, Nashville based artist and songwriter Chris Bandi is pushing his major-label debut, “Man Enough Now” to country radio this year and the tale rings true of realizing your mistakes, owning them and hoping for a second chance. Bandi will hit the road with Matt Stell in the upcoming months and sources say plans to release an EP as well.

For Fans Of: Gavin DeGraw, Chris Lane

Listen: “Man Enough Now”

Stay Connected: @ChrisBandi

6. Ingrid Andress – We first caught songwriter/artist Ingrid Andress last February during an NYC showcase right after she was signed to Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records and her unique presence, storytelling ability, and hilarious realness caught our attention immediately. With songs like “More Hearts Than Mine”, “Both”, and “Lady Like”, Andress pushes the boundaries of topics usually discussed in the country format, forcing new followers to pay attention. She was named one of CRS New Faces for the class of 2020, a prestigious honor and she joins Dan + Shay on the first leg of their arena tour in 2020.

For Fans Of: Kacey Musgraves, Ashley McBryde

Listen: “More Hearts Than Mine”

Stay Connected: @IngridAndress

5. Ross Ellis – Although a bit more undiscovered than the rest of our list, Ross Ellis has a powerhouse, unique voice and his latest single “Buy and Buy” is compelling and begs for repeat spins. By weaving a powerful visual of religion, addiction, and wasted time, “Buy and Buy” is as profound as it is innovative. As a songwriter, Ellis co-wrote one of Tim McGraw’s latest singles, “Neon Church” and a song on Home Free’s new album, Dive Bar Saints called “Dreamer” but in 2020 we hope to hear new songs from Ellis as we continue to champion rising artists and songwriters like him.

For Fans Of: Brett Young, Dan + Shay

Listen: “Buy and Buy”

Stay Connected: @RossEllisMusic

4. Avenue Beat – Our most unique, fresh, and different act on this year’s Artists to Watch is Avenue Beat. Comprised of three girls from Illinois, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, and Sam Backoff they are original and their creative new wave country is as endearing as it is inventive. Their harmonies, melodies, and frankly genius lyrics are relatable to a niche of young women that are thirsty for someone to sing about what they are going through. Signed to Big Machine Label Group’s Valory Music Co. in partnership with Tape Room Records they released their debut self-titled EP in July and toured with Mason Ramsey in 2019. If you are looking for some sass with a side of sensational lyrics, look no further than Avenue Beat.

For Fans Of: Walker Hayes, Kelsea Ballerini

Listen: “Be A Bro”

Stay Connected: @AvenueBeat

3. Jameson Rodgers – Last February we interviewed Jameson Rodgers for our Swag Spotlight feature, right after he released his EP which featured his break out hit, “Some Girls”. This Mississippi native is now planted firmly in Nashville, writing and creating music as a Sony Music Nashville artist and has toured with Luke Combs on his Beer Never Broke My Heart tour and just announced that in 2020 he will embark on his very first headlining tour. Relatable lyrics that are set to a modern-day twang, Rodgers has already garnered a ton of fans and hopefully the new year we can expect a full-length album.

For Fans Of: Jon Pardi, Luke Combs

Listen: “Some Girls”

Stay Connected: @JamesonRodgers

2. Gabby Barrett – She may have become a household name because of her stint on American Idol but Gabby Barrett is showing Nashville and the country music community that women want to hear a female write a song from her own perspective. Her debut radio single, “I Hope” not only features her sultry voice but has a twist in the chorus that will make men and women fall in love with her honest take on a bad breakup. Having toured with Chris Lane, Barrett is already included in major festival line ups including Stagecoach, Tortuga, and New York’s own TrailBlazer.

For Fans Of: Maren Morris, Lauren Alaina

Listen: “I Hope”

Stay Connected: @GabbyBarrett_

1. HARDY – Already having a huge break out year in 2019, HARDY celebrated four number one songs as a songwriter, “God’s Country”, “I Don’t Know About You”, “Simple”, and “Up Down”. He also released one of the most prolific albums of the year, HIXTAPE Vol. 1 which features 17 different artists, all singing about growing up in a small town. Emerging as an artist, HARDY has created a persona that makes you envy his Mississippi upbringing, making ‘redneck’ cool. In October we caught his sold-out headlining NYC show and just announced, the songwriter and artist will join Cole Swindell and Thomas Rhett on the Center Point Road tour which will make it’s away across the country this summer.

For Fans Of: Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line

Listen: “One Beer”

Stay Connected: @HARDY

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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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Parker McCollum Launches Strong With Major Label Debut “Pretty Heart”

September 3, 2019/in Blog /by Jeremy Chua

Rising country star Parker McCollum has just dropped his first major-label song since signing with MCA Nashville/UMG Nashville in June, joining artists Vince Gill, Sam Hunt and fellow Texans George Strait and Kacey Musgraves on the roster.

“Pretty Heart” is also the first release from McCollum for the year. “It’s been a while since I’ve put new music out,” shared the Conroe, Texas native in a press release. “Pretty Heart’ is for everyone who has ever come out to support us on the road, listened to and shared my music. All I have ever wanted is to write country songs and sing country music, and I’m excited for the opportunity to expose even more folks to my music.”

The pensive tune was penned by McCollum and Randy Montana, and produced by GRAMMY-winning producer and multi-platinum songwriter Jon Randall, who’s worked with the likes of Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, and Brad Paisley. Upon first glance at the title, “Pretty Heart,” one might assume this as another upbeat tune that sings praises about a girl’s beauty and irresistibility. However, just a couple seconds in and you’ll realize it’s the complete opposite.

What truly makes this song a standout is the undeniably palpable post-breakup remorse and regret McCollum expresses in his self-reproachful lyrics.

“What does that say about me? / I could do you like I did /That I could break an angel’s wings / What does that say about me? / That I stood there like a fencepost as you drove off in your car / What does that say about me? / Now that I broke your pretty heart / Your pretty heart”

It doesn’t hurt too that this song is sonically appealing, with a hook that compels listeners to sing along by the time the second chorus comes along. We can already picture thousands of people singing this back at his live shows.

Although McCollum is just now making his major-label debut, the 27-year-old is no stranger to the music scene. In fact, to date, he has released two highly-acclaimed full albums independently, amassed millions of streams and over 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, had his song “I Can’t Breathe” played on Sirius XM The Highway, and collaborated with Danielle Bradberry on her cover of the popular Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga hit, “Shallow.”

Starting this month to November, McCollum will be headlining shows in Athens, GA; Baton Rouge, LA; Chicago, IL, and many more cities, including an already-sold-out one at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. For tickets and more information, go to https://www.parkermccollum.com.

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

“Pretty Heart” 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
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