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Steve Moakler: ‘Make A Little Room’ – Album Review

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Steve Moakler’s brand new album, Make A Little Room, is out now, August 12th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

With his patented singer-songwriter-meets-country twang, Steve Moakler is releasing his seventh studio album, Make A Little Room. For the Pennsylvania native, the ten track collection is an autobiographical one, with each song written or co-written by him.

“It really is the overarching theme of the record,” Moakler says in a statement of the album’s title, when it comes to making room in one’s life for the important things. “You can hang it all on that, this shift toward what ultimately matters. It’s the people around you and the little things. Having some margin in your life, and some space for magic to happen.” 

Produced by Andy Skib, collaborators here include Nashville hitmakers like Luke Laird, Marcus Hummon, Kelly Archer, and Lucie Silvas, who lends her ethereal background vocals to the nostalgic and anthemic, “Autumn Came Back.”

Throughout the album, Moakler weaves a mix of introspection and nostalgia with a mantra to seize the day and enjoy the time we have, from the big to the simple things. This is evident on the album’s title track and opener, as he sets a stage for appreciating what life has to offer.

“Make a little room // For the sunshine and the good times and the Saturday nights // Make a little room // For the real talks and the long walks and the color outside the linеs // Put a little more space bеtween living and dying // For more of what money can’t buy you // Cut loose dancing, a little romancing // Before it slips right through your hands man // Make a little room”

Moakler weaves his love of a “Tennessee Girl” into a celebratory track about his wife, Gracie, while embracing his own roots on “Northerner.” On the latter, he sings of where he grew up and where he ended up, proclaiming “Jersey baby and a rust belt boy…I’ll always call it home, I just couldn’t stay too long.”

“You Being You” is a clear standout moment of the album, written just weeks into the singer-songwriter’s first stint at fatherhood. “As I said, I wrote this song in the middle of the night, two weeks into being a dad,” He shared on Instagram. “Not that I was getting much sleep anyway, but this one woke me up. I remember whispering the lyrics into my phone while I sat on the stairs. I feel like becoming a parent has opened rooms in my heart that I didn’t even know were there, so I guess this is the sound of one of the doors swinging open.”

When it comes to doors swinging open, “Pack It Up” centers on packing up one home and moving to another in search of something bigger and better, Moakler musing “Seems like a good place to grow up, since we have to.” 

While there’s a lot of introspection and family reflected on Make a Little Room, Moakler’s “Let’s Go to the Lake,” is about a relaxing day on the water, while “Start A Band” is a tongue-in-cheek ode to a foray into the life of a musician. Not to be confused with the Brad Paisley and Keith Urban duet of the same name, “Start A Band”’ shows Moakler channeling his inner Urban, both vocally and with the tune’s guitar sound.

Another of the album’s most prominent moments is “Better Days,” an anthem for looking ahead to a time when things will be better. With hints of yacht rock, Moakler raises a toast to the future, proclaiming, “Better days somewhere up around the bend // They ain’t here now // But it’s not the end // I’ve been losing ground but we can’t lose faith // Gotta believe there will be better days.”

The album ends with “Numbered,” the perfect bookend to “Make A Little Room,” with hints of Kenny Chesney’s classic, “Don’t Blink.” Here, Moakler encourages listeners to enjoy every moment before they’re gone.

“You breathe in and breathe out // Then the sun’s up and it goes down // There are times you get to live // And times you just get through // Every long kiss, every heartbreak // Every bull’s eye, every mistake I guess we decide just what they all add up to // But it feels a little sweeter going by // Soon as you realize these days are numbered.”

For Steve Moakler, Make A Little Room is the perfect continuation of an already impressive body of work, positioning him as one of music’s most honest and consistent singer-songwriters. 

Steve Moakler – Make A Little Room Track List:

  1. “Make a Little Room” (Steve Moakler/Kelly Archer/Nathan Spicer)
  2. “Tennessee Girl “(Steve Moakler/Oscar Charles)
  3. “Pack It Up” (Steve Moakler)
  4. “Autumn Came Back” (Steve Moakler/Andrew DeRoberts/Lucie Silvas)
  5. “Start a Band” (Steve Moakler/Neil Mason)
  6. “Better Days” (Steve Moakler/Marcus Hummon/Neil Medley)
  7. “Let’s Go to the Lake” (Steve Moakler/Luke Laird/Barry Dean)
  8. “Northerner” (Steve Moakler/Stephanie Chapman)
  9. “You Being You” (Steve Moakler)
  10. “Numbered” (Steve Moakler/Andy Skib/Jacob Davis)

Country Swag Picks: 

  1. Better Days
  2. Numbered
  3. You Being You
Steve-moakler-album

Steve Moakler drops a brand new album, ‘Make A Little Room,’ out now.

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

Moakler will hit the stage at NYC’s City Winery on August 12 as part of his Make A Little Room Release Tour. To keep up with the singer-songwriter, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Make A Little Room 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.

Steve Moakler Announces The Picture Tour

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Steve Moakler Tour

 

Celebrating the release earlier this year of his album, Blue Jeans Steve Moakler just announced the Picture Tour. It will kick off on April 17th in Houston, Texas and hit major cities like Boston, Washington, Nashville, and New York City. The Pittsburgh native will bring his storytelling and creative songs to fans across the country.

“I’m thrilled to announce that we’re hitting the road this spring on #ThePictureTour,” Moakler shared on Facebook followers this morning. “Can’t wait to see ya’ll out there!”

Tickets for the show go on sale this Friday, February 14th.  Head to SteveMoakler.com for more details.

The Picture Tour Dates

APR 17  Goode Company Armadillo Palace – Houston, TX

APR 18 SAT The Blue Light Dallas – Dallas, TX

APR 23 THU The Oaks Theater – Oakmont, PA

APR 24 FRI City Winery Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA

APR 25 SAT The Haymarket Lounge – Boston, MA

APR 26 SUN City Winery – New York, NY

APR 29 WED Hamilton – Washington, DC

APR 30 THU The Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC

MAY 1 FRI Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA

MAY 2 SAT 3rd & Lindsley – Nashville, TN

MAY 6 WED City Winery – Chicago, IL

Follow Steve Moakler on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Blue Jeans 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 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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NYCS First Impression: Steve Moakler ‘Blue Jeans’

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Blue Jeans Steve Moakler

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native Steve Moakler is back with a new project titled Blue Jeans released on January 17th; his first project since Born Ready. Produced by Nick Lobel and Luke Laird, this 10-track collection features songs written or co-written by Moakler himself, and is his fifth studio album. Blue Jeans provides the soundtrack to the Creative Nation Country/Americana singer + songwriter’s confidential memories and experiences. Released in “pockets,” the official project is now available.

“The album is called “Blue Jeans”, I wanted to name it that because I think they’re a great metaphor for life,” Moakler explains in a video about the album. “They tell a story about how someone lives, what they’ve been through, and that’s what this record really is to me”.

From heartache and woe to great times and good vibes, the project has it all. “Blue Jeans,” the title track released on the first pocket, details flashbacks the years he’s spent living in Nashville. Metaphorically, it assimilates breaking into the comfortability of life just like a pair of blue jeans. The track is the overarching staple behind the rest of the songs on the album while each song singles different stories. He sings: “Came out for the gold rush and haven’t gone home / That river shining just keeps going on and on / I’ve been trudging through the fields / And fishing in the streams / Fading in the sun like a pair of blue jeans / Like a pair of blue jeans / Loosen up around the seams / Patching up these holes down my knee-ee-ees / Getting better with time / It’s a beautiful thing / Breaking in this life / Like a pair of blue jeans”

“One On The Way” reflects on his son’s birth. The couple are now expecting a second child this summer. “Push,” co-written with Blane Mitchell (Florida Georgia Line) and Grant Vogel, was inspired by conversations with the singer’s wife throughout the duration of a few hard times. Pocket 2 was released two months later with “The Picture,” a delicate, undressed instrumentation that addresses seeing a post on social media but interpreting it wrong. “I wasn’t even that drunk / I wasn’t even havin’ that much fun / Somebody said, ‘Smile!’ and that’s just what you do,” Moakler sings. “I had my arm around her, but I was thinkin’ about you / Just because you saw it don’t mean you got the picture.”

Detailing Project 3 Moakler posted, “Pocket 3 of #BlueJeans has some of the most personal songs I’ve ever released. “‘72 Winnebago” is an autobiography depicting the Craigslist camper that Steve and his wife Gracie picked up in Kentucky and traveled around the country in as newlyweds whereas “When You Could Still Remember” is a stripped-down piano ballad song discussing about his anger in not spending time with someone when they could remember who he was.

Moakler manages to take his personal experiences that are so specific to his life and the lessons that he has learned and turned them into a cohesive album, give it one listen and we think you’ll love it as much as you love your worn-out blue jeans.

To keep up with Steve Moakler follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Blue Jeans is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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!

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

NYCS First Impression: Steve Moakler ‘Pocket 1’ EP

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Steve Moakler Pocket 1 Blue Jeans

Steve Moakler is back with new music, releasing his new EP Pocket 1, today. The three-song collection comes in advance of his forthcoming album, Blue Jeans, due out in 2020. The songs show Moakler as more mature and yet more vulnerable, reflecting on fatherhood, marriage, and all of the changes that come with growing up.

The collection features his new single, “Push,” as well as “One on the Way, in honor of the birth of his son this year, and the album’s title track, “Blue Jeans.”

On “Push,” co-written by Moakler, Blane Mitchell, Grant Vogel, he sings of the trials of his marriage, and how he and his wife, Gracie, are able to rise above the hard times to come out stronger. “No matter how tough it looks/ I want you to know I ain’t afraid to/ Push on through, toward you,” Moakler sings here. “I ain’t afraid to/ Push around what’s pushing you round/ Push back what’s pushing you down/ ‘Till it’s buried in the ground /I ain’t afraid to push.”

Moakler spoke exclusively to People about his new single, revealing, “Sometimes the mere title of a song leads you to the song’s heart, and that’s what happened with this song. I played off the word ‘Push’ with two friends of mine, and it quickly became a song that tells a piece of the narrative of my marriage.” He continues, “When times are tough, we have to remind each other that we have chosen each other. There are days when we don’t feel as close, but those are the days we really need to dig in and have the hard conversations and make sure we both know that neither of us are going anywhere. When you push through, you can find magic.”

“Blue Jeans” was co-written by Moakler and Keith Varon, and celebrates how life if like a pair of tried and true blue jeans. “There ain’t nothing in the world like a pair of blue jeans,” He muses. “Getting better with time/ It’s a beautiful thing/ Breaking in this life like a pair of blue jeans.”

Finally, Moakler wrote “One on the Way” with Josh Kerr and Gordie Sampson, celebrating life’s changes and fatherhood. It’s a beautiful tribute to both his wife and their son. “One on the way means a whole different thing these days,” He sings, comparing his life now to his youth.

To follow him and keep up with his new releases, check out his website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Pocket 1 EP is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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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:

Steve Moakler Releases Nostalgic “Slow Down” Music Video

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Rising country music singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, Steve Moakler, had quite an exciting 2018 with the release of his brand-new album, Born Ready, as well as embarking on two national tours. While on tour, Moakler and his wife received some big and exciting news. They were going to be parents for the first time. This new chapter in his life inspired the track “Slow Down” off his fifth album.

In an interview with Cowboys and Indians, Moakler said: “This album was inspired by the road, not just the road that I’ve been on playing music, but the road that we’re all on, trying to close the distance between where we are and where we want to be.” The 12-track album explores a different side of Moakler and adds the perfect amount of rock ‘n’ roll to his traditional country vibe.

Moakler’s new album is full of great songs, but one of the album’s highlights is the stripped-down, guitar-driven jam “Slow Down.” A recent press release said: “The personal meaning behind the track, “Slow Down” off his full-length album, Born Ready, has come full circle — as he embarked on his two national tours, he and his wife found out shortly after they were expecting their firstborn in the middle of touring.”

Before Moakler released the official music video for the song, he released a short behind-the-scenes video where he explains the inspiration behind the song: how success and time on the road led to a loss of a sense of home till he met his wife, Gracie, and how he lives with the tension of being torn between who he loves and what he loves. We interviewed his wife Gracie as our very first Woman of the Month, read more about her here.

Moakler officially released the touching music video for “Slow Down”, that includes his wife, Gracie and their son, Jackson. The video gives a nostalgic feeling as it’s filmed in a home-video style. It shows memories of being on the road and never before seen footage of his new family.

“To keep up with Steve Moakler follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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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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Gracie Moakler

Woman of the Month: Gracie Moakler

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In our latest series, we’re bringing you stories from women who are chasing their dreams and building a life that they love with New York Country Swag’s, “Woman of the Month.”

Each month, we will highlight a different female pursuing her passions. Introducing you to women who are taking risks, working relentlessly and turning their dreams into reality. These are empowering women who serve as role models and should be celebrated.

Our very first NYCS Woman of the Month is: Gracie Moakler

Gracie Moakler

Gracie, wife of country singer-songwriter Steve Moakler, runs a successful clothing business in Nashville, Tennessee.  Taking the time out of her busy schedule, the Memphis-born, Nashville-raised entrepreneur chatted with New York Country Swag about her background, doing what she loves, and being by Steve’s side to support him in his music career.

Gracie and Steve met through a mutual friend while she was finishing school at Middle Tennessee State University. The two married two years later and began their journey in chasing their dreams together.

“We had been married 2 months and I was working this sales job that was just the pits. It was horrible and I had this dream to start this handmade jewelry company where we could help women who were coming off the streets and out of recovery in Nashville,” she tells us.  Something that started off as a small venture, more of a hobby, turned into something real when Steve told her to quit her sales job and pursue her newly founded company, Miriam Designs, full time. “So, I quit my job a few months into marriage and we were living on one, very new, songwriters salary. But it was awesome. I was learning how to dream and take risks. I’m happy that happened right when we got married, because that is something we live by now.”

Gracie recalls Steve’s single, “Suitcase”, as a visual for their early years in marriage. The song suggests sharing simple experiences with the one you love and not getting caught up in all of life’s distractions.  For Steve and Gracie, who star in the song’s music video, the lyrics served as a form of reality when they bought a camper and took off across America, combining their passions and taking them on the road. “We did 40 shows in 50 days in a 1968 Winnebago, so that was our first year of marriage. I would pop-up my jewelry line every night and Steve would play his music. It was the first time we were able to incorporate our dreams together. It was so special,” she thoughtfully recollects.

As Miriam Designs grew, Moakler also taught the women she employed how to sew in efforts to help them acquire additional skills that could help them in the workplace. With two years in, Gracie watched Miriam Designs take on a new life after accepting an opportunity to merge with another local Nashville company, Fashionable. The merge would combine efforts to help provide jobs for women across the world including the U.S., Ethiopia, Peru, and Mexico. “They run my company under their umbrella and they’ve hired so many more women and just made it explode. I feel like a proud mom,” she explains. Moakler worked with Fashionable for a year to help with the transition before thinking about her next venture.

With a love for creating, Gracie soon co-founded her second company, Thread Co.  In the company’s early phases, Gracie and her friend/co-founder, Katie, wanted to create a company that could provide effortless and quality items, while offering a custom element in each design. “We were thinking, people pay to customize clothes for a wedding, for example, a suit or fancy clothes, so why would you not want a t-shirt that fits you perfectly?”  The line features basics that will make you feel great no matter your size or shape.  “We have a line of clothing that you can buy as is and then we have the line that can be customized, based on height or preference,” Gracie explains. For a personalized fitting, Customers can head to the Germantown location, where they just celebrated Thread Co’s one year anniversary this past September.

Thread Co. Gracie Moakler

Of course, Steve acts as a model for the line always wearing pieces on stage, a favorite part of this journey for the young businesswoman.  While Steve is on the road, Gracie is able to run the social media and marketing aspects of the company from his side, although she isn’t constantly traveling with him.  “When I am in town, I do a lot of shipping and fabric cutting to help Katie, since it’s just the two of us right now,” she explains.

Gracie’s goals for the company are to build and grow the brand, and eventually hopes to occupy a bigger showroom.  She would love to be able to expand the team and watch her company flourish even more.  “For me, it is kind of like dreaming again, ‘Wow, this is ours and we can make it whatever we want it to be.’ Steve and I are both in a place where we are growing our projects and supporting each other. It is just so good for the soul, I feel like it reinfused my soul!”

Check out the entire line at Thread-Co.com and follow Gracie on Instagram.

For more about Gracie’s other half, husband – Steve Moakler, be sure to check out our 5 Rising Country Stars You Should Be Listening To. 

We are thrilled to have Gracie as our first Woman of the Month and look forward to bringing you more inspiring stories, celebrating women who are pursing their dreams and empowering others.

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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

 

15 Songs We Wish Were Singles in 2017…

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15 Singles Great Lyrics

Sometimes, the songs buried deep in an artists’ album are even better than the singles sent to radio.  Here are our Top 15 favorite cuts from albums’ released this year (so far), in the order that they were released.

 

Lauren Alaina’s “Three”

On her sophomore album, Alaina has plenty of songs that are raw and honest but “Three”, a real look at what you miss when you follow your dreams, is definitely a standout on the record.

Key Lyrics: “A lot of miles, a lot of tears / You’ve given me some of my best years / There’s so much I had to miss out on / Six years of missing home for three minutes on the radio”

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Brett Young “Olivia Mae”

A smooth vocal and powerful lyrics, Brett Young delivers on this love song from his self-titled debut album.

Key Lyrics: “Olivia Mae I hope it ain’t just me / From where I’m standing I can see / Us finding our own kind of meant to be / Maybe I’m wrong, maybe I’m right / But I just had to try / Olivia may I?”

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Little Big Town “Lost in California”

This melody is addicting and this entire album is incredible, but this song blends harmonies with soft simple imagery.

Key Lyrics: “Whisper in my ear, dreamin’ disappear, say you’ll take me / Where the world unwinds / Lost in California / Let’s chase the waves and let ’em take us under / On some deserted piece of virgin sand, yeah / Hold on to the freedom and the wonder / While we can”

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Sunny Sweeney “Bottle by My Bed”

This song is meaningful and touches on a topic that is usually not talked about, Sunny Sweeney’s voice along with a beautiful cello make this song one of the best on the album.

Key Lyrics: “I’d rather be in a carpool lane than this big cold limousine / I’d trade every pair of high heel shoes for a high chair in the dining room / Don’t even know you yet but I know I love you”

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Steve Moakler “Siddle’s Saloon”

Based on his grandfather’s bar, this song perfectly describes a local spot to find a rowdy good time. Take a listen and let this great tune get stuck in your head.

Key Lyrics:  “It’s been a long week, and we’re glad you came by / The stories and punch lines and cold icy Lite / Well if you’re not here, we’ll be asking ’bout you / Come Saturday night at Siddle’s Saloon / Hey, hey, hey”

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Charlie Worsham “Southern By the Grace of God”

We love this tune from Charlie Worsham, simply put it sheds light on living life in the south in the best possible ways.

Key Lyrics:  “I’m tellin’ y’all this delta drawl / Is stuck to me like buzz on a honeybee / Country is as country does and look here ’cause / You can’t out-country me / Hound dog howlin’ in front porch blues / Kids run ’round outside with no shoes or socks / Southern by the grace of God”

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Brett Eldredge “Castaway”

Closing out his most recent self-titled album, “Castaway” highlights Eldredge’s perfect tone and the melody will pull at your heartstrings.

Key Lyrics:  “I’d be naive to ever think / You’re at your door waiting for me / So why do I always try / To run away from you / Please don’t say a castaway / Is what I was born to do / I guess I’ll always be lost without you”

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Old Dominion “Still Writing Songs About You”

On an album full of potential singles and number one hits, this song which we first heard at a writers round last summer in NYC is a highlight on Happy Endings.

Key Lyrics: “You on the sunny Santa Monica freeway / You on a bed and a mini bar three-day haze / With your hair and my heart all a mess in the morning / I’ve gotten drunk on whiskey and women / Woke up in places that we’ve / never been in / Spending all night and all day trying to say something new / But I’m still writing songs about you”

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Midland “More Than A Fever”

One of our favorite new acts out of Nashville, this trio is bringing back traditional country music and “More Than A Fever” is a great mid-tempo jam that’s all about love makin’.

Key Lyrics:  “Your hands all over me like they were velvet / There’s no way to temper this desire / I’m on fire tonight / More than a fever / Girl, you’ve got the red line on the rise / More than a fever / And I don’t wanna break it tonight”

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Thomas Rhett “Life Changes”

The title track of Thomas Rhett’s latest album features one of many different vibes on the record, this particular song is more of R&B and spoken word than country but Rhett narrates his life story featuring his wife Lauren and the changes they have experienced with their growing family.

Key Lyrics:  “I remember the day I told my Daddy and Mama you’re gonna have a grandkid, yep from Uganda, that’s right, we’re adopting / And she is the cutest little girl that you’ve ever seen / Well I was wrapping my head around being a dad, a bigger wrench got thrown in the plans we thought we’d had / Now Lauren’s showin’ and got one on the way / Yeah that’s two under two, hey, what can I say? / Ain’t it funny how life changes / You wake up ain’t nothing the same and life changes”

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Carly Pearce “Color”

With her debut single “Every Little Thing” currently sitting in the top spot on the country charts, Carly Pearce’s debut self-titled album is filled with beautiful love songs.  One of our favorites is “Color”.

Key Lyrics:  “Well, you’re the rock, you’re the steady / You need someone to push you in before you’re ready / Well, I’m the rush, I’m the crazy / But I’ll be circling the moon without you, baby / You be the lines, I’ll be the color”

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Russell Dickerson “Would You Love Me”

Russell Dickerson has said that his debut album Yours, is a 12 song love letter to his wife Kailey and “Would You Love Me” is no exception. This reggae infused jam will definitely be stuck in your head.

Key Lyrics: “Cause I’ma love you til the sun burns out / Love you til my heart breaks down / Listen baby ain’t no doubt that / I’ma love you, I’ma love you, I’ma love you / I’ma love you til we’re old and grey / Love you til we’re running out of days / Hear me, baby, when I say that / I’ma love you, I’ma love you, I’ma love you”

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Lee Ann Womack “Hollywood”

Off of her latest full-length LP, The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone, “Hollywood” has an ominous tone about a relationship falling apart.

Key Lyrics: “Like the silver screen,  it’s a technicolor dream / We pretend it’s real, but it’s only make-believe / Lying in our bed in the middle of Act Two, We say, “goodnight, I love you” / We never miss our cue / I ask you if you mean it, you say, “Yes”, I knew you would / Well, either I’m a fool for asking, or you belong in Hollywood”

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Kelsea Ballerini “In Between”

Right in the middle of her sophomore album is this remarkable song about growing up and feeling stuck between a girl and a woman.

Key Lyrics:  “Sometimes I’m my mother’s daughter, sometimes I’m her friend / Sometimes I play grown up and sometimes I play pretend / Sometimes I’m a princess dressed all curves / And sometimes I just wanna scream “I’m not a little girl!“ / Dumb enough to think I know it all / Smart enough to know I don’t / Young enough to think I’ll live forever / Old enough to know I won’t”

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Lee Brice “Songs in the Kitchen”

Also released earlier this month, Lee Brice’s self-titled album features his most vulnerable and personal songs.  “Songs in the Kitchen” even mentions Lee and his brother Lewis (who is also an artist) singing in the car when they were kids.

Key Lyrics: “All my dreams came true, my songs took me far away / Now I’m singing them every night in these bright lights up on this stage / If you catch me, close my eyes every now and then, to tell you the truth / I’m probably just missing, songs in the kitchen”

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For the full list of 15 songs, follow our Spotify Playlist here.

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

New York! 5 Rising Country Stars You Should Be Listening To

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There is no doubt about it, country music is making a rise in the New York City and its surrounding metro areas but with only the most well-known artists heading to our big venues, it might be hard to find your next favorite up and coming country act. New York Country Swag is here to help with a list of some new music we think you should have on your radar. Whether you love pop-country acts or something a little more traditional, check out these five rising stars…

 

5 Rising Country Artists I Russell Dickerson

Russell Dickerson

1. Russell Dickerson – If you have been a fan of New York Country Swag and our events you know that Russell Dickerson will obviously be our number one pick.  Dickerson released his debut single “Yours” into the world back in 2015 and has been on tour with some of country’s biggest acts since then.  After closing out his opening set with Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour, he then transitioned to open for Florida Georgia Line’s Smooth Tour which is hitting the west coast over the next two weeks. His energetic live performance along with catchy lyrics and unique genre-bending melodies has led to huge success, all before his debut album hits shelves.  Yours available for pre-order here, features 12 tracks including his latest smash single “Billions”.

For Fans Of: Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley

Our Favorite Songs: “Yours”, “Blue Tacoma”

Stay Connected: @Russelled

 

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5 Rising Country Artists I Steve Moakler

Ashley McBryde

2. Ashley McBryde – Ashley McBryde charms with a haunting voice and brings life to honest stories.  The Arkansas native moved to Nashville 10 years ago and has played her fair share of dive bars and biker hangouts perfecting her craft. Country music fans are starting to see what a kick-ass singer and songwriter she is, having the incredible opportunity to open for Eric Church this weekend in Alabama.  McBryde sings her heart out on her latest single “Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega”, the story of perseverance and chance meetings.  Sirius XM The Highway has also been playing the singles off her forthcoming debut LP and has recently announced she will be a part of the 2nd Highway Finds Tour which will make its NYC stop at Gramercy Theatre on October 21st.

For Fans Of: Chris Stapleton, Dixie Chicks, Miranda Lambert

Our Favorite Songs: “Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega”, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”

Stay Connected: @AshleyMcBryde

 

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5 Rising Country Artists I Steve Moakler

Steve Moakler

3. Steve Moakler – A refreshing change from most artists who grew up in the south, Pennslyvania native Steve Moakler takes pride in his northeast roots, highlighting the people who helped shape him as an artist in his latest album Steel Town.  The album presents a cohesive look into Moakler’s life and the lead single “Suitcase” gives off a “Die a Happy Man” vibe, just compelling listeners about a simple love story. Fun fact, Moakler co-wrote Dierks Bentley’s smash hit “Riser”.

For Fans Of: Brett Eldredge, Blake Shelton

Our Favorite Songs: “Suitcase”, “Wheels”

Stay Connected: @SteveMoakler

 

 

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5 Rising Country Artists I Steve Moakler

Carly Pearce

4. Carly Pearce – With debut single, “Every Little Thing”, currently sitting in the 8th spot on the country charts, Carly Pearce is headed for stardom.  In a genre where female artists aren’t always given their fair shot, Pearce has a secret weapon, her tenacity and determination to make it in this business.  One listen to the heartbreak ballad and you can understand why fans are quickly opening their eyes to the young songstress.  Just like our top artist to listen to Russell Dickerson, Pearce’s debut album hits shelves everywhere on October 13th.

For Fans Of: Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson,  Jennifer Nettles

Our Favorite Songs: “Every Little Thing”, “If My Name Was Whiskey”

Stay Connected: @CarlyPearce

 

 

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5 Rising Country Artists I Steve Moakler

Morgan Evans

5. Morgan Evans – Moving to the Nashville to pursue his music career further, a native of New Castle, Australia, Morgan Evans just released his first U.S single “Kiss Somebody”.  The track is light, the perfect combination of pop-country and Evans’ smooth voice serenades his listeners.  After seeing Keith Urban perform back in 2004, he knew that was the path he wanted to follow. Back in Australia, Evans’ band consisted of his brother and his best friend. When heading to the states, he found it was hard to find that chemistry, so he taught himself how to use a loop pedal and acquired the ability to tour alone. Along with his Australian accent, and his ability to create a backup band all on his own, he is a standout in the country genre.

For Fans Of: Keith Urban,  Brad Paisley

Our Favorite Songs: “Kiss Somebody”, “Everything Changes”

Stay Connected: @MorganEvansMusic

 

 

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Do you have a favorite new artist your listening to on repeat? Tweet us and let us know! @nycountryswag

 

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