Yeah, It's A New York Summer

Right now I'm sitting on a plane to San Francisco (yay Outside Lands!) - it's cold, a baby is crying, the guy behind me keeps kicking my chair and I've still got about 4 hours left. There's nothing I want more than to be back at Madison Square Park, dancing, singing and vibin' with Jake Owen.

Blankets, beer, and bodies filled the lawn at Madison Square Park last night, making New York feel just a little bit more like home. There were die hard Jake Owen fans (like the father son duo I met that had flown all the way from Florida just to attend). There were country music aficionados. And other people were there just hoping to have a good time. It was a beautiful night, and the palm trees, flamingos and sunglasses that covered the stage made it feel exactly like summertime should. 

Because the concert was free and in a very public setting, many people had just stopped by to see what all of the hype was about, asking "Do you know what band this is?" One man even had the nerve to tell me I don't know what country music is. I politely avoided that argument. Why is everyone always trying to put country music in a box? But I digress, and that's a post for a different day. No worries Jake, if they ain't gonna love you then I sure will.

Other than a wonky sound system (which you could tell JO was struggling with), the concert was pretty great. There was a nice mix of both old and new songs, but my personal favorites were Alone With You, The One That Got Away, Beachin' and Anywhere With You. His recently released American Love album has a beach-funk feel to it, and is beautifully named (because we could all use a little more love). One of the tracks, LAX is about an LA-X that apparently broke his heart (come on, who in their right mind would break up with that guy?) and it's all kinds of feelings. Covers by Drake, Beyoncé, and Joe Cocker made the outsiders not feel so outside, and a U-S-A chant made the country fans feel right where they belonged (is it really a country concert without that inevitable cameo?). 

Jake Owen's even more handsome and kind than I imagined, and I'd highly recommend attending a show of his if you haven't yet. Shout out to the Madison Square Park Conservancy and Sony Music, because even though I think they've got some logistics to work out, this event was pretty cool. And who doesn't love a free concert?

Good times

Good vibes

And a damn good memory

#NYCountrified

Jake Owen, & Other Things You Notice When You're Paying Attention

When I woke up today I had one goal in mind -- to be fully present. I listened to a guided meditation specifically dedicated to the topic and even posted an inspirational photo on Instagram. Why? I realized that we (myself included) spend so much time burying our heads in our phones or thinking about tomorrow, or our next meal, or an upcoming vacation - that we sometimes forget to truly live in the moment. Moments like walking to and from the subway - as mundane as they sound - are actually times when some of the most amazing things happen. And today I wanted to open myself up to those experiences. 

Here's what happened...

While taking a walk through Madison Square Park to get some lunch, I decided this was one of those moments where I needed to be fully present. So, I was. I paid attention to the people, the cars, and all of the other sights, sounds and feelings around me. What I noticed was: angry car horns, silly phone conversations, master plans and ideas, a couple breaking up, a kid about to lose his ice cream cone while hopping in a cab, a man singing for money, ambulance sirens, how amazing flowers in the park smell, and... Jake Owen. Yes, you read that right. Okay so maybe it wasn't JO in the flesh, but it was a sign (literally & figuratively) advertising a free performance by Jake Owen for tomorrow night. I quickly envisioned my calendar realizing I was free - I couldn't believe it.  Had it been a normal day, I may have never even noticed that sign. I guess that was some good timing. 

The lesson? Good things happen when you're willing and able to see them. Maybe it's Jake Owen, or maybe it's just feeling more in tune with the universe and all it's happenings. Let this be a reminder to all of us to be fully present, wherever you are, whatever you're doing.

Oh, and I didn't bring my phone so here's a photo I took the next morning when I went back. ;)

No, I don’t think it’s coincidence

Running into you here like this

Sparks flying, see you smiling

Baby ain’t it crazy? We got… good timing

#NYCountrified

Bonnaroo: A Weekend of Discovery

When asked what Bonnaroo is all about, Grace Potter will tell you that it's "discovering." And a quick internet search will tell you that to discover is to find (something or someone) unexpectedly or in the course of a search. While I may not have been in search, I found many somethings and someones this weekend at Bonnaroo. Grace, you are right... Bonnaroo is in fact an entire weekend of discovering, and that word took on a whole new meaning for me.

At my first Bonnaroo, I met new friends, tried new things, fell in love, let loose, got hardly any sleep, danced in the middle of a field at a tiny art car, saw a completely naked man walking alone, used a porta-potty more times than ever before in my life, sweat a lot, found myself a Bonnaboo, ate 3am pizza, learned how to properly recycle and compost, bonded with coworkers, waited out a lightning storm in a trailer, ate amish donuts, let my hair down, got a tan, chilled out hard to Kalliope (EDM say whaaaat), lost track of time, lost my credit card, lost my mind, met Maren Morris, forgot to take pictures, talked to the lead singer of a band and had no idea, got lost, found myself, got really dirty, lost my voice, laughed, cried, sang, danced, drank more Summer Shandy's than I should admit, walked over 40 miles (in flip flops), and felt a lot of feelings (which right now is the Bonnablues).

Musical Paradise

It's pretty amazing that with just a short walk you can hop around from stage to stage and hear some of the best music that exists today. Bonnaroo not only allows you to jam out with your favorites, it also gives you the chance to see artists and bands live that you may not have paid to see before. And when you love them, it's freaking amazing. That's exactly what happened with X Ambassadors. I'd only known one song, Renegades, but wanted to check them out and I'm SO glad I did. I was blown away by their energy and I'm so in love with their music (I haven't been able to stop playing Gorgeous since I left).

Chris Stapleton was even more unbelievable than I could have imagined, so that I almost cried during Fire Away because it was just so. damn. good. Maren Morris is tiny but boy is she mighty. This girl has a unique and powerful voice and I'll admit it's hard not to get a little caught up in your feelings while listening to her sing her heart out (while also being drenched in sweat). 

Then there was Sam Hunt aka my headliner. I danced, I jumped up and down, I lost my breath, I sweat my butt off, and I'm pretty sure I've never been more captivated than I was in that moment. I've seen Sam Hunt a few times but this was the absolute happiest I've ever seen him and his band. They all seemed so psyched to be there, their smiles could light up an entire town. The vibes were so contagious I have chills right now thinking about it. But by far, one of the best feelings in the world is introducing your friends to your favorite artist or music and having them not just like it, but love it. "I get it. I get why you love him so much" they said. FINALLY.  That's the good stuff.

I can think of no better way to conclude my musical experience at Bonnaroo than to get back in touch with my childhood. I was reminded of exactly why I used to love them so much and I wasn't alone - the entire place was filled with energy and excitement. Third Eye Blind, you killed it. Jumper, Never Let You Go, Semi-Charmed Life. Yes please.

X Ambassadors, Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Sam Hunt, Third Eye Blind, Aubrie Sellers, Chvrches, Halsey, St. Lucia, Ellie Goulding, Miguel, J.Cole, and Haim - ahhh. All of the music. And even though I missed some really great ones (cough, Anderson East, Jason Isbell, Nathaniel Rateliff), at least it will give me an excuse to go back! If you also love my rad lineup, check out my Bonnaroo playlist but beware: there is A LOT of Sam Hunt.

Feeling Feelings

"Radiate Positivity" is one of the main messages at Bonnaroo. Step one foot on The Farm and you will feel just that. You can see it on the faces of every single person you walk by, every vendor, every artist, every fan. Everyone truly does radiate positivity and the kindness factor is off the charts. Bonnaroo is the happiest place in the world.

Something about being in Tennessee and at Bonnaroo also made me feel very zen. From the food, to the people, to the feelings. And even though I've been back in New York for a few days now, I'm not ready to lose that just yet. It was life changing. 

My four days on The Farm led to a discovery of new music, new love for old music, new friends, new joys, new appreciations, but most importantly, a discovery of myself. I discovered what it feels like to truly be free and happy. And I finally understand what all the hype is about. Bonnaroo, I love you and I will never forget this (even if most of my clothes and shoes are Bonna-ruined).

Videos & photos on Insta: @itsmesummerr & @nycountrified.

We are young, we are free
Like renegades, like James Dean
Beat the drum, sing off-key
You set me free, you set me free

#NYCountrified

Why You Shouldn't Hesitate to Listen to Steve Moakler

Do yourself a favor and buy a ticket to this show right now.

Who's Steve Moakler, you ask? I certainly don't know much, but what I do know is that you've probably heard his hit Suitcase, and you probably love it (because how could you NOT?). 

Lately I've been in the mood for some fresh music - a new artist, or at least something outside of my monthly playlist that gets entirely too much love (no offense, Kenny). I did some clicking around on Spotify today via the "Related Artists" feature and stumbled across Steve Moakler. Remembering how much I adore Suitcase, I figured I'd give him a shot. Easily the highlight of my day. 

One thing led to another, and here I am, purchasing a ticket to his show at Mercury Lounge later this month. His music is exactly what I'd hoped to find - refreshing, beautiful, and honest. Hesitate had my heart from the moment I heard the piano... and the words... and let's be honest, everything else (it's love). I'm not even halfway through everything he's got on Spotify and I can already tell you he's going to be my new favorite. If you don't believe me, those 172,112 other listeners should count for something, right?

Happy listening.

I've always been the kind to contemplate

But you like the kind that don't hesitate

#NYCountrified

One Hell of a Year with NYCountrified

Howdy, friends! It's been well over a year now since I started this blog and it's been SO much fun. Can you believe this was my very first post back in January 2015?! I've learned a ton about writing and blogging, and have met some pretty remarkable people along the way. Thanks so much to everyone who's been following my country music journey here in New York City (or wherever else you are!). Much love <3

I wanted to share a recap playlist of all the fantastic artists and bands I was lucky enough to see in 2015 (yes, there actually were 29 country concerts, 1 festival, and 5 Old Dominion shows). These songs have been hand selected by yours truly, and are ones that take it on back (for me) to the night of each show.

For your listening pleasure:

It was one hell of a year, and I can't wait to see what the next one has in store. In the meantime, check out the archives for some of my favorite 2015 shows.

My circle of friends

This circle of life

Here's to all the good time Friday nights

#NYCountrified

New York City's Very Own Guitar Pull

What comes to mind when you think of music? Is it dancing? Is it a night out on the town? Maybe it's seeing your favorite artist perform live or singing karaoke with your friends. Or, perhaps, it brings back a memory, eliciting an emotion or feeling. There are many many many types of music, accompanying all sorts activities and invoking various kinds of feelings. But what happens when you strip away all of the accompanied noises? You have words.

When I think about music, I think about lyrics. I'm a lyric person. I listen to understand, to feel something, to connect. And there's nothing more special to me than to fully understand why a song was written and hear it performed in its purest form. That's exactly what you get when you attend a guitar pull. It's the most country-sounding term, and rightfully so - it's roots are in country music. But for all you other singer-songwriter aficionados, it just might be your new favorite thing. 

By definition, "the 'guitar pull' is a tradition unique to country music, and it probably originated in a living room or out on a back porch. Typically, several would-be singer- songwriters would gather at a friend's house and take turns singing songs they wrote or playing old favorites."

Well, ladies and gentlemen, last night I attended my very first guitar pull, and in New York City of all places. I had the pleasure of hanging with Brian Falduto, Molly Adele Brown, Adam Melchor and Leanne Weiss for an evening and was pleasantly surprised. The setting at Brother Jimmys was very relaxed, yet very comforting. It felt like I was amongst a bunch of friends, though I'd never met any of them. Leanne accurately described it when she said "I feel like I'm in the middle of Nashville." They took turns performing songs they either wrote or loved, and shared insight to the songs meaning or background. Here's what you missed:

Molly Adele Brown's emotional song about her dad passing away made me think about how therapeutic music really is. It has the power to heal - whether you're the one writing it, performing it, or on the receiving end in the crowd. And her cover of Ring of Fire was pretty great. Adam Melchor's rendition of Laundry Room by the Avett Brothers had me convinced he wrote the song. He sang it with such conviction and emotion, I believed every word he was saying. And if his voice wasn't impressive enough (yes, some unexpected high notes!), the guy can kill it on the guitar, and has a personality that makes you want to be his best friend. Blown away. It was Brian Fadulto's first time performing his songs to the public and I was glad to be there to witness it. The songs he shared were all very relatable (because we all go through breakups) and I admire his courage to do so. I was not expecting that deep voice of his, and I'm still trying to figure out who he sounds like. He also organized the entire event which speaks volumes about his passion. Leanne Weiss performed her new title track, Momentum (amongst many other kick-ass songs) and I loved it. It's a motivational song describing someone fearlessly in pursuit of their dreams, lighting the fire in your soul. I also remember thinking the entire time that she sounded so much like Sara Evans, and that's not a bad thing in my book.

There were songs about breakups, lost loved ones, life stories, pain, sadness, happiness, good times, bad times, and about being strong and fearless. For a solid hour, I was captivated. And I'd be here all night if told you about each and every song, because I loved them all. But I learned something very important from the artists that I must share. Chase your dreams. Watching each of them up on stage performing their songs, doing something they love really resonated with me. It made me think of E.E. Cumming's quote, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are," and I've never believed that more than I do now. So, if nothing else, today have some courage. Try something you've always wanted to do. These four people did, and I'd say they look pretty darn happy.

I could write all night long about each of the talented artists. But instead, I'll let you check them out for yourselves. If you missed it, don't worry. I have a feeling this won't be the last of its kind. Right, Brian?

My next thirty years I’m gonna settle all the scores

Cry a little less, laugh a little more

Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear

Figure out just what I’m doing here

In my next thirty years

#NYCountrified

Old Dominion Is My Ace & I Just Can't Lose

There's something to be said about seeing your favorite band. When you hear that, you probably think "well yeah, duh." But what I'm talking about is seeing your honest to goodness, down right, nothing else tops them, FAVORITE band. 

Perhaps I should give some context here... I don't think I've ever had a favorite band. Crazy right? Sure, there were bands and artists that I thought were my favorite, but I'm beginning to think I didn't know what that really meant. Well, ladies and gentlemen. I know now. Old Dominion is my FAVORITE band. And here's why. 

1) I feel like they have this unique and amazing way of communicating and expressing a feeling or feelings. Songwriting is a fantastic strength with this band. If you're a lyric person (which I just recently discovered isn't everyone), you know that Old Dominion's songs, as well as the songs they write for others, are relatable and paint a picture of a true emotion and feeling. There's a reason why you're "in your feelings" when you listen to their music. That's real shit right there. 2) They have such an honest connection to the crowd and their fans. I'm not sure of the reasoning behind why it's so amazing, but it's like they know what it's truly like to be one of us, and they care about us, and they don't give a shit who we are or what we look like. 3) They take you to your happy place. When I'm at an OD show I'm able to 100% disconnect from the outside world - any other stresses/concerns just don't exist for that hour and a half (feeling like I can literally not worry about tomorrow or the rest of my life). I'm taken to another place, a happy place, a place where I feel comfortable to jam out and shake my head and scream at the top of my lungs. And when I have just my earbuds, their music is what I turn to when I need to destress, relax, get in a good mood, or relieve some pre-interview / pre-date anxiety.

They're just a kick ass band putting good shit out into the world. And they're seeing the reciprocation of that when they come to a show and see and hear every fan singing along. Let it be known that their Meat and Candy album came out in November and every single person in the crowd tonight at Joe's Pub knew every word (that's not too common). To take it a step further, not only are they singing along, but they're f**king rocking out... feeling it, vibing to it, connecting. Man, isn't that what good music is all about? Connecting? I think that's what I love so much about Old Dominion, though it is hard to just state one reason. Not only do I know all the words to all of their songs but I FEEL things when I hear and sing along with them. Don't you?

In the past, and even now, I've enjoyed many many many bands and artists (so don't take this lightly) but the passion for and connection to Old Dominion is a feeling like no other. Call me crazy, call me drunk, call me whatever you want, but I can honestly say that Old Dominion is my favorite band, and I'm not ashamed to admit that this is a first at age 25. I finally understand what it feels like to love and care so deeply about a band.

PCD is undoubtably a real thing, and I guess that's why I just can't decide if my glass is half full or half empty...

Let's just let it be
Put your hands on me
All I know is we're gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright

#NYCountrified