Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Lauren Flynn Welcomes the Adventure


An air force brat born in Fort Worth Texas, Lauren Flynn aspires to embrace the journey. From New York to Southern California then Colorado and back to So Cal, Lauren has experienced many different environments and support systems. As a child Lauren looked up to her grandfather, who has recently passed, for his love of country music and adventure. Not afraid of taking risks, Lauren began hosting an open mic night. There she would perform covers of her favorite songs adding a bluegrass tempo to each rendition.

Currently residing in Los Angeles, Lauren is enjoying the sunshine along with the strong support system LA has to offer. More recently Lauren released a new EP titled ‘Bad Decisions in the Daylight’ which shares of Lauren’s personal experiences as “the cheated on, the cheater, and the other woman.”

With a love for performing and expressing herself Lauren hopes to tour more and embrace the journey of becoming an artist. You can find Lauren’s new EP ‘Bad Decisions in the Daylight’ via iTunes or by clicking here.

Top Ten Music Videos of 2016


Music is a way of expressing a story, while a music video is a whole new challenge on its own. These ten artists took on the making of a music video and gave us a chance to picture their story for ourselves. Here are the top ten music videos of 2016...

1. Chelsea Gill ‘A Little Crazy’

2. Nikki Briar ‘After the New Wears Off’

3. TOWNE ‘Running Into You’

4.Post Monroe ‘Half Hearted’

5. Olivia Lane ‘Make My Own Sunshine’

6. Arista Manning ‘Southern Drawl’

7. Lauren Alaina ‘Road Less Traveled’

8. Alexandria Corn ‘Say It Again’

9. Alex Stern ‘Runaways’

10. Kelleigh Bannen ‘Welcome to the Party’

Monday, December 26, 2016

Top Ten Singles of 2016

With the year coming to a close I wanted to share with you Next Women of Country's top ten lists for 2016. Here to start off the week are the top ten singles of the year...
  1. April Kry ‘Get Ready to Miss Me’

2. Devon Nickoles ‘Perfume’

3. Maybe April ‘Blush’

4. Camille Rae ‘But I Want You’

5. Ashliegh Lisset ‘Goodbye’

6. Liddy Clark ‘Painted by Numbers’

7. Siana King ‘Zip, Zero, Nada, Nothing!’

8.  Emily Joy ‘Barricade’

9. Kaitlyn Baker ‘Heart of Appalachia’

10. Colby Dee ‘American Point of View’
https://open.spotify.com/track/669OVcF1C55PDPvRw1kAuU

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Checking In With Alexandria Corn

After the release of her debut EP and single ‘Say It Again,’ new artist Alexandria Corn is off on her radio tour in New York. We are also happy to announce that she will be joining Blake Shelton, Chris young, Dan + Shay, and many more at Country Fest in 2017. With extreme talent and a love for performing, Alexandria is sure not one to miss.

So make sure to pick up your tickets for the 2017 Country Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin here and check out Alexandria’s new EP via iTunes, YouTube, and Soundcloud.


Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Arista Manning Debuts The Official Music Video for Her Newest Single 'Southern Drawl'

Arista Manning, a southern girl born and raised in Kentucky fell in love with the ability to express her emotions through music at a young age. At age eight, Arista sang in her church choir and later began performing in talent shows. Once finished with high school Arista took on singing professionally, though a major in public relations and journalism at Murray State University.


Following in the footsteps of her idol Carrie Underwood, Arista has decided to share her passion for country music with the release of her debut EP "Ride This Night" and her single Southern Drawl. As ‘Southern Drawl’ began to be picked up by radio stations across the nation, Arista took on the challenge of making a music video. The music video portrays Arista’s southern lifestyle and her personal connection to the song. You can check out the debut of the official music video for ‘Southern Drawl’ below.


Arista’s EP "Ride This Night" includes five songs handpicked by Arista herself. Each song was chosen to reflect Arista’s charming personality and attract fans of any age. From lyrics about spirituality and trusting God to living in the moment and seeking the unknown, Arista’s EP tells a variety of stories listeners will be able to relate to.


In order to promote the release of her new EP Arista is taking on a two week radio tour this holiday season. A girl who loves to meet new people Arista feels right at home performing for her fans. Arista believes that the secret to success is to not “be afraid of meeting new people and making new connections” as a strong support system can get you far in life. As for the future Arista hopes to continue touring and sign with a major label.

You can check out Arista’s new EP "Ride This Night" via iTunes, Spotify, or by clicking here.



Monday, December 19, 2016

Chelsea Gill and David Ray Team Up To Spread Some Holiday Cheer

As we continue on into the most wonderful time of the year some of your favorite country artists have decided to team up and spread even more holiday cheer. This year ‘Tennessee Heat’ artist Chelsea Gill and new artist David Ray have decided to perform a holiday cover of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little christmas.’ The two put a country spin on the holiday classic, yet kept the song’s beauty in tack. Their acoustic performance is magical and you may just find that you can’t help but sing along. So make sure to check out this performance of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little christmas’ below and share it with your friends and family to spread some cheer this holiday season!



Saturday, December 17, 2016

The 2016 Holiday Playlist

This week's playlist is dedicated to helping you get in the holiday mood...

Cowboy for Christmas -Sara Beth
All I Want For Christmas is You -Rachel Potter
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree -Olivia Lane
The Gift of Giving -Kaylee Rutland
Love Came Down -Shelley Skidmore
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas -Hannah Kerr
Winter Wonderland -Carly Pearce
My Favorite Things -Kelsea Ballerini 
Holidaze -Lauren Lizabeth
Ribbon and Bows -Kacey Musgraves

Friday, December 16, 2016

Sarah Darling Aims to Take Listeners on a Journey With 'Dream Country'

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Following her success with the release of ‘Home to Me’ and ‘Little Umbrellas’ spunky artist Sarah Darling is ready to take her fans on a new journey with the release of her new album ‘Dream Country’.

Born in a small Iowa town of only 3000 people, Sarah was raised in a community full of dreamers and family. There she often found herself looking at stars claiming, "there's something magical about growing up in a small town that makes you dream about the incredible and feel connected to something greater. That's why I love writing about stars.”

With a strong support system and influential artists, such as Patsy Cline and Kacey Musgraves, guiding her way, Sarah followed her dream of becoming a singer and hopes to continue to share her story with the world. Her new album, Dream Country, is Sarah’s first independent album and reflects a new phase of her life. With a dreamy and romantic tone, Sarah hopes to inspire others to embrace being themselves.
Dream Country is to be released in February 2017 and you can check out “You Take Me All The Way”, a song from the upcoming album, HERE.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

The Incredible Journey of Rachel Potter

From Disney to Broadway and finally Nashville, artist and performer Rachel Potter has done it all. Raised in Florida, Rachel’s career began at Disney World, where she performed as The Little Mermaid, Belle, and Nemo. After falling in love with musical theatre Rachel made the move to New York City to pursue a career on Broadway. Luckily for her she was casted in multiple broadway roles such as Wednesday in The Addams Family and Glinda in Wicked.



Though Rachel loved musical theatre, her passion for country music brought her to Nashville in 2013. There she began songwriting and even auditioned for season three of The X Factor finishing in the Top 12. Having tried going solo, Rachel decided to form a band after meeting former Brothers Osborne musicians Donny Fallgatter and Josh Matheny. The trio, also known as Steel Union, have a blast songwriting and performing together. The group writes about their own experiences, creating a variety of songs that anyone can relate to due to their different backgrounds.


As for the future, Rachel hopes to tour the world and sign a record deal. She believes it's great to have a goal but hopes to make the best of the journey itself, as expectations and reality are rarely the same.

So make sure to watch her lastest music video for ‘Tail Lights’ below and follow Rachel and Steel Union via social media and at http://www.rachelpottermusic.com/.


Monday, December 5, 2016

Liddy Clark Showcases her Powerful Vocals in her Cover of 'Mayday'

With powerful vocals and an emotional connection to her music, Liddy Clark is sure one to look out for as she continues on her journey. In her most recent cover of Cam's single 'Mayday', Liddy is seen embracing Cam's yellow choice of apparel and demonstrates that she is capable of hitting even the hardest notes with perfection. So make sure to check out her cover of 'Mayday' below and tell me what you think by tagging @nextwomenofcountry. 


Friday, November 25, 2016

Jana Kramer Is Striving to ‘Show Women That They Are Strong’

Image result for jana kramer dancing with the stars
Jana Kramer is keeping very busy these days. She just competed as a finalist on Dancing With the Stars, balancing her career and being a mom, and she wants to be a role model to show women that they can do anything.

The country singer has formed unexpected friendships with fellow DWTS competitors Terra and Laurie this season, but she didn’t join the show solely for the kinship. Instead, she wants to empower moms like her.

“I really wanted to show women out there that it can be done. That you can be an amazing mom, be a career-driven woman and also do something that you love and that you want to make time for yourself as well,” she tells Taste of Country. “It’s been a lot but I’ve been very fortunate.”

After she’s done dancing each week, Kramer gets back to feeding and taking care of her young daughter, Jolie. The singer and actor has a new partnership with Colgate Optic White, and she’s excited to show off her pearly whites on the red carpet.

“I really wanted them to partner with me because everyone’s always said, ‘Your smile, your smile is your best feature.’ I think a smile is the most important thing because it shows confidence. It shows grace,” Kramer says, adding that she hopes to “look strong and confident and classy and fierce.”

"I want to show women that they are strong and they are good enough."

Looking strong will be easy for the “Circles” singer, who recently showed just how strong she is by opening up about her abusive first marriage. Although it wasn’t easy for her to talk about, it was important and fans are showing her why.

“Last night at a show a girl wrote on her phone, ‘You saved me,’ and I literally got so choked up that I almost started sobbing,” Kramer discloses. “In that moment I felt so much at peace knowing that what I’ve done has already started to affect other women. It’s a very powerful moment. It’s not a very talked-about subject and I want to show women that they are strong and they are good enough.”

Kramer held it down for more than just women on DWTS; she held it down for country music, getting more impressive and sexier with each passing week. The 32-year-old country singer enjoyed dancing with her partner, Gleb Savchenko, but enjoyed the dances that were “just about the emotion” more than anything. The toughest part? Combating her nerves.

“It’s very nerve-wracking to go out there and do something you’ve never done, especially on live television having millions of people watching you,” Kramer tells us. “That’s been hard for me, but it’s fun just going out there and trying to have the confidence and trying to enjoy the moment.”

Kramer danced all the way to a fourth place finish on Dancing With the Stars before being eliminated on the first night of the finals.

Watch Jana's freestyle performance here.


By Coti Howell

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Ten New Songs To Be Thankful For This Year

Image result for jessie chrisLove Like Theirs -Maddie Wilson
Seize The Moment -Hawley Penfold
In The Meantime -Jessie Chris
Cowboy's Love -Leah Turner
Night We Won't Forget -Jess Moskaluke
Dance With Me -The Springs
Patchwork Heart -Chandler Stephens 
Comin Back as a Cowboy -Savvy & Mandy
Feels Like Home -Lucy Hale
Set You Free -Allison Veltz

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

CMA Country Christmas is To Dazzle Again This Year

Every year Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry lights up for the holidays. Though it’s called CMA Country Christmas, don’t expect much twang in this year’s edition of the popular TV special.

Hosted by Jennifer Nettles for the sixth time, CMA Country Christmas is a treasured holiday tradition with no shortage of talented artists ready to welcome the holiday season. This year’s lineup is no exception, from the powerful voice of Grammy-nominated Andrea Day to women of country powerhouse Kelsea Ballerini and ‘Wrapped in Red’ artist Kelly Clarkson, the show features a strong array of country artists who deftly expand beyond their genre, as well as other special guests who otherwise circulate outside country’s porous borders.

Taped before a live audience on election night at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville families had a chance to welcome the holiday season a little early. In the true spirit of Christmas, the taping of the show also serves as a toy drive benefiting the Toys for Tots Program as a partnership between ABC and the U.S. Marine Corps, who operate Toys for Tots. Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to the taping, which will be distributed to children in need throughout the Middle Tennessee region.
As for the rest of us, CMA Country Christmas airs on November 28 at 8:00 ET on ABC. You can find the full lineup below:

Amy Grant
Andra Day
Brad Paisley
Brett Eldredge
Chris Young
Idina Menzel
Jennifer Nettles
Joey Alexander
Jordan Smith
Kacey Musgraves
Kelly Clarkson
Kelsea Ballerini
Rascal Flatts
Sarah McLachlan
Trisha Yearwood

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Ten New Songs For You

Image result for jana kramer
Home to Me -Tiffany Ashton
Is This Love -Rhea Francani
Parade -Shylo Sharity
Letting Go -Colby Dee
Hurt Like I Had Fun -Kristen Kuiper
Disposable -Tori Darke
Evergreens -Maia Dobbs
For Never -Bailey James
It's You -Lauren Davidson
Last Song -Jana Kramer

Friday, November 11, 2016

Nikki Briar honors Veterans With the Release of ‘After the New Wears Off’


The daughter of two aspiring musicians and the first female drummer at her school, Nikki Briar has always known she was destined to be the next great musician this country has ever seen. Her father, a Motown drummer, and her mother, a piano player, taught Nikki how to sing at a young age through their combined love of music. Taught by her father and brother Nikki picked up the art of the drums before moving onto learning the guitar, the instrument she most often uses today.

After college Briar took a job as an elementary school music teacher and married a soldier who soon took off to Iraq. His absence forced Nikki to place all her attention towards her music career and inspired her song “Soldier’s Princess.” After some radio time and a positive response to her new song, Nikki became determined to continue sharing her story through music.

With that is mind Nikki is releasing her newest radio single ‘After the New Wears Off’ today, Veteran’s Day in honor of her husband. Today Nikki is also planning on hosting her EP release concert at the Headliner in Neptune, NJ featuring opening acts Mason Jar Rebellion and Love Devine. The concert sponsored by western apparel companies, Fiercely Burning and Hogwash and Rhinestones, also features a DJ and line dancing. The concert is free for all veterans and only $10 dollars for the greater public.

The viewing of Nikki’s official video is to be released at the concert as well. Or you can check out an exclusive clip of it here…

So make sure to get your tickets before it’s too late and check out the newest from Nikki Briar via Spotify, iTunes, and at her website at www.nikkibriar.com.


Monday, November 7, 2016

We've Been Here - The Problem With Erasing Black Women From Country And Rock Music

Beyoncé’s surprise performance with The Dixie Chicks at the 2016 Country Music Awards had everyone buzzing.

Announced only a few short hours before the show aired live, the Bey Hive geared up and spread the word, encouraging Black audiences to do something they don’t usually do—watch the Country Music Awards. The women performed Beyoncé’s “Daddy Lessons,” the poignant country song from her latest project, Lemonade, and Beyoncé reminded America that not only do Black Girls Rock—we have some country in us too!

Shortly after their performance, it appeared as though the social media accounts associated with the awards show removed images and references to the performance and some sources speculated that it was because of the overwhelming racist responses to Beyoncé being asked to perform at the show. Unfortunately, some people only think of country music in terms of its White performers and they consider a Black woman performing country music as some kind of theft of their art.

The official website posted the images of the performance and listed the women as performers, so the erasure wasn’t complete; it just seemed really suspicious that video clips and images were hard to find on the CMA’s social media channels.

Well, the truth is that Black women have been performing country music and rock ‘n’ roll since the inception of both genres, but, as is often the case, have found themselves routinely erased from the annals of country and rock music folklore.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Start off the Month With These Ten New Songs

Image result for belles and whistles
Give and Take -Gabby Barrett
Rollercoaster Life -Lauren Wheatley
I'm Wild -Belles & Whistles
Wichita Lineman -Ashley Campbell
Bow and Arrow -Nicole Rayy
Forget the Night -Jade Helliwell
The Call -Ashliegh Lisset
How To Lose It All -Lucie Silvas
Lipstick -Runaway June
American Fathers -Farewell Angelina

Friday, October 28, 2016

Siana King Knows 'Girls Rule!'


Knowing hard work will get you far, Vegas talent Siana King, is determined to share her music with the world. Though born across the country in Illinois, Siana moved to Vegas as a child where she quickly found a passion for music. Never able to find interest in any other hobby, Siana attended the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts for high school.

In 2015 Siana began playing gigs in the Vegas area including top venues such as The Hard Rock Cafe, Palms Resort, The Orleans, and more. Siana performs both her own music and covers by country music superstars Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, who Siana often looks up to for their humble attitudes and variety of emotional hits. A songwriter herself Siana writes her songs with meaning, hoping to target strong independent women.

Last year, Siana released her first single ‘Girls Rule,’ written by country songwriting legends Buck Moore, Harvey McNalley and Leonard Ahlstrom, which confronts those who discriminate against women. More recently Siana released a single titled ‘Zip, Zero, Nada, Nothing’ and plans to release a full length album by early 2017.

Siana would love to tour in the future and continue to write her own music. Entering the music industry with her head held high, Siana King is sure one to look out for. So make sure to check out her music via Amazon, iTunes, and at her website at http://sianaking.com.


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

'Love's Always Gonna Win' in a World With Paulina Jayne

Though she may have grown up in the suburbs of Detroit, Paulina Jayne is no stranger to the music industry. Raised by artistic parents, Paulina took up her mother’s passion of the piano at a young age. By the time she was nine years old Paulina had already begun composing her own music and playing gigs alongside her parents. It was actually in a small cafe where Paulina was first picked up by her management label and realized her music resonated with the country music genre.

Image result for paulina jaynePaulina writes to send a message and reflect her personal view on many of the social issues we are facing today. Knowing we can be greater than the hatred in this world, Paulina, with the help of all star songwriters Trey Bruce and Hailey Steele, wrote her most recent single ‘Love’s Gonna Always Win.’

Growing up surrounded by the influence of Motown, Paulina has always looked up to Stevie Wonder for his ability to match melodies and perform. Paulina has had the opportunity to perform herself and to share the stage with some of country music’s greats including Sheryl Crow, Chase Rice, and Blackberry Smoke.

Ready to make a name for herself in country music, Paulina is thankful for her strong team of producers who have truly believed in her music and were willing to help break down each and every barrier she faced.

Whether at CMA Fest or in a small cafe, Paulina hopes to reach as many people with her music as she can. You can check out her music via Spotify, iTunes, and on her website at http://www.paulinajayne.com/, then tell me what you think by tagging @nextwomenofcountry.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Ten New Songs of The Week



Get Over Yourself -Charly Reynolds
Missing You -Kristine Wriding
Made to Last -Crystal Yates
That's What I Call Crazy -Kaylee Bell
Change -Elizabeth South 
Maybe More -Bethany Becker
Big Bad World -Jamie Lynn Spears
The Other Side -Mary English
Click Click Bang Bang -Joanna Dee
Always Find Me -Jessica Roadcap

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Go 'A Little Crazy' and Check Out The Story Behind New Artist Chelsea Gill

Image result for chelsea gill
Growing up in Michigan, Chelsea Gill was not accustomed to the country music scene as a child. Regardless she lived the southern lifestyle growing up in a farming community not far from Lansing Michigan, where she began singing at the age of two in church and performing in her school’s musicals.

With her parents as her support system, Chelsea made the move to Nashville. There she realized a love for country music’s ability to tell a story. Working up on stage and behind the scenes, Chelsea is determined to surround herself with inspiration for her music. Her songs are crafted as stories, stories she hopes her listeners can relate and find a personal connection to. Knowing there are “threads of emotions that tie through all of our stories and hearts,” Chelsea hopes to move as many people as she can with her music and powerful vocals.

In April Chelsea released her debut EP with the help of her producer, Steven. Together, with the help of a little laughter, Chelsea finished her EP and began to tackle the art of music videos.
Working with an all star director, Chelsea has released two music videos from her most recent EP.

The idea behind her most recent release, ‘A Little Crazy,’ came to Chelsea while sitting in traffic on the way home from a family reunion. After spending time with her family, she was surprised by the lack of intimacy and spontaneity of her married relatives and decided to write a satire inspired song emphasizing to couples that they should make an effort to keep the spark alive and have fun once in awhile. After the single’s release Chelsea jumped at the idea of a music video. With an emphasis on the ultimate walk of shame, the music video is fun, sexy, and portrays Chelsea’s story perfectly.

Chelsea's next step is to tour and share her music with as many people as possible. She also hopes to produce a full length album one day, hoping to continue inspiring her fans to search for who they really are.

You can find Chelsea’s music via iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and on her website at www.chelseagillmusic.com. 

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

The Duo Towne Is Ready to Hit The Town With Their Debut EP 'Games WePlay'

Image result for towne music duo
Both raised in a small town to supportive, but non-musical parents, Jon Decious and Steevie Steeves of the Duo Towne found a passion for music and were courageous enough to take the next step on the way to becoming an artist. Both selected to attend a songwriting camp in Wyoming, the two met and quickly realized they were close neighbors back in Nashville. Returning home the two began to collaborate and quickly become friends. Though the duo tried dating for a short time, they choose to put all love aside and place their efforts towards their music. Towne’s music is unique and honest, as both Jon and Steevie perspire to write songs that have a purpose and tell their story. Incorporating the sounds of the 60’s, the south, and rock n’ roll, Towne’s sound is like no other and brings each song to life.

In March the duo released their debut EP ‘Games We Play’ and began touring. Partners in crime and each other’s support system, the two are inseparable and plan to keep making music far into the future. Having already achieved success beyond their wildest dreams, Jon and Steevie can’t wait for what’s next. The duo hopes to produce a full length album one day, but mostly hopes to reach as many people as they can with their music. Knowing that it’s easy to get defeated in the music industry, Towne recommends to “be the best of yourself” and stand out rather than try to fit in, because you’ll never be better at doing what someone else does best.

Theatrical, humourous, and living the dream, Towne is destined for success. The duo’s most recent accomplishment was their music video for their song ‘Runnin’ Into You,’ which plays off the story of the duo’s relationship. You can check out the full video here and the remainder of their music can be found via iTunes, Spotify, and their website at http://www.townemusic.com/.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Start Off The Week Right With These Ten New Songs To Check Out


A Little Crazy -Chelsea Gill
That's What's Up -Caleche Ryder
Bring Out My Bed -Angela Sue Cheslock
Country Music -Kate Hasting Band
Not the One For Me -Ceri-Rose
Four and a Half Minutes -Kristen Foreman 
Homesick -Paulina Jayne
Kisses At Airports -Cassadee Pope 
Clock Don't Stop -Carrie Underwood
Be You -Brittany Kennell 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Texas Tech Study Confirms That Women in Country Songs Are More Objectified Than Ever

A Texas Tech study led by Eric Rasmussen, Ph.D., a professor at Tech’s College of Media and Communication, found that country music songs studied from 2010 onward objectified women more than in country songs studied from the 1990s and 2000s.
Country songs from the last six years compared to decades before them talked more about women’s appearances, talked more about women in tight or revealing clothing, compared women to objects more often, referred more to women by slang instead of real names, talked less about women being empowered and talked less about women in non-traditional roles.
All of the above criteria were true for modern country songs sung by men, but not by women. But, modern songs sung by women were more likely to refer to women as distrustful or cheaters than songs in the 2000s.
In an interview with “Texas Tech Today,” Rasmussen said he blames the rise of Bro-country and pop’s crossover into the genre.
“You hear about crossover country where it has incorporated lyrics and beats and other characteristics of pop,” Rasmussen said. “Country music is not that old, but it’s not steel guitars anymore. It doesn’t have that twang anymore. It’s more pop, more mainstream and the ratings are driving it.”
Rasmussen, a father to four girls, also said he started the study because “research shows this type of music can have an effect on people. If this is the message they hear, they’ll think it’s acceptable and normal, and people normally try to go with the flow and match their attitude to what they think is acceptable in society. But we want to educate people about what’s happening, that the media does have an effect and that it’s not OK to demean women in this way.”
Jake Harris