"AMERICANA" THE BEAUTIFUL: THE RISE
OF HALSEY

"New Americana" by Astralwerks/Capitol's Halsey is reacting in a big way.

You've probably heard about the spins and praise bestowed by Beats 1's Zane Lowe, who played an alternate version of the zeitgeisty track. Late last week, Nerf at KTCL Denver had the world premiere of the official version, followed by L.A.'s KYSR last night. Preorders have exploded in the interim, with the album jumping to the top of the iTunes preorder ranks.

With CBS flagship KROQ now playing it as well, expect critical mass on the West Coast and ballooning numbers for the blue-haired singer/songwriter's forthcoming Badlands, due next month.

New Americana. Midnight. EST. but we all know iTunes likes to drop things early. Get your preorder of BADLANDS hereee http://t.co/VMltEQAiuu

— HALSEY (@halseymusic) July 9, 2015

"That record is BIG. Like maybe #1 big, mate," enthused Lowe after playing "New Americana" on his Wednesday show. Prior to spinning the track, Lowe noted that "the anticipation building around the artist ... is enormous."

Greg Thompson felt so hip that he immediately grew a fanciful beard.

So. Good. 🙏 @halseymusic's #NewAmericana. Thanks @zanelowe. #WorldFirst http://t.co/rAPwDbKt1V pic.twitter.com/QQu7XPIIje

— Beats 1 (@Beats1) July 8, 2015