A new one from the Texas native.
Charley Crockett is on a roll this year, releasing new music. After releasing his Grammy-nominated record, $10 Cowboy, in April, Crockett quickly followed it up with a second collection of songs, noting it was the second chapter of $10 Cowboy, Visions Of Dallas.
With his authentic sound, combining elements of Western swing, traditional country music, and blues to create a smooth sound unlike anything other artists are doing, Crockett continues to be one of the busiest dudes in the country music business. Crockett once told NPR, however, that he thinks of himself as a folk singer.
“I think I’m a folk singer. It’s blues, it’s country, it’s jazz, it’s gospel, but all of that is folk music. Especially now, I’m just reminding myself that it’s folk music.”
Regardless of how you classify his sound, all Crockett fans can agree his blending of genres makes for some damn good music. Releasing one album that captivates your fans is challenging enough; Crockett proved he is a music-making machine, releasing two stellar records this calendar year alone.
But he’s not done yet. Today, the San Benito, Texas native dropped a new single, “Hey Mr. Nashville.”
Crockett, who has never been afraid to voice his opinion about the music industry, has a bone to pick with Nashville on his latest single. This single feels much more pointed about his issues with the conformity and the business side of the music industry in Nashville, calling out their charades and malpractices.
“You made a funny comment
About the players on 6th Street,
When you talk bad about Austin
You’re talking down to me
Hey Mr. Nashville,
You’re ain’t even from Tennessee”
The song makes pointed references about how businessmen in Nashville are chasing a dollar and don’t care about the music or the artistry that songwriters bring to the table and will form singers into songwriters into a mold that they know makes them money and will use them until they are burnt out.
At the end of the song, Crockett breaks down the song into a gospel choir, repeating that this song highlights “all you need to know about Nashville.” But before the breakdown occurred, Crockett told listeners he was not a fan of Music City.
“That’s all you need to know about Nashville,
It ain’t no home to me.”
The hard-hitting lyrics are accompanied by the Charley Crockett sound that fans know and love. He knocked this one out of the park.
Some wonder if this song could be in response to Crockett receiving his first-ever Grammy nomination for $10 Cowboy, and while being considered for such a high-standing award is an honor, Crockett informed fans that it does not mean much to him after receiving the news. He shared this on social media:
“I’m not here for awards, but it does feel good to know folks are taking notice.”
No matter what influenced this ditty, it’s raw and honest and stays true to Charley Crockett’s authentic sound. Fire it up.
