ABC/Image Group LASinger/songwriter Chase Rice will forever be associated with the bro-country movement, since he co-wrote the genre’s most downloaded song of all time: “Cruise,” performed by the duo Florida Georgia Line.
But that was five years ago. Today, many critics note that with the recent success of artists like Chris Stapleton, the sound of country music is swinging back to its core. Chase is hoping to showcase that trend with this week’s announcement of a new record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG.
Chase gave Rolling Stone a peek into the music he’s working on for the new label that is aimed squarely at showing his talent goes way beyond the bro-country label.
“There will always be people saying: you’re not country, you’re ruining country. And there were songs [on Ignite the Night, his debut album] where I’m like, you’re kind of right,” Chase says. “I didn’t have a clue what I was doing on that record record. They’re finally going to see the me I want them to see.”
With the signing of this new deal, Chase also hinted at the reasons behind his departure from his previous record label, Columbia Nashville.
“I’m still blessed, but when you know what you can do and you’re not able to do it, it feels like a slap in the face,” Chase told Rolling Stone. “I felt like people were holding me back from the music I could create. That’s not a way to live, and it’s weighed me down for a long time.”
Chase’s upcoming project has a working title of Lambs and Lions, according to Broken Bow Records. An official release date has not yet been announced.
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