Aaron Watson Talks Hitting #1 with “The Underdog”
“My name is Aaron Watson. I’m not played on country radio. And I have the #1 record in country music this week. I do exist.”
This was Aaron Watson’s reaction to the comments of Sony Records Nashville CEO Gary Overton, who said earlier this week, “If you’re not on country radio, you don’t exist.” But overall the Texas country star took a much more humble, appreciative, and inclusive tone.
Whether it’s irony or poetry that an album titled The Underdog is the #1 album in all of country music right now, and #8 overall with 26,340 units sold, it’s certainly sweet news to the fans who’ve been with Aaron through 12 albums, 15 years, and over 2,000 shows, sticking with the more traditionally-oriented country star through thick and thin, and now finally emerging on top after all this time.
There was concern when Billboard changed its rules at the end of 2014 to include streaming numbers in the album chart formula that these album success stories would start to become fewer and more far between. But so far in 2015, it has been anything but from the strong showing by independent artists. From Blackberry Smoke claiming last week’s #1, to Sturgill Simpson cresting the 100,000 mark, and now Aaron Watson walking away with the top spot, independent music is on a winning streak.
To put the achievement in perspective, appreciate that The Underdog sold nearly 4-times the amount of albums as The Mavericks’ Mono album released by Big Machine Records on the same day, and from a sensational act that like many independent artists, relies on solid album sales. It’s not often we talk about an artist launching their career in earnest in their mid 30’s, but add Aaron Watson to a list that also includes Brandy Clark and Sturgill Simpson.
“I’m no rock star,” Aaron says humbly as he took some time to speak about his #1 achievement.
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What does it mean to you to have the #1 record in all of country music?
It’s kind of hard to put into words. I’m a little overwhelmed by the thought of that. I can say that I’m just incredibly thankful and gracious. It’s tough when you start thinking about how it’s taken me 15 years, 12 albums, and 2,000 shows to get here, it makes for a pretty neat story. What’s funny is, obviously I’m excited, but the part I’m most excited for is all the people around me who’ve been working so hard for all of these years. It’s a huge victory for them. Personally, I don’t really get too wrapped up in awards and chart positions and stuff like that. My award is being blessed with the opportunity to make a good living for my family. I love music. To be at the top of that list for one week, I feel incredibly blessed.
You get to live the dream a lot of people can’t, and so when you get one of these achievements, it’s something so many people share together. It’s not just you. It’s something a collective community that has coagulated around music or an artist gets to share in.
If you look at my career and the fact that I have no mainstream radio support, I can go on and on about how God has blessed me with the best fans in the world, and they take it personal to see me succeed. A lot of people can relate to me because I’m just a regular guy out there trying to make a living for my family. Mainstream music has never embraced me. It’s been a discouraging relationship, if you could even call it a relationship. But at the end of the day, like with anyone that has a dream, are you going to let someone’s discouragement be the obstacle that keeps you from going after your dream? I just look back at my career and see all the doors that God has opened, and all the different people he’s blessed me with, and who have taught me things along the way. And to be so deep into my career and feel like I’m just getting started, that is a great feeling. I feel the best is yet to come. I’m excited about this record, but I’ve kind of even more excited about the next record I’ve already started to write.
Getting to work with a guy like Keith Stegall. It was like getting my Master’s Degree in music. Getting to experience the way he makes music, I kind of feel like I was the young apprentice. Sometimes people think because I’m an independent artist from Texas that I’m anti Nashville, and I’m anti mainstream. But I was raised on a lot of George Strait records that were all made in Nashville, TN. So was Keith Whitley, and so was Alan Jackson. I’m a big fan of Merle Haggard, and Willie and Waylon. Really, in the past it’s been Nashville hasn’t wanted much to do with me. I’ve never been the one out there throwing around fighting words.
My deal is I have to stay true to myself and my music, and through that I have these principles that I stand on. And when I’m making a record, I have to ask myself, “Am I staying true to my faith in God? Am I staying true to my family, and am I staying true to my fans?” If any decision I’m making betrays one of those pillars, then it’s not something that I should be doing. I want my music to be a positive influence on people, that helps people get through some tough times. That’s what I live for.
I had a kid come up to me last week in Lubbock, and we we’re doing all of these CD release signings in store and all of these CD release parties. He came up to me and said, “Hey, I got the record, and I just got to say that I listened to the title track ‘The Underdog’ and have been reading about your story. And I’ve been trying to get into medical school and keep getting turned down, and had kind of given up on my dream of being a doctor. But I’m not going to give up on that. This inspired me to get back in the game.”
That’s what this is really about. Everybody loves the underdog.
You said you receive no mainstream radio play, and a few days ago the CEO of Sony Music Nashville was quoted saying, “If you’re not on country radio, you don’t exist.” As someone on the outside looking in to radio play, what do you think about that statement, especially sitting on the perch of your #1 album?
I think that’s A: It’s a very inaccurate statement. And B: I think Gary Overton is saying that because this week is the big CRS week in Nashville, so maybe he was saying that because every country radio show has shown up in Nashville this week. But I would also say, “My name is Aaron Watson. I’m not played on country radio. And I have the #1 record in country music this week. I do exist. And I also run a multi-million dollar business that employs up to 20 people.” And I would also say that for a little family in Abilene, TX, they think their daddy is the best country singer since Hank Williams. So I do exist. I just think that’s a very narrow-minded way of looking at things.
If you look at the chart right now, you seem me, and then you see a guy like Sam Hunt. Now a lot of people would assume that a traditionalist like me would not like Sam Hunt. But I’m going to surprise you. I have his record, it has some really cool moments, there’s some really good songwriting in that record. It’s also the most un-country record I’ve ever heard—I’ll be honest about that. But if Sam Hunt is making the music inside Sam Hunt’s heart, then who am I to say whether it’s good or not? So I think it’s cool that there can be a guy like Sam Hunt, and a guy like Aaron Watson, a guy like Luke Bryan, a guy like Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Isbell. It doesn’t mean I’m listening to Sam hunt in my truck. But I try to just stay away from the me vs. them. I took this record and I let every label in town have an opportunity to listen to it, and it wasn’t their cup of tea.
I’ve never been able to depend on the mainstream, and I am very content with where I’m at. But I’ll also say that I’m running a business here, and how awesome would it be to be able to share my music with a bigger audience? Now if you tell me that for me to have those opportunities that I’m going to have to change myself, then I’m not interested in that. It’s not about a record deal, it’s about the record. It’s about the music.
Even though you don’t have a lot of mainstream radio support, you do have a lot of support on Texas radio.
Absolutely. Texas radio has been huge for us. What’s been cool is because of Texas radio jumping on board, there are stations around the entire country that are digging what we’re doing. From coast to coast, we have these stations that are going above and beyond to support my music. Those are the people I’m most excited for this record. Maybe they’re not those Top 40 guys. That mentality is why I have the #1 record in country this week. It’s the same mentality all the fans have. They take it personal to see that I succeed. I’m not a rock star. I hang out after every show, and hug, shake hands, and thank fans for supporting me. I think I have such a great appreciation for for my fans and the radio stations that play me because I understand how blessed I am to have them because I understand how hard they are to come by. If I was 20-years-old, and someone gave me a record deal, two tour buses, and I instantly had hits, how can that person appreciate the situation compared to me, who it’s taken 15 years? Right now, I just wish I could hug everybody.
We’ll you have hugged everybody, and you have shaken their hands. It was just vice versa.
You know what, they’re hugging me back. This week, all my fans and the radio stations that play me, they’re hugging me back.
And you know, I’ll say some things. I’ll put some hashtags where I’m like “Put cowboy back in country music” or “say no to skinny jeans.” Those things I say out of fun. I don’t have anything against the Bro-Country thing. Some of those songs are pretty cool. I think I wish the mainstream music world would be a little more open-minded to artists that have different styles. If I was to critique the mainstream scene it would be, “You know guys, it’s pretty narrow minded to expect every artist to write that kind of song, or sing that way, or dress that kind of way.” I’m mean do we really just want one flavor of jelly here? Can we have a few other favors?
It’s always been a fight more for diversity and balance, because it can swing the other way too. If you all you had was really hardline traditional country music on mainstream radio, that’s not going to get the job done either.
Absolutely, you hit the nail on the head. If every artist was like Sturgill Simpson, would Sturgill be doing what he’s doing right now? All these artists in the end are just out there trying to provide for their families, and pay off their wife’s credit card just like me.
How much has the rodeo community played into your success?
It’s been huge. I love the rodeo and I have lots of friends on that circuit. At the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas, I play there every year, so you have hundreds of thousands of people who come in from all around the country and they get to hear me play, and then they go back to their corners of the worlds, and that’s helping me plant seeds in other regions. Plus there’s nothing more fun than fairs and rodeos.
Over the last 15 years, have many times have you pondered quitting music, at least as a full time pursuit?
Never. It’s what I do. I’m a country singer. You can tell me that I’m not good enough for the mainstream, but you can’t tell me that I’m not a country music singer. About 3 1/2 years ago, my wife and I, we lost a little girl shortly after she was born. That knocked my feet out from under me for a while, just because I was heartbroken and homesick, and getting up on a stage and singing to people having fun, it was a struggle. But one night I just said a little prayer. I said, “God, if this is what you want me to do for a living, I could sure use your help.” Honestly, from that moment on I felt a huge difference in my attitude. We’ve had a lot of success since then. You do it because you love it. You don’t do it to get rich or famous. You do it because you have to, because it’s part of you. I’m just thankful that God has blessed me with the opportunity to do something that I love, and I will never ever ever take that for granted. I will never take my fans for granted, and I will never take one single spin on radio for granted.
February 25, 2015 @ 1:21 pm
I heard some of his songs and I like it better than stuff they play on today’s country radio
February 25, 2015 @ 2:01 pm
Maybe you shoulda given him a better album review and not called him bro country, cause he’s making you eat a big fat sandwich filled with your words.
February 25, 2015 @ 3:32 pm
So insufferable. This is not an autocracy. The fact that you would give me shade for giving Aaron Watson a platform to speak shows how completely lost to the spirit of Saving Country Music you are.
February 26, 2015 @ 5:29 am
He is bro country.
February 26, 2015 @ 11:02 pm
Dude you are out of touch on the pulse of country music, mainstream and independent. A bro country song here or there doesn’t make you a bro country artist. Hell by that standard, Randy Travis, Clint Black, and Keith Whitley were bro country.
February 27, 2015 @ 7:37 am
Considering what we are dealing with im sure in Travis’s world those artists are all money grubbing pop stars who suck and arent real country because Bob Dylan greatest songwriter ever and I listen to NPR in my car blah blah blah
February 26, 2015 @ 7:36 am
The review was fair, same assessment I had as a pretty big Watson fan. It’s clear he made a bit more of a push for some mainstream appeal in some of the songs, but they weren’t all that dissimilar from others he has put out over the years. Typically there are 1 or 2 of them per album, this one saw a few more.
For example:
’04 Reckless (The Honky Tonk Kid)
’06 3RD Gear & 17, All American Country Girl (San Angelo)
etc.
Are they great country songs? Nah, but they’re fun as hell to blast from my Wrangler in the summer.
February 27, 2015 @ 2:15 pm
I’ve been a huge fan of Aaron for years, and I agree with Trigger’s album grading completely. While the sound is traditionalish, some songs turned a little. It’s not bad, it just shows that Aaron has something for everyone, traditional and new.
February 25, 2015 @ 2:11 pm
WOW like 26,000 cds, I’m sure they are shaking in their boots. Like some of the lyrics but he is not Sturgill.
February 25, 2015 @ 3:35 pm
As Aaron Watson explains above, there’s only one Sturgill, and that’s a good thing. “Metamodern” sold 5,500 copies its first week. Nobody is saying Aaron Watson hitting #1 is a debilitating coup for the industry, but on the same week major labels had releases and some of them he lapped multiple times, it is a notable achievement. I know if I was Big Machine, I would have taken notice.
February 25, 2015 @ 10:02 pm
I really don’t understand this sentiment. Sturgill is a terrible person to even consider comparing Watson to. It’s like comparing Waylon and Strait: they both made great country music, but for the most part they inhabit very different parts of the genre.
February 25, 2015 @ 2:12 pm
This guy is such a good thing for country music in so, so many ways. From his music, to his attitude, to his authenticity and fan-friendliness…it’s truly amazing to consider where he is now.
Regardless of where you stand on his music (I really enjoy it), we need more Aaron Watson’s. I’m very thankful that I’ve had the chance to meet him a few times, and I would encourage everyone to check out one of his shows or support the old-fashioned way that he runs his music business.
February 25, 2015 @ 2:51 pm
Not a terribly big fan of the last couple of albums (I did like Real Good Time when I first got it, but after a few listens I was kinda meh on it though it does have some good songs), but AW is a good guy and I do like his earlier stuff quite a bit. I need to check out some of those earlier albums.
I get the feeling someone (NOT you, Trigger) tried to bait him in re: the bro-country and Sam Hunt and he was trying to get out in front of that. He sure nailed Gary Overton to the wall, though.
February 26, 2015 @ 6:43 am
It’s funny to hear folks talking about AW in terms of his last two albums when his legend in Texas was made on the early albums. I like the new stuff and I’m really digging on The Underdog right now but, my heart will always be with the first few albums. And you don’t really know AW unless you’ve heard his live album either… I wore it out.
February 26, 2015 @ 11:20 am
Yeah, it’s probably not fair to judge the entirety of AW’s work on the last couple of albums, and I didn’t really mean to be doing that.
February 25, 2015 @ 3:02 pm
I really like the “Same Hunt” freudian typos.
February 25, 2015 @ 3:04 pm
I think it is great that someone like Aaron is getting some mainstream success. The guy has earned it. You don’t have to love him, but you ought to respect him.
February 25, 2015 @ 4:57 pm
Indie records killing it on the charts is truly what can SCM. At some point, the consumers have to regain control. They need a way to show what they love, but first and foremost, the artists need a way to find the exposure which will allow it.
Thus, the internet.
People think it’s killing the music industry – I think it could be what saves it.
More people know about Aaron Watson today than they did yesterday, and the internet is a driving force behind that. This is a good thing.
February 25, 2015 @ 5:40 pm
Yeah …this holds a lot of truth . Obviously AW has a fan base and they are a traditional country fan base ….and THAT’S the point where SCM is concerned , I think . His fans are listening …getting out to shows, buying product and spreading the word. Exposure , I really believe , is all many of these artists need . If radio and/or labels won’t co-operate ,..then live shows , local stations , iTunes ,internet sites like this and the artist himself spreading the word CAN do it and AW is proving that . I’m convinced that many many more people would love a more traditional country music given the opportunity to become acquainted with it . Not to mention the ( seemingly ) throwback attitude of AW . While so many of the mainstream acts have this in-your-face edgy “attitude”, ( Blake and his ‘ol farts ‘ comment ), a little more ‘gratitude’ certainly seems missing . The legendary country acts know that . They know that’s so appreciated by their fans ( Dolly , Reba , Vince ..etc.. ) that they wouldn’t have a career without it .
In any case , I think the vigilance of this site and the word we all spread is hugely effective in bringing attention to these deserving ‘ underdogs ‘.
February 25, 2015 @ 5:04 pm
Wow. That interview was excellent, and perfectly timed.
Aaron Watson’s quote at the top of the page is a perfect soundbite – it succinctly undercuts Gary Overton’s recent myopic statements about country radio. And how could Overton or anyone else argue with Aaron Watson’s success? He has the number one album in country music this week. That’s a cold, hard fact.
Despite the rise of Sam Hunt, and other problems that continue to plague the broader country music world, it really seems like independent country music is getting stronger and stronger as a force within country music these days. Does any one else feel that? Sales wise, it seems like it can’t be denied any more.
Ultimately, the mainstream Nashville labels are going to have to figure out a way to develop and market country artists outside the paradigm of mainstream country radio if they want to remain relevant.
February 25, 2015 @ 5:19 pm
Also, I didn’t know much about Aaron Watson before this album, but judging from this interview, he seems like a really humble, level-headed, and self-aware guy.
Not that maturity is the end-all and be-all when it comes to music, but compared to Watson, most of the bro-country guys come across like Wooderson.
February 25, 2015 @ 5:33 pm
Great news!! Aaron is a great guy and a proud Christian, I am proud to call him a hero of mine, happy he has the opportunity to see the top of the Charts! Keep up the great work bud and see at a show again in the near future!
February 25, 2015 @ 6:34 pm
Incidentally … Trig – when you listen to “The Prayer”, do you hear “Turn The Page”?
February 26, 2015 @ 11:13 am
I don’t know, maybe. I don’t like trying to make those comparisons unless they’re blatantly obvious.
February 25, 2015 @ 7:32 pm
I personally love Aaron Watson and the way he goes abot his business, it is a crying shame that he isn’t on mainstream country radio. I have 7 Aaron Watson CD’s and I do have to say I like The Honky Tonk Kid is the best and Angels & Outlaws close behind. So if you are getting into Aaron Watson I think those would be a good starting point. I am so happy for him and this is a victory for all Independent Country artist. It is a shame what they have done to my music, I thought it was bad when Shania Twain was making hits. What I would give to see the music go back to that!
Todd Villars
February 25, 2015 @ 8:04 pm
AW just posted this article to his Facebook page. Nice to know that these people we like pay attention to this site
February 25, 2015 @ 8:31 pm
I think Aaron Watson understands also, the water is warm come on in. The more like him who find success the success he will have. I’m quite sure he is happy for anyone who finds the success he has.
February 25, 2015 @ 8:38 pm
This guy just oozes class.
February 25, 2015 @ 8:43 pm
Also, I’m so psyched to see on of my all time favorite artists featured on SCM. Aaron is finally getting the respect he deserves.
February 25, 2015 @ 9:49 pm
After rereading this interview, there’s no doubt about it, Aaron Watson is the coolest mofo on the planet. This could of not happened to a better dude.
February 25, 2015 @ 9:17 pm
“…trying to provide for their families, and pay off their wife’s credit card just like me.”
Oh my god, I haven’t stopped laughing. Thank goodness he said that in a place where it won’t burn him.
February 26, 2015 @ 2:00 am
I just want to say that Dan Johnson (steel player for Hank III and JTS) and I were discussing the “next wave” of country in TX (guys like Cody Johnson Jason Cassidy Josh Ward and the newtrad guys) and I was like “Well shit Aaron Watson has been doing that the whole time he should be leading the way” and BOOM here he is! Anything I ever heard about him was great and even when I grilled his then guitarist about the strict code of the road with that guy it’s actually kind of impressive that he walks the walk. Every Cavender’s in TX literally just sold out of starched shirts and jeans and a “Strait-up” country approach is full starc.. steam ahead in TX.
February 26, 2015 @ 9:56 am
All three of the guys you mentioned in this “new wave” come with some serious red flags. I sure hope Texas country isn’t headed in that direction.
July 13, 2015 @ 2:22 pm
What “Red Flags” could possibly come from Josh Ward or Cody Johnson. Both are stand up guys who are trying to KEEP country just that – Country. Not a fan of Jason Cassidy – he’s just a Nashville wanna-be using up good space on the radio dial. But just curious what red-flags you speak of with Ward & Johnson? Both VERY good friends of Aaron Watson, who has mentored them both.
February 26, 2015 @ 4:48 am
A gentleman’s gentleman. He is nothing but class. Such a huge win for Aaron Watson and country music in general.
February 26, 2015 @ 4:56 am
Well I’m pretty sure I have never heard of Aaron Watson before Trigger’s tweets and this story…. and now here I sit on iTunes listening to his music. Checked him out on Youtube too. Listened to a few songs from a few years ago. (July In Cheyenne….LOVE) He has a great voice. He would be great to hear on mainstream country radio. No reason they should ignore him. Thanks Trigger!
February 26, 2015 @ 4:57 am
And to be so deep into my career and feel like I”™m just getting started, that is a great feeling.
That’s the buzz about this. By showing what is possible, Aaron Watson may inspire the next artist to go this route and make their own kind of music.
#CountryRadioIsNonexistent
February 26, 2015 @ 5:27 am
You guys have got to be kidding me. This guy is 100% pop country crap, right down to the “Cash & Nelson” t-shirt. What passes for “real country” in Texas is a joke. George Strait fucking sucks! Trigger reviewed his last horrible album with auto-tune and Jason fucking Aldean, what a phony.
“I don”™t have anything against the Bro-Country thing. Some of those songs are pretty cool.”
Give this guy two seconds and $1 million and he will be the next T-Pain bro act. And who gives a shit if he “needs to pay his bills and wife’s credit cards”. That’s not what artists are for, everyone just needs to pay their fucking bills. What a bore and what low standards we’ve adopted since country went straight to the shitter.
February 26, 2015 @ 6:59 am
Really? A state that pretty much singlehandedly supports people like Amber Digby, Asleep at the Wheel, and someone like Walt Wilkins?
February 26, 2015 @ 7:13 am
Texas does have some great stuff, no question. Love Asleep at the Wheel , but what’s with all of the hubbub around someone who’s basically a high end county fair singer. To call this guy an artist is a stretch.
Ray Wylie Hubbard on the other hand, gotta thank Texas for him.
February 26, 2015 @ 11:24 am
I don’t agree with your very harsh assessment of Aaron Watson, but I did have some critical things to say about his music in my album review, and I’m on record saying there’s an element of Texas country that is nothing more than Nashville West. At the same time there’s a lot of great music happening in Texas, including Ray Wylie Hubbard. I think you have to take it all on a case by case basis, and work from a sliding scale instead of something is either great or horrible.
Some of the things Aaron said in this interview I wouldn’t particularly say or endorse myself, but I found his honesty refreshing, and if I open the floor for an artist to speak, I’m not going to censor out the parts I don’t agree with.
Aaron Watson symbolizes the pragmatic side of trying to save country music, which I think there’s a space for. Just like there’s a space for taking hardline stances when it comes to certain issues.
February 26, 2015 @ 11:58 am
I agree with your approach on all fronts. I guess I just believe pragmatically speaking country will be saved by a few renegades, like SS, that bring people back into country that had written it off. The fan base needs to be diversified. This is probably an angle separate from what you are talking about and you know a hell of a lot more about the business side and radio play, sales, etc. than I do so you are probably right, I just have trouble supporting some stuff even if tactically it’s contributing to an overall improvement in the genres health. It doesn’t help that I have 2k records and am constantly listening to and reading about country’s incredible history as an art form and when I see this kind of stuff I have a visceral reaction. Have to learn to pinch my nose more.
Apologies to everyone. Carry on.
February 26, 2015 @ 1:22 pm
I mean dude, Aaron Watson’s stuff might not be “raw” or “hard country”, but it’s traditional country through and through. I haven’t heard The Underdog yet but, man, his early albums are as bout as country as it gets. I’m not really seeing how you hear pop country in an Aaron Watson record; no synths, no hip hop beat, no over the top vocal modifications.
February 26, 2015 @ 1:30 pm
Also, did you say, “George Strait fucking sucks!” Just making sure you meant to say that, because no self respecting country fan would ever utter those words on purpose. You surely meant to say something else right?
February 26, 2015 @ 11:10 am
If you’re saying that George Strait’s output for the past decade or so sucks, I can’t really disagree with you. However, his music in the 80s-mid 90s was pretty much solid country gold. From the late 90s to today, I’ve only liked a few scattered songs, but he released enough great music that he gets a pass from me.
February 26, 2015 @ 12:02 pm
Strait has a handful of songs I like. Amarillo by Morning is one, beautiful song. But overall I think he’s not very interesting and has released mostly crap.
February 26, 2015 @ 12:30 pm
Like it or not Strait is one of the very few artist that kept traditional country on the Radio and to the mainstream. It may not matter in your narrow mind, but overall George Strait seems to have fought the good fight. Any mainstream artist will have songs that lean more commercial than an underground fan will appreciate its all part of walking a very fine tight rope. Try to keep stuff in perspective George Strait / Aaron Watson are not whats wrong with country music.
February 26, 2015 @ 1:07 pm
While I appreciate the gist of your propagandistic schpeel, I criticize artists based on the merit of their work, regardless of what effect it has on the market. I don’t listen to radio and therefore don’t give a shit what’s on it. And you will never convince me Strait is traditional country. He was well within the confines of what constituted pop country at that time, still is, and was never an album artist like say Dylan, John Hartford, or David Allan Coe. He made records solely to make money. He’s a boot scooting pop country hat act and that’s fine but don’t try to convince me he’s some kind of torchbearer for great music.
February 26, 2015 @ 1:41 pm
Dylan is one of the most overrated, nose in the air, better than thou, acts of all time. And so are a good portion of his fans. I’d take any ANY Strait album, even some the subpar ones over the last ten years or so, over the best of what Dylan has put out. I’d say the only thing that Dylan beats out George in is writing chops. Dylan is classless.
February 26, 2015 @ 1:50 pm
He’s probably the greatest songwriter ever and has a catalog of albums trumps every other recording artist. We will have to agree to disagree about this and probably almost everything. Strait doesn’t have one album that can match ‘Nashville Skyline’ and that’s nowhere close to Dylan’s best album. Pick any one song from ‘Another Side of Bob Dylan’, Highway 61 Revisited’, ‘Blonde on Blonde’, or ‘Bringing It All Back Home and it will singlehandedly destroy Strait’s entire catalog alone.
February 26, 2015 @ 2:09 pm
I could never get into Dylan because part of a good song to me is how it sounds, and Dylans voice drives me batshit crazy. You can feel however you want about all these artist, but it gives me a smirk everytime I hear my 10yr old daughter singing along to “The Underdog” …………….
February 26, 2015 @ 7:30 pm
I think Travis needs to find a new genre to pretend to like. The one man Bob Dylan circle jerk and bashing George Strait “who isnt even country and has never released a good album” really says it all. Time to move along little one.
February 26, 2015 @ 2:45 pm
I agree, let’s just disagree. Dylan is a great writer, sure, I can respect that. But to say that, “He”™s probably the greatest songwriter ever” is laughable. I’d take the tangible poeticness of Hank Sr. any day over the abstract vagueness of Dylan. Many of his songs feel like an acid trip to me. But yeah, Dylan is the greatest songwriter of all time…if you ask Dylan, he’ll tell yea. I know a guy from his hometown who actually dated Dylan’s cousin. From what he says there’s many people there who aren’t to fond of him because he feels that the people of his own hometown don’t revere him enough. Give me a break.
March 3, 2015 @ 10:07 am
Not very interesting is the perfect description.
February 26, 2015 @ 1:38 pm
Care to explain where the pop elements in this album are?
February 26, 2015 @ 1:44 pm
Song structure and writing, topics,, production, melodies, overall approach, instrumentation- it’s a pop album in every sense.
What are you guys listening to where this doesn’t immediately register as pop country? Maybe if I listened to pop country constantly and then heard this I might think it sounds traditional but when It’s mixed into my playlist it sounds so slick and corny. Sorry.
February 26, 2015 @ 3:41 pm
Travis I agree with you this album from AW stinks of pop country throughout, and I say that as a 10+ year fan of the guy. The Aaron Watson I love sings songs like “Not Just Another Pretty Face” and “Stuck Between a Rock and a Heartache.” Anyone who lauds this ‘Underdog’ effort as some sort of torch-bearer for traditional country is fueled by blind allegiance, which is a dangerous thing in politics and music alike. I hold every singer I like to the standard they established when I became a fan of theirs, and never hesitate to call them out when I smell mediocrity. This extends to George Strait as well (anyone who calls this comment blasphemous is A) not a true fan of his old stuff, and B) probably just too desperate to praise any product of the great state of Texas). AW and George Strait have both slid into the bubblegum poppy sound that both spent their lives fighting against. I like AW’s song “Family Tree” and George’s song “Blue Melodies,” but both were the sole remnants of country music present on both men’s latest albums. Also, if you noticed, I disagree with you on your “dancehall hat act” comment, because as a man who grew up in the middle of Texas cattle country, I identify with the history and soul of this land that does not lie with the deep south roots of country music as much as I do the culture that arose from somewhere between the Red and Rio Grande. Tasteful 4-count shuffles and waltzes are what get me up in the morning and this sound was evoked perfectly by George Strait’s first dozen albums or so, along with those other fellas from Texas and Oklahoma that grew up with that frontier dancehall culture like I did. The early work of Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, Wade Hayes, and Rick Trevino had solid elements of this. It is alive today in places like Helotes and Gruene, but singers like Max Stalling and Rodney Hayden will never gain appeal beyond Texas, and that is okay because it is what makes this place special to us. I do not believe that they hold any less value or talent as a country artist simply because they are clean cut and wear a hat (most of us true cattlemen are the same way, and reckon Im as country as anybody from the sticks of Appalachia).
February 27, 2015 @ 7:41 am
Hey guys – Travis owns over 2k records I think he knows what hes talking about ok??
February 27, 2015 @ 9:17 am
Lmao. He couldn’t sound like a more of a typical Dylan fan if he was trying.
February 26, 2015 @ 7:05 am
I like AW and have purchased a few of his albums because of this site. Overall it’s the kind of country I enjoy listening to on the way to work, puts me in a good mood to start the day. His last two albums really walk up to the line of county cliches but stuff like Sturgill, although I love him, isn’t the sort of music I need to get my day started. Gotta be in the mood for “drug” country. Sometimes lighhearted and positive is a good thing. The great thing about country is the different styles for different moods. Not everything has to be about Willie and Waylon. That get’s old after awhile, and they are far from my favorites, in fact I tend to skip commentary that starts with their names. If your only answer is Wille, Waylong, Hag, and Hank, then I think you are missing out on a lot of good stuff. Shoot, I think Marty Stuarts “The Pilgrim” is better than anything they ever put out.
February 26, 2015 @ 7:21 am
Don I can appreciate that. I don’t like music on the way to work. Only news and talking like BBC or NPR. Love Waylon and all that stuff but there’s a ton of old bluegrass and country and folk and old time and singer songwriter stuff that’s upbeat without being so corny and cliche. AW is a reformed Jason Aldean , when JA drops the rap thing and “goes back to his roots”. I just can’t tolerate the cowboy schtick these guys use, reeks of mini van mom-country to me and it just plain boring and soulless.
February 26, 2015 @ 9:12 am
“just can”™t tolerate the cowboy schtick these guys use”
You’ve lost your damn mind if you think its a Shtick, as he mentioned he travels with the rodeo if he was fake do you really think Justin McBride would have done “Cadillac Cowboy” with him, Listen to “July in Cheyenne” and tell me you don’t see how tied he is to the circuit. AW has made it clear he could be the next huge thing if he would lose the Cowboy hat for a turned around baseball cap and rap, he is staying true to himself and family. He may have music that is too close to commercial for you, but its just right for many others…
February 26, 2015 @ 10:05 am
While I like some music put out by “cowboy-schtick” guys, I’m right there with you in hating the act. Guys like Justin Moore in the mainstream to Cody Johnson in Texas–the whole exaggerated cowboy getup is no better than some dumbass jacking his truck up to the height of a 4440 because he’s not comfortable with his masculinity. It’s all an act, and to an extent I find it offensive. As someone who actually lives a rural life and actually works with cattle, posers irritate me.
February 26, 2015 @ 7:25 am
Marty Stuart is great – but The Pilgrim better than Phases and Stages, Shotgun Willie, This Time, Honky Tonk Heroes, or Dreaming my Dreams? No sir.
February 26, 2015 @ 7:34 am
I Discovered Aaron on itunes early last year and totally enjoy his music and stories. Thanks for providing the platform for him. I have been beating on The Highway to start playing his product.
February 26, 2015 @ 8:13 am
I am so happy for him! Most of the crap I hear when I turn on the radio, I would never want my kids to understand. He is a great man with a great purpose. So go sing about younger girls and leave your wives and kids mainstream guys! I’ll support the Underdog!!
February 26, 2015 @ 9:11 am
Radio is NOT the be al end all- to be a superstar you will eventually need it. If you go back to 2004-2005 Miranda Lambert’s first cd Kerosene was given very, very little air play and she went #1 and PLATINUM. (It wasn’t b/c of Nashville Star either that show was in 2003 and her cd came out in March of 2005). I think that just like Miranda, touring around Texas and getting a great fanbase even if his other cds were a little cheesey. She didn’t get regular airplay until Revolution.
February 26, 2015 @ 10:07 am
Miranda is not the exception. She had to record the same faux-sassy bullshit song about 5 times to hit it big and stay there.
February 26, 2015 @ 2:34 pm
She stole that song from Steve Earle.
February 26, 2015 @ 9:20 am
Shut Up and Dance is my favorite song, as well as my fiance and mine’s song. It is the first song I ever asked her to dance to. 2 years later, I talked to Aaron’s manager when they came to play in Sacramento and asked him to say something, then I proposed in the middle of the floor and then we had our first dance as future husband and wife. There are very few radio artists that would take that extra step. It was amazing that he would be willing to do that for a fan. Take the time to listen to his music, Fast Cars, Slow Kisses; Reckless; The Road; July in Cheyenne; Dancin’ Shoes; to name a few.
February 26, 2015 @ 9:36 am
“Some really good songwriting” on the Sam Hunt record- hahahhaaha. This guy should run for office.
Congrats to AW on his success, really. I hope he sells 100 million records, but his music is not good, and he’s not an artist- he’s something to look at/listen to while choking down funnel cakes and deep fried Oreos. In ten years, it’ll be “Aaron who?” Sorry if I’m being harsh but it sounds like even his fans only use his CD’s to create a temporary false sense of happiness and to attract women by blasting it in their jeeps (which I’m all for).
February 26, 2015 @ 9:45 am
Gotta love Aaron Watson for being a humble, great Christian man. Do some of his songs lean more towards mainstream country? Of course they do. It’s evolving the music. If every song sounded the same, everyone would say he needs to change it up. I think Bro Country has ruined a good two stepping song that has girls, trucks and tailgates mentioned. People have become so shut off by it that the moment the word truck is mentioned in a song, they call it Bro Country or the Texas Artist a sell out. On “The Underdog”, its easy to point that “That Look”, “Blame it on those baby blues”, “Rodeo Queen” and “One of your nights” fall into the mainstream category (which by the way “One of your nights” is one of my favorites on the album). But you have some traditional sounds in there too, with “That’s gonna leave a mark”, “family tree” and “freight train”.
Its’ gotten so bad that people are so quick to call an independent artist a sell out the moment they change their sound (I’ve caught myself doing it too). For instance, Rollercoaster by Randy Rogers is one of my all time favorite albums and is the one that all his later albums are compared to. “Just a matter of time” was different and i didn’t care much for it at first cause the sound changed a bit. But if they all sounded the same, then Rollercoaster wouldn’t be as special.
The main point of my rant is that Aaron Watson wants to get his brand of music out to the masses. Just because he wants to do that doesn’t make him bro country. He has established roots in Texas and 12 albums to prove it. Let’s just be thankful that he is getting the recognition he’s deserved.
February 26, 2015 @ 10:05 am
Allen,
You are exactly right. People are so quick to judge an independent artist for changing their sound a little. Independent artist have to evolve and continue to build fanbase to survive. Any AW on the radio would be better than any Luke Bryan song. These guys have to break through to bring balance to the charts. Trigger wrote an article last week about that.
February 26, 2015 @ 12:22 pm
For those who are interested, AW’s very first album “A Texas Cafe” (1999?) became available to stream on Spotify this morning. This album isn’t available for sale anywhere, and this is the first time I’ve ever been able to find it to listen to (save for a few songs on Youtube).
February 26, 2015 @ 5:16 pm
From a 22 year old/practing steel player who cant stand bro country- Yes this disc has moments of bro country lyrically. BUT, musically has tons of greatness………..Fiddles and Steel. It sounds like it was cut in the 90s. Yes, I enjoy ”That Look”. is it pure country. Nope. But it has great vocal chops.
Its a A- from me.
February 27, 2015 @ 7:35 am
Trigger, did you see the bobby bones/aaron watson fued on twitter this morning? Seems like somebody in Nashville is shaking in their boots and bobby bones is trying to find the littlest reason to shun him. He called a women sweetheart and bobby bones is calling it disrespectful…. Seems like they are really desperate to keep him off the radio to me
February 27, 2015 @ 7:46 am
What a crazy world we live in. Bro-country can be pimped on the airwaves with songs that treat women as nothing more than a piece of meat that opens your beers and looks good in your truck – yet they jump down AW’s throat for calling a woman ‘sweetheart’? Crazy!
February 27, 2015 @ 9:21 am
Bobby Bones just went from an annoying prick to someone who needs to be “dealt with.”
February 27, 2015 @ 9:26 am
It started last night. I have something coming up on this, but waiting for all the dust to settle…
February 27, 2015 @ 8:03 am
Bobby bonehead just mentioned this article I think. He believes this article is misdirected as his claim is that just because Aaron Watson has a #1 album doesn’t mean that his songs have to be on the radio and supports his point by stating none of A.W.’s songs are in the top 100, further stating that radio doesn’t play albums they play songs. I don’t think I’m versed enough in any of this talk to give even 2 cents, but I am curious if Trigger or anyone else would have a response to B.B.?
February 27, 2015 @ 8:32 am
He was actually referring to an article written by Grady Smith for The Guardian, but that article quotes this one and is written sort of in the same spirit. I have a rebuttal coming…
February 27, 2015 @ 9:17 am
Ugh Bobby Bones was so disrespectful to Aaron Watson today. I can not believe that his job allows him to publicly hate on artists like Aaron and Kacey and then do nothing about it. His show disgusts me.
February 28, 2015 @ 12:44 am
Charlie Robison’s Facebook post on Gary Overton is priceless. It’s not composed all that well, but it’s priceless. I have no idea how to link it, other than to the page itself.
https://www.facebook.com/charlierobison
March 1, 2015 @ 5:17 pm
Where can I find this cd. I was looking for it at Walmart, Target, and F.Y.E. and they didn’t have it so where else can I look for it?
March 1, 2015 @ 9:44 pm
Haha….slim chance you’ll ever find this at a retail store.
http://store.aaronwatson.com/underdog-package-p-1425.html
March 1, 2015 @ 9:49 pm
Ok Thank you I’ll order it online.
Quotable Country – 03/01/15 Edition | Country California
March 1, 2015 @ 11:40 pm
[…] way.” I mean, do we really just want one flavor of jelly here? Can we have a few other flavors? â— — Aaron Watson to Saving Country […]
The Hodgepodge: Is Country Music Heading Into A Civil War? | Country Perspective
March 5, 2015 @ 9:00 am
[…] was with the #1 album in country music. This created the “perfect storm.” This led to Watson’s interview with Trigger at Saving Country Music and Watson said the following in response to Overton:Â “My name is Aaron Watson. I”™m not played […]
November 19, 2015 @ 9:49 am
I just bought two tix to see AW in Boston. A very small music hall.. 2 tix along with a park voucher (this is needed in this area of Boston) cost me $45. That is f’in awesome!!!
Can’t wait. Show is in Jan..