Song Review – Luke Combs’ “Hurricane”
You want to like Luke Combs. He one of us, not one of them. At least that’s what you think, or that’s what you thought, or that’s what you want to think. Let’s face it, he’s no matinee idol. He’s a big ol’ corn fed boy from North Carolina with a scruffy Amish beard and a cheap haircut tucked under a properly-aligned baseball cap. He looks like a guy who can deliver you some honesty and truth in a plastic country music world, cast from the John Moreland mold so to speak.
Luke Combs has come up through the ranks not as a polished and manufactured country pop star, but through slowly developing a grassroots following. At one point he was signed to independent juggernaut Thirty Tigers, though he’s since moved to River House Artists/Columbia Nashville, which is a division of Sony. Maybe the Chris Stapleton success has fundamentally reshaped the mindset on Music Row, if not making them realize that guys like Luke Combs could be the future of the genre, at least understanding that they should at least have a part in that future, and can sell records if just given a chance.
But looks are one thing, and music is another. Luke Combs released a 3-song EP in November with the cover as a Skoal can, and the title track as a guitar heavy protest song decrying the direction of today’s country—“These days it’s all wannabes singing someone else’s songs” the song says—while heavy ‘Outlaw’ rock guitars bray in the background.
Though all this bluster definitely perked the ears of those easily influenced by symbolism and anti Music Row anger, as has been said before on Saving Country Music ad nauseam, many protest songs are even more cliché than the songs they’re decrying, and “Can I Get An Outlaw” is especially canned and formulaic. You no longer have to squint to make Eric Church out to be Music Row’s corporate answer to the Outlaw culture, Luke Combs makes an easy pick.
But the Can I Get An Outlaw EP has been rendered virtually irrelevant; forgotten in the shadows of what is slowly becoming a mega hit for Luke Combs called “Hurricane.” The song has already received some 28 million spins on Spotify, and the video has been seen nearly 6 million times and counting, and it just crested into the Top 30 on country radio. “Hurricane” will be a #1, because all lead singles from major label-signed male corporate Nashville stars go #1. It’s a rite of passage.
Starting off with the incredibly cliché electronic drum beat and hand claps, and anchored by a terribly trite and inorganic chorus, this is a song cast in the mainstream corporate country music mold if there ever was one. It’s so cliché it’s hard to know what to say about it without sounding cliché yourself. With truck, whiskey and “hair blowing in the wind” references, about the only wrinkle “Hurricane” affords differently from every other generic mainstream country song is that it does end on a more dark than bright note. So it’s more Tyler Farr than Luke Bryan maybe, but it’s still much more a product of the machine as opposed to something from the outside we should celebrate being accepted into the mainstream country music fold.
The ultimate problem with “Hurricane” is the song is structured to pay off big at the end of the chorus with the line, “You hit me like a hurricane,” but how many million times have we heard this trope in music? I can’t tell you why this song has received so much attention besides smart placement on high-profile Spotify playlists and a promotional budget from Sony. Sure there are worse, but that’s only because we live in the era of Sam Hunt, while the options that are better are immeasurable. Take the song “Hurricane” from Possessed by Paul James for example, which at least delves a little deeper about how life hits you in the face in a manner that’s hard to manage instead of just using the hurricane illustration to iterate yet another generic love song.
Luke Combs needs to decide what he is. Outlaws don’t release songs like “Hurricane” on major Nashville labels, or at least they wrangle control from the producer behind the mixing board and at least put their foot down about adding electronic drums to start off a song. I have no doubt “Hurricane” will be a super hit (if it shouldn’t be considered one already), but if Luke Combs wants to be taken seriously by either side of the country music divide, he better choose which side he’s on, and make sure it’s the one that most allows him to be himself instead of what others want him to be. Otherwise, his success from “Hurricane” will be short lived.
Stringbuzz
February 7, 2017 @ 10:37 am
Forgettable.
Jim
February 7, 2017 @ 10:56 am
And I was like, yeah, yeah, like I was noddin’ right along to a-… wait, wrong song.
seak05
February 7, 2017 @ 10:59 am
iheart selected this song for “on the verge” so yeah, you’ll be hearing it about a million times if you still bother to listen to country radio.
Tom
February 7, 2017 @ 11:00 am
He should have covered Leon Everett’s “Hurricane” instead.
Trigger
February 7, 2017 @ 11:05 am
There are dozens, maybe a hundred songs that do the hurricane thing better than this one, and did it before this one.
Tom
February 7, 2017 @ 11:13 am
Quite frankly, I’d rather hear Whisperin’ Bill Anderson cover “Rock You Like a Hurricane” than listen to this tripe.
LoganD
February 7, 2017 @ 2:01 pm
I don’t hate the song, though I do prefer American Aquarium’s “Hurricane” more. A lot more actually.
John_G
February 8, 2017 @ 8:02 am
Band of Heathens “Hurricane”. Easily my favorite Hurricane song. Combs’ song doesn’t crack my list
Dave
February 7, 2017 @ 11:23 am
I love his song ‘I Know She Ain’t Ready’ – good story, good twist at the end of the narrative.
Ben
February 7, 2017 @ 11:46 am
I’ve seen Combs in concert and followed him from days of Youtube covers. This song is about as mainstream nashville as it gets for him thankfully. I think as most young artists they feel the need to pander to what Radio wants them to have as a single if they want to break through to a larger audience. Larger audience does pay the bills. I saw him in a small bar about 30 miles from me and I can tell you he’s not Chris Stapleton, but his own music and his own stuff for the most part as well as his voice is very good(He also does some damn good covers of Stapleton too) I think he’s a great step in the right direction for country music. Also, let’s remember his age bracket as well. This is a guy growing up around the current mold of country music and doing a pretty good job of setting himself apart from it. I enjoy reading this website but let’s not group his lead “Radio” single into who he really is and what music he will put out. You want to find the real Luke Combs go find his live stuff on YouTube from his shows. If you want to make it big, like he does and many do, at some point you have to conform a little to what the current mainstream scene is. If you don’t like that, you’re entitled to that right. But I will take a million Luke Combs over 99% of Nashville these days.
Josh
February 7, 2017 @ 11:59 am
I completely agree. I went to App State with this guy and this is by far the most “pop” song I have heard from him.
Trigger
February 7, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
I appreciate your perspective Ben.
This isn’t a review of Luke Combs the person, it is a review of the song “Hurricane.” This is how he is going to be introduced to people, just as you were introduced to him in small bars and YouTube covers, so your perspective is different. Singles are released to promote artists and to be representative of their music. “Hurricane” may be the biggest song Luke Combs ever releases, and that is going to be his baseline for 99% of listeners. That is why you have to be careful about what you put your name behind. Many of the people who would otherwise be into his music are going to be turned off by this song, and never give him a second chance. That’s just the way it is in a crowded music space with so many options. Perhaps Combs can prove them wrong in the future, but he better make a turn around quickly.
Ben
February 7, 2017 @ 1:24 pm
Trigger,
I get on here daily and see countless amounts of your readers go on tirades just belittling everything because it’s “Nashville.” I agree that this song may be it for him (although as much as I hate Bobby Bones, he is behind him so likely Luke will be a success to some extent) and that this song may turn off people immediately simply due to its sound. It’s just the game you have to play to make a splash in this crowded space. I can just personally say that I can’t judge an artist based off of one song. I love Hurricane, but I also can connect personally on what the song is about regardless of it’s “unintelligent” demeanor that most on here would say it has, and I’m a supporter of Luke regardless. He’s been very vocal that his idol in this business is Eric Church, which leads me to believe he wants to follow the same path. Only time will tell if he stays true or becomes a “sellout.” As far as your review, I’m adult enough to respect your opinion unlike most commenting on this website daily. I just wish some of the folks on here would not hate the “music is evolving” concept and just realize that this generation isn’t Willie, Merle, Waylon, Johnny, or even George Strait. There is and only will ever be one of those guys. All I ask is that you keep an eye on this guy, check out his other stuff, and down the line hopefully I will read a great review on a song of his. This is the first time I’ve ever commented on a review of yours simply due to most of the time it’s just a bunch of pissed off folks. Continue doing what you do and I’ll continue to read it Trig!
Robert Hill
May 1, 2017 @ 7:47 am
At 48 and raised on a farm, I’ve listened to country through many changes of what was considered good. From seeing the legends from the 60s and 70s on HeeHaw to the greats of the late 80s through the 90s, I too have struggled to find country music that is worthy of the tradition. Yes, Chris Stapleton has rejuvenated our beliefs and Eric Church has emerged with two consecutive albums that I thought were as good as any could be, but let’s be clear that both those men wrote shit songs that were popular garbage. You can be “true” all you want, but it doesn’t pay the bills. Both of them have enough financial security to take their music where they want, and we are allowed to enjoy it.
The song “Hurricane” is just fine for that (making some cash) and will drive people to see him. The kid actually writes his own music which is the first sign he might be something. I actually like the first track on the new album called “Out There”. Plus, he’s been paying dues for awhile, and let’s be candid; this kid has some great pipes on him. None of the typical country sound twangy bullshit of 80% of the new artists whose voices you can’t distinguish. Luke Combs can belt it, and he sounds great in duets with other singers.
I can sit back and listen to the old stuff (pre-2000) all day long and it’s great. But considering where country music is today (and that iHeart Radio owns nearly everything and plays the shit music), I’m glad there is a kid that makes me think it’s coming around. And if Eric Church takes him on the road with him, that would go along way in reinforcing what we all think is good country music.
Josh
February 7, 2017 @ 11:52 am
His new one that they play on Sirius, “She got the Best of Me” is far better than this one.
tammy Seely
February 7, 2017 @ 2:41 pm
I agree with you….the song is good if you look thru youtube to find others he has done they are very different from mainstream country music I like his style personally.
Steve
February 12, 2017 @ 4:28 pm
She Got the Best of Me and Used to You are amazing songs. I actually enjoy Hurricane because it’s catchy and I’ve seen Luke Combs twice in concert now. I understand and actually agree with Trigger’s review, but this song just is just catchy to me.
Tj
February 7, 2017 @ 11:58 am
That song had spins on Spotify long before Sony picked him up. It’s a single and it’s a song crowds love (seen Luke 7 or 8 times). Met him through a friend. He’s a damn nice guy. Hurricane isn’t his best song but don’t write him off because of it. Whether it’s cliche or not it does speak to people. Hell listen to the EP he put out in 15
Whiskey_Pete
February 7, 2017 @ 1:40 pm
It speaks to people? Hahahahaha.
Six String Richie
February 7, 2017 @ 8:35 pm
I wish country artists could occasionally speak to people with lyrics above a 4th grade reading level.
Don
February 10, 2017 @ 5:30 am
This comment!
Scott S.
February 7, 2017 @ 12:08 pm
This song was released in 2015. Weird how it’s getting radio play now. Was it re-released?
I’ve kinda almost liked Luke for a bit, but was hoping he would grow into better stuff.We’ll see I guess.
Trigger
February 7, 2017 @ 1:16 pm
Yes, it was released as a single by Sony, and now with “On The Verge” placement, it will go to #1. Music Row doesn’t care if a song was released previously. Mainstream fans have never heard it.
CCRR
February 7, 2017 @ 12:11 pm
I actually think Luke Combs is decent, but I’m not a fan of this song at all. It sounds like it could have easily been a song from any other popular mainstream country artist. It does nothing to set him aside from the group. Hopefully this is just his way to break into the spotlight and find a way to carve out his own place amongst the many others…we shall see. Speaking of songs titled “Hurricane” my personal favorite is by Band of Heathens….
Old Brett
February 8, 2017 @ 6:31 am
I love that Band of Heathens song!
The Senator
February 7, 2017 @ 12:44 pm
Give me Hurricane by Bob Dylan any day. Say what you want about the politics of the song, agree or disagree, but it’s an undeniably powerful piece of storytelling.
Corncaster
February 7, 2017 @ 12:45 pm
that video is hilarious, that’s gotta be a parody
Michigan Music
February 7, 2017 @ 12:57 pm
I’ve seen Luke play live, he put on a nice little show as he got about 6 or 7 songs in as the opener to the opener. I liked him that night and still do. As Trig notes, he sure comes across as authentic not just his look but his sound, personality, etc.
I think there’s a place in country for someone like Luke – no he’s not destined to be a megastar, but he certainly can have a tidy career of songs and some hits.
BwareDWare94
February 7, 2017 @ 1:13 pm
Dustin Lynch did a song with the Hurricane metaphor on his debut album. It was actually a great song.
This isn’t. Fucking awful. Who actually thinks these electronic drum beats sounds good?
Trucker speed
February 7, 2017 @ 11:06 pm
Dustin lynch did a killer acoustic version of hurricane for a radio station on YouTube l, then I heard the cd version and I was very disappointed
Sandra
May 11, 2017 @ 10:46 am
Somebody who likes country and pop music is someone who thinks these electric drum beats sound good.
JohnWayneTwitty
February 7, 2017 @ 1:16 pm
If any artist, regardless of me liking their voice, releases a techno half assed rap cliche ridden bro pukefest, I won’t buy that album. I realize that means nothing to anyone, but I set my standards high, and this bullshit fails. It’s a shame that talent gets tainted by some dickhead in a suit and dollar signs in his eyes.
Whiskey_Pete
February 7, 2017 @ 1:37 pm
Sounds like shit. There’s my review.
TJ Neyland
February 8, 2017 @ 6:53 am
You review is shit. There’s my review of your review.
Cperry1
February 8, 2017 @ 10:04 am
*Your* grammar is shit.
Big Cat
February 7, 2017 @ 1:41 pm
I have a hard time being critical of lyrics from some singers but then applaud other music as legitimate with similar lyrics. Chris Stapleton case in point. Traveller is laden with songs written around whiskey, outlaws, getting drunk/high and other themes you point out. Its just Stapleton does it with soul and the music is good. The man is an extreme talent. That said, I think many others like me don’t connect with that album for those reasons. But don’t allow the lyrics to be acceptable for some artist and not others just because you either like or don’t like the music.
We all knew this was coming. Nashville is going to go hard after the ‘outlaw’ space and 90% of the music is going to suck, regardless of the lyrics.
Mike
February 7, 2017 @ 3:53 pm
There’s a world of difference, at least to my eyes (discounting voice, performance, etc.) in a Chris Stapleton lyric and this one. Without delving into too many specifics, Stapleton’s lyrics tend to be a bit more poetic and abstract, whereas songs like this one are constructed using a tried and true formula. I won’t say everything Stapleton does is something I like, but consider
“Honey load up your questions and pick up your sticks and your stones; and pretend I’m a shelter for heartaches that don’t have a home”
and then
“Hadn’t had a good time since you know when, got talked into goin’ out with hopes you were stayin’ in.”
There’s no comparison. There’s nothing similar.
I enjoy the guilty pleasure of a Nashville-crafted song probably as much or more than the next guy. I love a great conversational lyric when it goes somewhere interesting. This song just doesn’t go anywhere interesting for me. I do agree with your assessment that 90% of the music is going to suck… even if we’ve somehow escaped the bro country vacuum.
Big Cat
February 7, 2017 @ 5:23 pm
I never compared the quality of this song to Chris Stapleton. But you reinforce my point. When composed artfully, these infamous lyrical country buzzwords get a pass.
I just see a lot of hypocrisy in the crique of lyrics. That’s all
Kale
February 7, 2017 @ 2:05 pm
Am I the only one who thinks this guy sounds EXACTLY like Craig Morgan?
jtrpdx
February 7, 2017 @ 4:36 pm
I hear a lot of Cody Jinks too, but that is understandable, as they both have a pretty standard modern country voice. Not saying they aren’t good vocalists, just very similar.
Chris
February 7, 2017 @ 2:19 pm
Thanks for the warning.
I pretty much stay away from big label music, with a few exceptions, of course.
Mike
February 7, 2017 @ 2:55 pm
I heard this one done acoustically over a year ago. He’s a friend of a acquaintance of mine and so I went in really hopeful. It’s just so derivative. It’s a great example of a polished turd. It’s well-crafted lyric around a tired idea. I enjoyed the production and think the guy has a killer voice. But the story has been exhausted, the hook has been dulled.
I keep hearing that everything has been done and that’s, quite simply, bullshit. I hope his other stuff is better and that this is a Trojan horse for an original “voice,” but it’s more than likely the first in a line of Nashville-necessary compromises. That city, man… it just chokes the originality right out of you.
Jacob W
February 7, 2017 @ 7:12 pm
I will have to check out this infamous “good music he did before this”, cause y’all say “this is the most pop song he has”. That usually means that they have given up on originality, and bought in to the factory made music that sells. You can basically see which way this guy is going, there isn’t much need in defending him, unless your still trying to justify that cookie cutter, mass produced, bullshit
Garrett Hall
February 7, 2017 @ 7:13 pm
Reminds me a lot of Hunter Hayes’ “Storm Warning” mixed with Cody Johnson’s “With You I Am” not in a good way.
Rebecca Gavin
February 7, 2017 @ 8:21 pm
At this point, I think the use of the word “baby” in a song is a symbol of doom. Red flag: Cliche ahead. But I do like that somebody who doesn’t look like a model is allowed to make records these days. He’s what people my age call a “cute kid.” I’d be willing to give him a chance if he was opening a show I was going to, or if the opportunity presented itself to listen to another of his songs. But with all the good music out there, and the way I constantly feel way behind with far more that I want to hear than I have time to hear, I am not going to seek this feller out based on that song.
Six String Richie
February 7, 2017 @ 8:31 pm
I checked out his other tracks and covers and I’m just not too impressed with this guy. His voice is good but his music is pretty generic. Maybe a bit more tolerable than other country artists but still not very good.
There’s videos of him covering Luke Bryan, Brantley Gilbert and Blake Shelton, so that’s not too inspiring.
I guess it’s cool that his hero is Eric Church, but I get more of a “Drink in My Hand” and “Love Your Love the Most” vibe from Combs. Not a “Springsteen” and “Record Year” vibe.
albert
February 7, 2017 @ 9:09 pm
OMG . This is every contemporary mainstream country musical cliche….. from the groove to ” the four chords ” to the cliche lyric and the non-descript vocals ( this could be Shelton , FGL , or ANYBODY ) rolled into one radio-friendly generic ball of nothing …and NOTHING about this thing defines this person as a unique artist….or even an artist …not the production , not the vocal , not the lyric , not the melody , not the chord progression , not the arrangement , not the title and not the video .
All this song says to me is ” Hey …wait a minute …I can sound just like every one of those radio guys ….AND DAMN …..I WANT TO ! ” . Its the ultimate illustration of Nashville completely molding someone for some serious money -making marketing with absolutely NO concern about who he might actually be underneath that Music Row gloss . This is a 3 minute piece of unnecessary Nashville bullshit that doesn’t have one single redeeming thing going for it on any level . If this singer REALLY sees himself as an artist of consequence he would NEVER let something this tragic , this embarrassing and defining happen to him out of the chute . And if he condones it then he is the furthest thing from an artist imaginable .The only thing missing from this crappy song is the ” whoa whoa whoa whoa ” section . How the hell did they forget to add THAT to this mess ?
Christian H
February 7, 2017 @ 11:08 pm
If we were able to sit in the studio and listen to this song with the vocals on mute, not one person would recognize this as a “country” song. Nothing in the music is “country.” This is a straight ahead, over produced, generic, pop “rock” song. And I put “rock” in quotations marks because with that computerized drum beat, it may not qualify as a rock song…There is nothing wrong with playing pop music if that is what one likes. Just please stop calling it “country” music. I rarely allow myself to write negative comments on here, but sheesh, this is just not country music.
albert
February 8, 2017 @ 7:53 am
Exactly , Christian …..and removing the vocal would be a great way to demonstrate your point …. for just about EVERY song these singers call ” Country ” music . It is simply BAD pop music
Christian H
February 8, 2017 @ 11:34 pm
Haha! Thanks for the good laugh, Albert! Your emphasis on capital letters and …. pauses is nearly audible. Made me laugh out loud!
Craig
February 8, 2017 @ 6:56 am
I read SCM and I really want to think that radio is coming around but every morning I listen to ‘After Midnight’ for the ten minutes it takes me to get down the mountain and into Satellite range and honestly the new country is worse than Bro Country. Keith Urban and Carrie, the new Maren Morris, this – at least Bro Country had character – it was bad character, but it was there. This new stuff is so vanilla it makes Disney seem edgy.
TJ Neyland
February 8, 2017 @ 10:07 am
Shut the fuck up about saying this is a bad song. This is currently one of the best songs on the radio right now.
Trigger, I hate your website because you give mainstream country songs and mainstream country albums bad reviews. Mainstream Country is the best type of country.
Trigger
February 8, 2017 @ 10:51 am
What’s even more sad than a troll is a troll that’s not even very good. You just got your ass sent to moderation. Keep it up, and I’ll block you in total. Offer something of value to the discussion, or go back to YouTube.
TJ Neyland
February 8, 2017 @ 11:04 am
Sorry Trigger, But I Do Love Mainstream Country
Trigger
February 8, 2017 @ 11:44 am
Okay then explain why. Do just be contrarian because you think it’s cool and hard cuss other commenters.
TJ Neyland
February 8, 2017 @ 12:10 pm
I don’t really thinks it cool, but when someone hates a song like Sam Hunt’s Latest Single “Body Like a Back Road” I get mad.
scott
February 8, 2017 @ 11:57 am
TJ, you just got added to the List!!
TJ Neyland
May 10, 2017 @ 3:56 pm
Fine!
I’m sorry about that.
I actually like this website, but I want you to give more mainstream country songs good reviews.
Chris31
February 8, 2017 @ 8:13 pm
This guy has come to a bar in my area a few times, Didn’t check him out for whatever reason before now. This song has all the ingredients needed to be a main stream country hit. He may actually make music that’s country but because this was my introduction to his music I have no interest in digging deeper into his catalog.
JB
February 9, 2017 @ 7:54 am
I’ve been lurking on here for a few months now because I wanted to learn and understand why you all think the way you do about traditional Country VS current Pop Country/music off the row etc….. I’ve got the most open mind in the world when it comes to music and like most people I can only say for me if I like I like it and sometimes I can explain to you why and sometimes I can’t. I’ve given a listen to everything current you guys have touted on here from Simpson to Jinks etc…. and some of it is great and some kinda boring old trad which normally I was never into but can enjoy it somewhat now thanks to you guys. No I don’t listen to Sam Hunt or Chris Lane etc… I know when shit ain’t even close to Country…lol but I do love Aaron Lewis’ music, Granger/Dibbles is great as is Brantley to me. Loved The Cadillac Three show last week. It’s ok if it isn’t to you. I get it!
The first thing I do when I like something is find out if THEY wrote it. As you can see I at least go for the guys that write their own. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like any song that comes off the row. A good song is a good song and this is a business. Luke Combs wants to be able to make a living in a business where if you don’t sell tickets you’ll have a very tough time of it. The song is what it is a contrived CountPop (I’m sure you know the way I pronounce that…lol) single. It’s going to naturally be tougher for guys that aren’t pretty in a pretty boy world that’s for sure. I don’t listen to Country radio that much. I’m an album guy, not a radio single guy. The album has to stand in it’s entirety on it’s own or it doesn’t get into my play list. I love a good single though within the context of a great album. I’m not a troll and I hope I’ll be welcome here sometimes giving the opposing opinion. Trigger?
Trigger
February 9, 2017 @ 9:41 am
Opposing viewpoints are always welcome here, and encouraged.
With Luke Combs specifically, there seems to be a lot of folks that want to give him credit for things that don’t have to do with this song. At some point he will put out an album review, or I may go see him live, and then we’ll look at his music in a broader context. But for now, I can’t give this song extra credit points just because he wrote it, or just because somebody met him in a bar once and he’s a nice guy, or “you should go back and listen to his older stuff.” I actually did that, and I thought his “outlaw” song was even worse than this one. Nonetheless, this is just one song, and one review. But it is the song that will and has introduced millions of people to Luke Combs, so it deserves to be considered on its own merit. There will be opportunities to zoom out and get a broader perspective on Luke in the future.
Dave
February 9, 2017 @ 11:03 am
To make it on radio, you have to sound like someone else for a couple of singles and then establish your own voice. It’s been that way for years. It’s the game.
albert
February 9, 2017 @ 6:33 pm
”To make it on radio, you have to sound like someone else for a couple of singles and then establish your own voice. It’s been that way for years. It’s the game”
If you merely want to be well-known or , possibly , make a few $$$ playing ‘the game ‘ , there are WAY easier and quicker ways to do that in other fields .
However , if you are an HONEST country artist with something to say ….something you believe in and a sound which embraces the traditions of the genre then imitating the last 100 guys for ” a couple of singles ” is going to leave you a totally frustrated and unfulfilled person hating yourself for sacrificing your authenticity and passions by selling out to fashion , trend and the most finicky young ‘ music’ fans on the planet . If you are REAL , you aren’t in ‘ the game’ to seduce ” country” radio into playing you by sounding like everyone else . If you are REAL , you understand implicitly that ” country ” radio ISN’T !
JB
February 9, 2017 @ 11:37 pm
I get that but what if you want to make a living, not work a day job AND play some form (and I use the term loosely) of Country music what are your options? I love what you all stand for but do any people on this site have experience in the music business? In this day and age like any other it’s real hard to make a living in the music business with zero airplay. Isn’t it?
Trigger
February 9, 2017 @ 11:52 pm
No, it’s not. Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell have virtually zero airplay. Chris Stapleton is the biggest thing in country music right now, and his airplay is very limited. The idea that airplay is the path to stardom or even sustainability is completely outmoded, and the reason Music Row is chasing its own tail. You spend $1 million to get a song to #1 that makes you $500K, and hope it translates when it comes to ticket sales at live shows. IHeartMedia and Cummulus are teetering on bankruptcy. There are other routes. Chris Stapleton proved that. So have Margo Price, The Alabama Shakes, and The Avett Brothers who sell out arenas now. And what fun is getting to the top if you lose yourself along the way?
JB
February 10, 2017 @ 7:26 am
You’re right Trigger Sturgill has zero airplay and 2 Grammy nods for an album that even has you guys scratching your heads about if it even IS Country or not. I’ll give Jason Isbell a listen. Obviously Stapleton had already had a publishing deal and was collecting $$ for songs he wrote for others before he broke with THE album. I have no problem with Stapletons success. He paid his dues.
Being a big Granger Smith fan I went back and listened to his first 7 albums all of various degrees of being trad Country. He paid his dues as well. Do you consider him a sellout now? I don’t think for one minute he’s not being true to himself even if the production and management has changed. I know he didn’t write “If The Boot Fits” but the other songs for me are pretty good some obviously more over produced than others. Heck he has mouths to feed!…LOL
LC
February 12, 2017 @ 7:15 am
Trigger, Luke here. Been a fan of your site for years and still am! Always appreciate your writing and to not have had my ass handed to me too bad here haha. Hope to meet you in the future, keep fighting the good fight.
TJ Neyland
April 20, 2017 @ 5:28 pm
Are you Luke Combs?
Lynn Oliver-Cline
February 20, 2017 @ 7:46 pm
Hey Kyle – I originally signed Luke to an indie record deal at River House Artists in Feb 2016. And while it’s true we did do a venture with Sony (who is a great partner) in October 2016, Luke made the exact record he wanted to make before he signed there.
Also, it’s worth noting when I met Luke, I discovered 100% of his listeners were searching for him on demand on all digital service providers. 100%…Hurricane was not playlisted on Spotify until May of last year. We obviously couldn’t be more thankful for those playlists because millions of people can discover his music, and then of course come to see his live shows. He is a gem of a human and the talent is limitless, he couldn’t be more engaged on every level. And that’s why he is succeeding. Lastly, there will be something for every kind of country music fan on his full record because that’s just who he is as an artist. We would love to have you out to a show so you can see for yourself. He is just getting started.
All the best,
Lynn Oliver-Cline
Cathy
May 10, 2017 @ 3:27 pm
Anyone know who the guy is in the video Hurricane?
DJ
September 22, 2017 @ 10:16 pm
I went on a date with a girl that played this song over and over. I legit thought about hopping out of a moving car and eating pavement.