Song Review – Silverada’s “Wallflower”
An increased level of interest comes with the debut of Silverada’s first new single after the band recently changed their name from Mike and the Moonpies. Would the sound change as well? Or would it still be the same great band, just a new name? When it comes to the song “Wallflower,” the answer is yes, and yes.
What made Mike and the Moonpies America’s favorite independent honky tonk bands is how they encapsulated little slices of the honky tonk life into their songs, playing off of country music’s clichés in smart ways. Their song “You Look Good in Neon” is a good example of this.
“Wallflower” fits right into that same vein, incorporating the nickname for folks that roll solo and often keep to themselves even in social situations. In this case, a wallflower becomes a barfly and the allure of the protagonist’s eye.
Instead of relying solely on that late ’70s Gary Stewart sound that the old Mike and the Moonpies leaned into, there’s more gas behind “Wallflower,” veering deeper into the rock territory than we’ve heard from this outfit previously. Yet with the lyricism and Zachary Moulton’s signature lightning flutters on the steel guitar, it ensures “Wallflower” is still a country song, just one that includes an ’80s rock and roll kick.
“Wallflower” isn’t just the first new song from Mike and the Moonpies since the name change. It’s also the first song with the band since they added drummer Taylor Englert, sans the two standalone songs from their recent Redbird EP. Englert comes with a bit more attack and tempo in his approach, and “Wallflower” reflects that.
This was the song that Silverada opened with at Mile 0 Fest last week after revealing the new name, and no doubt it was a crowd-pleaser. One challenge for the band has been instilling their studio recordings with the same energy as their live shows. “Wallflower” is a step in that direction.
Silverada’s self-titled album is due out on June 28th, and it’s sure to include some of the more sentimental and thoughtful songwriting that Silverada frontman Mike Harmier is also known for. But for now, it’s time to rock with “Wallflower.”
February 2, 2024 @ 8:14 am
Hell yeah!
I love it!
Adding some horns in there too.
February 2, 2024 @ 8:28 am
This sounds like something that should be on the soundtrack for Footloose.
I’m going reserve judgement for “some of the more sentimental and thoughtful songwriting that Silverada frontman Mike Harmier is also known for.”
My favorite Mike and the Moonpies songs are “One is the Whiskey” and “Darlin’ Your Crazy,” so I might not be the target audience for “Wallflower.”
Just of note, as of this morning and the release of Silverada’s first single, all previous catalog is still under Mike and the Moonpies in all the streaming services I checked. Maybe this takes time and some legal hurdles, but it’s what I was worried about with a name change from a band with this deep of catalog.
February 2, 2024 @ 8:29 am
This song was a real bitch to find one Spotify.
February 2, 2024 @ 9:09 am
I couldn’t find it at all last night but it pulled up for me fine this morning. Clearly some kinks to work out with the name change.
February 2, 2024 @ 8:37 am
I feel like a copy of Eliminator was included in the mixing process on this one.
February 2, 2024 @ 8:46 am
The name may have changed, but the song remains the same……. Excellent!!! I love the cover art for the song as well, you all know how picky I am with that shit. I like the blue Silverada look on the pool table too. I know it’s not ON the pool table, but on the graphic I mean. Everything matters. I always call it like I hear it, and this is a good start. It’ll be atop the singles playlist here at the mansion.
February 2, 2024 @ 9:02 am
Mike’s wife, Chase, comes up with some killer artwork and designs for all their merch. Guess it pays off to be in a band and be married to a graphic designer.
February 2, 2024 @ 12:01 pm
The MMP on the tag of the lady’s jeans is great! A little easter egg in the artwork.
As for the song, maybe it’ll be “One to Grow On” for me. Time will tell!
February 2, 2024 @ 8:59 am
The song has an 80s Tom Petty vibe with no soul. I hope this is not direction that they’re headed. The tune is ok, but not in the same league as songs released by Mike and the Moonpies.
February 2, 2024 @ 12:55 pm
Panhandler,
I get what you mean but I would never use Tom Petty as an example in a negative way! Agreed this is a different sound than much of my fave Moonpies work.
February 2, 2024 @ 4:56 pm
Oh, I love Tom Petty! I was just trying to say that the song/vocals had a Petty feel to me but was nowhere near Tom’s expressiveness.
February 2, 2024 @ 9:06 am
“One challenge for the band has been instilling their studio recordings with the same energy as their live shows. “Wallflower” is a step in that direction.“
You sure about that?
February 2, 2024 @ 9:38 am
I don’t know anything about anything, but I watch Rick Beato and he talks about compressed mixes or something like that. Is that what the problem is? I just don’t get any emotion from the track. Mike seems to be singing with grit, but the mix doesn’t translate it. Maybe someone can jump in and say if I am talking nonsense or tracking. Anyways, that’s my take.
February 3, 2024 @ 8:56 am
It’s very compressed, yes. The low pitched, dead snare drum where every hit is the same volume like it’s a drum machine and is the loudest thing in the mix is also a bit of a trend. Probably what’s missing for you dynamically is that the guitar hook and the solos are pretty quiet in the mix. If you are going to have a minute long solo in your song it should be heard.
February 2, 2024 @ 9:52 am
Generic
February 2, 2024 @ 9:52 am
I have looked every which way I can to find it on Spotify with no luck. This whole name change thing is a bit hinky so far.
February 2, 2024 @ 9:53 am
https://open.spotify.com/track/0nOnOJQg3Zbuv9283EmMHR?si=8b36d80c3c564acd
February 2, 2024 @ 10:47 am
Thanks. Much less honky and also less tonky than their normal stuff. I dig it. Anxious to see what else they have in store for us.
February 2, 2024 @ 9:55 am
I freaking love it. But I’m a far cry from your traditional style fan on this site. Some rock in my country music is never a bad thing for my ears. And if it does have a little Tom Petty-ness to it, all the better. Nothing is for everyone but this song is definitely for me.
The song didn’t show up in my release radar this morning so Spotify has not connected the new with the old yet.
JB – back in the McMansion I see? Good. I figured that trailer wasn’t gonna last long.
February 2, 2024 @ 10:06 am
So, is this a reach for radio airplay or what? I mean, if “White Horse” can be a country radio smash for Stapleton, why not this song for Silverada? Corey Kent’s got a single out now called “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” that has this sort of a vibe to it. This also reminds me of REO Speedwagon’s “Ridin’ the Storm Out.”
Bottom line is I’m OK with this song, but not sure how it fits into the mission of saving country music other than it features real instruments and no trap beats.
February 2, 2024 @ 10:43 am
Pretty bland radio friendly affair,one listen and I feel I’ve heard it tins of times before
February 2, 2024 @ 11:29 am
Name change.
Crappy song.
Not a good trend.
February 2, 2024 @ 11:57 am
I just saw where Mike’s wife said that the album has Dire Straits and Springsteen vibes. So, personally, between this song and that statement, I don’t think this one is gonna be for me…
February 3, 2024 @ 5:42 am
I guess I am just too in love with country because most country artists that depart represent a sad loss and a total failure for me. Ray Wylie’s repeated minor pentatonic albums just make me sad.
February 3, 2024 @ 11:46 am
If we’re talking early Dire Straits and much of Knopfler’s solo work, I could be in for that. If we’re talking the Money for Nothing sound, no thanks.
February 2, 2024 @ 12:02 pm
Lyrics seem good to me upon the first few listens, but not a huge fan of the sound. Was hoping for more of an evolution of ‘One to Grow on’ which I’m not hearing from this single, seems like a pretty hard left into a more rock sound. Dunno.
February 2, 2024 @ 12:39 pm
I really like it. Yes it’s a little different feel from their other stuff but it sounds great to me.
I found it easily on Apple Music, too.
This makes me excited for the new album.
February 2, 2024 @ 12:45 pm
Sonically this reminds me of Sing Along off Sound & Fury. Not sure that’s a good thing.
February 2, 2024 @ 2:46 pm
Yeah that’s exactly what it reminded me of too. I like it though, it’s fun and danceable!
February 2, 2024 @ 1:29 pm
Definitely following that aesthetic that Midland has used for years.
February 2, 2024 @ 1:43 pm
Are you sure that’s not vice versa?
February 2, 2024 @ 10:25 pm
Yes. Midland adopted a certain look on their Instagram. The artwork for Silverada looks close to that theme. Midland adopted this whole pseudo Eagles Cowboy Metrosexual look. Except no one in Silverada could model underwear outside of a K-mart ad.
February 2, 2024 @ 11:17 pm
You’re out of your depth here Strait. I’ve done reams of deep research into the origins of Midland, and very specifically the relationship with Mike and the Moonpies, now Silverada. There is a reason Mark Wystrach once said he wanted to kick my ass.
You can start here:
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/the-midland-authenticity-dilemma/
February 3, 2024 @ 3:19 pm
I was around for those articles. Back when you were openly censoring my comments and shutting down the comment sections like a little girl.
February 3, 2024 @ 10:55 am
“Except no one in Silverada could model underwear outside of a K-mart ad.”
: D Hi, Strait.
Going to have to disagree.
Think Omar could model some Calvin Klein’s, & look mighty fine up on a Times Square ad.
But, we don’t want to distract him right now.
Not while the boys are trying hard to throw some pizzazz out there.
Does Omar sing?
February 2, 2024 @ 10:27 pm
Midland wasnt the band who recently changed their name in an effort to re-brand themselves. I guarentee you that Midland was never influenced by Mike and the Moonpies.
February 2, 2024 @ 11:18 pm
Guarantee, huh?
February 3, 2024 @ 3:29 pm
I am well aware of Midland trying to fabricate an image of being a Texas dive bar band when they were not. But I don’t know why it’s impossible for you to entertain the idea that Silverada is changing their image in ways that seems to mirror the “polished” country look that Midland has used for a few years. This has nothing to do with the music itself. It’s about the image that each puts out. Midland is a bunch of role-playing liars, but their social media presence is slick. Mike and the Moonpies changed their name to open themselves up to a wider audience because their image before wasn’t cutting it. It’s not a condemnation of their music if they adopt some of the social media slickness of Midland.
February 2, 2024 @ 1:49 pm
Oh, man. I don’t know about this.
I immediately loved “Paycheck to Paycheck” when it dropped and it got me absolutely hyped for One To Grow On, which I adore. I didn’t think Steak Night would ever be unseated as my favorite Moonpies album but One To Grow On did it. That album was perfect.
This single though, “Wallflower”, isn’t doing anything for me. The production, the vocals, the vibe, it’s just not there. If the band was trying to make a big splash with this, and with the name change, I’m just not feelin’ it and I can’t imagine they’re going to attract many new fans with this.
Maybe the album as a whole will be good, but we gotta wait close to five more months? Seems like a long damn time. I hate to say it but everything about all this lately with these guys just seems off. I hope I’m proven wrong when the album drops.
February 2, 2024 @ 11:55 pm
+1 to all of this
February 3, 2024 @ 10:26 am
Interesting, this is the first M&TMP song that grabs me. They’re growing, and that’s good. Some fans will follow, some won’t, that’s life.
February 2, 2024 @ 2:28 pm
I am speculating this name change was for the radio push only. There is no telling what obstacles they had to jump through to get to the radio. With this thought Im sure they have lost a lot of independence. Maybe the name change is to protect(and keep) the rights to all the awesome music Mike has written and the Moonpies have performed. Hopefully, their live shows are bangers with all the better than radio country music tunes that we all LOVE!!
February 2, 2024 @ 3:06 pm
I actually love it and I think the artwork is glorious. But after reading this comments section, I’m thinking if they do end up garnering a bigger fanbase with this or future releases, the older fans will always look down on the newer fans and no matter how good the music is, the constant refrain will be: “They were so much better when they were Mike and the Moonpies.” But I suppose that’s inevitable.
February 2, 2024 @ 4:53 pm
If it doesn’t get sent to radio, or if it gets sent to radio and radio goes with another Applebee’s song instead (ha), I think the SCM rank and file will be more willing to accept the Moonpies/Silverada transition than it radio loves it and it’s the hit that “Hour on the Hour” should have been and establishes Silverada as a mainstream presence. My gut feeling is that Mike’s voice is not what the core mainstream audience or mainstream program directors are looking for. Very curious to hear more new Silverada material to get a better idea of where the band is headed musically.
February 3, 2024 @ 10:33 am
I think you’re both right. As with any act that tries to grow, if Silverada enjoys a bigger audience than they did as the Moon Pies, man I hate that goofy name, purists will piss and moan, but that’s what purists do. Look at all the whiners still bitching about Metallica. (Btw: I love master Of Puppets and The Black Album). Most fans old and new will simply enjoy the music and leave the insufferable to their bitter tears. I don’t think the name change or the new music is going to make these guys a household name, but I think they will do as well as they always have. Either way, I wish them luck!
February 2, 2024 @ 3:31 pm
When turnpike came back and started playing arenas they were no longer for me.
I’m not hopeful this band won’t be the same situation with this new song.
I’m kinda sad
February 2, 2024 @ 6:04 pm
Mike
Was it the music or something else?
February 6, 2024 @ 3:53 pm
I don’t get this.
They didn’t change anything about themselves.
You are just mad they are popular.
February 2, 2024 @ 4:04 pm
Well, at least the name change makes sense now.
February 2, 2024 @ 4:30 pm
This song is sexy and matches the hard driving, high energy live show. I’m a traditionalist as much as the next legalist, but it was high time for the band formerly known as “Mike and the Moonpies” to spread their wings musically. Silverada’s solos are sick and the writing delivers. I’m all for this evolution into something bigger and the exquisite authentic country consistency they’ve had for years. They’ve earned this one many times over. We can have both, guys.
February 2, 2024 @ 6:29 pm
I’ve been trying to come up with a meaningful response to all of this but I think you nailed it. I’m a relatively new fan and have only seen them once and it was at a bar with 200 people. When walking down the sidewalk to the venue, I passed by a fence where you could catch a glimpse of what appeared to the green room smoking area. Luck would have it that I locked eyes with Mike for a brief moment as he was dragging hard on a cig. I had no doubt that he was thinking hard about all sort of things outside of the upcoming show. Anyway, in hindsight it makes perfect sense. We need to let them explore and grow.
February 2, 2024 @ 9:46 pm
FYI, added the video shot at Mile 0 Fest to the review.
February 2, 2024 @ 11:05 pm
So, I have to say while the song is ok, it’s not MMP’s, which was my fear when they talked about a new direction. Personally, whoever convinced them the name was the problem needs to be fired. Silverado is a terrible name, especially for a band of all guys. The name isn’t the problem, Nashville is. They don’t need to become another pop-country act, which is where it sounds they are headed. Guys, if you see this, go back to MMP, and get a better promoter. Don’t try to fit Nashville.
February 2, 2024 @ 11:37 pm
I really hope the guys have success with the re-brand, there isn’t a more deserving band in independent country IMO. That being said, I’m in agreement with most of the commenters here. I’m not a huge fan of the Silverada name, although it is starting to, if not grow on me, at least sound ok in my head.
This song, though, is just not for me and I hope it’s not a sign of a permanent direction change. I’ve never liked the Springsteen thing or 80’s rock so the sound does nothing for me, and I agree with one of the commenters who said he thinks there’s something off with the production on the new single. Hearing that the new album will be a Springsteen thing is really disappointing, beyond just not liking Springsteen I’m not a big fan of genre fusion. I listen to a lot of genres of music because I like them as they are, and the artist who can really pull off a great fusion style is rare.
One to Grow On is a fantastic record that should’ve launched them to the next level but it didn’t. I don’t disagree that they need to do something to crack that ceiling and I really do hope that this reboot is the shot in the arm they need, even if the upcoming record isn’t for me. I’m sure their live show will still be the best in the genre and I’m still going to purchase and stream the upcoming record to support the guys, but this single is confirming my worst fears about the re-brand. I fell in love with MMP for their Texas honky tonk sound, great musicianship, and Mike’s songwriting (which I rank as the best in the independent scene) and this new track isn’t doing anything for me aesthetically or lyrically. I’m also pessimistic about this Springsteen rock thing being what will grab them a whole new audience but I’ve never really had my fingers on the pulse of the mainstream so it very well could end up being the shot in the arm they need.
BTW Trig, when they dropped the live record back in the fall they mentioned putting out a concert film of the show on amazon prime, is that still coming or has it been scrapped?
February 3, 2024 @ 4:00 am
Springsteen songwriting is much more country than what people think , especially some records..(Nebraska,tunnel of love, lucky town etc..), not to mention the Seeger sessions
February 3, 2024 @ 3:27 am
What odds would I get for the Moonpies name being back within two years?
February 3, 2024 @ 6:44 am
Like a Chris Gaines moment,
February 3, 2024 @ 5:57 am
I saw them live recently and they played a few new songs, and those songs were much more in the vain of “One to Grow On.” Both the new tunes were great. This song has really grown on me, but I’m not quite sure it was the best lead single. Opinions seem very mixed here, and it doesn’t help that they just changed their name.
I still like the song, and would reckon that most fears will be a non issue once the album is released. There’s no band, except MAYBE Turnpike that I trust more to release a great album at this point. Let it ride.
February 3, 2024 @ 7:07 am
Same meh, different name.
February 3, 2024 @ 7:24 am
…after their great swiss gig last spring, i told mike harmeier afterwards in the interview that i see them not as a revolutionary but an evolutionary band. he laughed and found that opinion rather appropriate. seeing what’s happening now, i guess i was not off the mark there in my cover story on them and mike and the moonpies continue doing what they have been doing all along – just under a new name. sounds good to me.
February 3, 2024 @ 8:00 am
I like this song. Don’t love it. More of an album filler track. With such a huge gamble in changing their name of such an iconic band, you would have thought a little more thought would have been put in to debuting with a blazer of a new single. Super curious about the new album now.
Anyone catch the Bri Bagwell cameos in the video? Anyone else in there I missed?
February 3, 2024 @ 9:02 am
This is straight up terrible. I only made it through the first verse. Shameful garbage.
February 3, 2024 @ 9:32 am
As a total outsider to the scene (never been to a live show) my feeling is that this band lost something when the pianist left. Even aside from losing that instrument, it’s been less of a traditional country sound since; this includes One go Grow On, which still certainly had some great songs, of which my favorite was “Brother” even though it was less traditional country.
My favorite songs of their’s are on the early albums, such as “Sunday” and “Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em.”
February 3, 2024 @ 10:18 am
I dig it. For me, the new drummer is a game changer, though I love all their previous work as well. Looking forward to what the new album holds.
February 3, 2024 @ 10:37 am
I’m glad the band added David Spade on guitar and vocals. I’m kidding, sort of. The whole Joe Dirt schtick is a bit lame, but I like this song. Looking forward to the new album.
February 3, 2024 @ 11:34 am
Just want to say a few things here.
First, I can’t express enough the difference between the online reaction to all of this stuff, and the real world reaction. I say this as someone who witnessed the press conference on the name change first hand, and saw Silverada open their show down here in Key West with “Wallflower” last week when the video was shot. The reception for both things was majority positive.
I feel like some folks think I’m running interference for Silverada, or looking through rose colored glasses due to being a fan of the band. But really, I think it’s because I’m see the real world aspect of this rollout as opposed to the online one. I also most certainly recognize they negativity happening online. I just have greater context to fit it in.
I remember when Jason Isbell released “Death Wish” from his last album “Weathervanes.” Many decided it was too rock, and a wrong direction for Isbell. Then he released “Cast Iron Skillet,” and a lot of people went, “Oh shit..” Then we heard “King of Oklahoma” and the rest of “Weathervanes,” and most everyone was on board.
I don’t know if it will be the same for the new Silverada album. But I’ve been doing this way too long to judge the direction of a band off a lead single, which is always the song that looks to attract new fans as opposed to satiating the existing ones. That’s why it’s a lead single.
I am surprised how quick folks are deciding to sour or even jump ship on this thing. I also think it’s wild to see folks talking about how they’re going mainstream, or reaching for radio play when they don’t even have a label.
Another thing I’ve observed is how supportive Silverada’s fellow artists are of all of this.
I think patience is important here. Let’s see where this all goes. If it turns out to be a train wreck, I’ll be the first to call it such. But the train has just left the station.
February 3, 2024 @ 5:01 pm
Regardless of any of what you wrote here, the song is horrendously cringey. I’ve been around d long enough to remember how much you despised Hank 3’s GTAG album. There wasn’t anything on that as cringey and half assed as this song. This is the kind of country sound I come here to find ways to avoid.
February 3, 2024 @ 6:39 pm
This feels harsh, but I hear your feedback, and I hear all the other criticisms folks have with the song, and with the new name. This is one of the reasons I continue to host a comments section. Even if I disagree with things, I think it’s important to stay connected with how people are feeling about this stuff.
February 3, 2024 @ 10:38 pm
Fair point, and agreed.
February 6, 2024 @ 8:49 am
No offense, but what I read here about the “real world support” was:
In a very small echo chamber, at a music festival that limits capacity (which drives up prices and ensures that only people that really, really want to be there are there), surrounded by other musicians who play the same music and have been very close, or at least friendly, with each other for years and years and years – everyone absolutely loved the change.
Sorry, bud. Not quite sure that’s any more “real world” than the varied people who post on your site, buy their records, go to their shows – but can’t travel to or afford to head to the Key West Clicque Club every January.
What you’re reading IS the “real world” reaction.
February 6, 2024 @ 9:09 am
I think the tone of this comment is off. I have said numerous times that I respect people’s opinions here and take them seriously. But I do think there is a different between online chatter and real world impact. Mile 0 Fest isn’t a “clique” festival. It’s 4,000 people. I’m simply trying to contextualize the criticism and promote patience. i think that’s very reasonable.
February 6, 2024 @ 9:49 am
Well, since we’re now criticizing the “tone” of comments, as well as pointing out spelling and grammatical errors (“clique”) :
1. The “i” that begins your last sentence should be capitalized and read as “I”.
2. You may believe the tone of my comment is “wrong”, but that’s sorta your opinion. You distinctly differentiated online versus “real world” by using a 4,000 person festival as your base for this assessment. 4,000 people is not large, by any means. 4,000 people who are all there for the same thing and have been continually going there for years is a pretty biased sample. You can like it or hate it, but, in my opinion, it is an echo chamber.
3. You have said that you respect online opinions. You have also consistently referred to them as “shitposters” and, as I said above, differentiated them from “real world”, definitely in a negative context, if you were to ask me.
4. I have no issue with you liking the band and their changes, or your opinion on them. But, the way you seem to immediately attack anyone’s opinion who doesn’t agree with yours is evident to many. Many people have called it out.
It’s your website, so you’re welcome to do this. But in my mind, it certainly makes you appear as more of an opinion rag and less as a legitimate publication. But, you are free to do that.
5. I like Mike Harmeier. When I’ve spoken to him, he seems like a nice guy. I like the Moonpies very much, and I love their music. Not a fan of this new stuff, however.
The issue is this. If we could be honest with ourselves, for a moment, and I believe quite a few people here would agree with me: Mike Harmeier could record himself farting into a glass jar and you’d call it the most innovative step ever taken in country music. It’s very, very evident that you’re very, very much in love with them. Like, REALLY in love with them. And, dude, that’s cool (see above for the part about your website and whatnot). At least to me, that sort of blind love that you exude and, yes, “running interference” for the band, just makes your opinions hard to take seriously, though.
Again, I do appreciate what you’re doing here. But, I also see why people view your site as slightly “less” than a real source of country music review and news.
February 6, 2024 @ 10:11 am
I’m too busy to get too deep into this Red Barrons. But I definitely was not calling people who don’t like the name or the song “shitposters.” I’m honestly just trying to do what I can to advocate for people to see how all of this plays out. If the name change and new album end up being bad, I’ll be the first to say so. We’re just not at a point right now where anyone can determine that.
February 3, 2024 @ 2:06 pm
This song was on XM Outlaw Country this morning. Not sure if that counts as radio play, but it’s getting some exposure.
February 3, 2024 @ 9:11 pm
The song isn’t the issue for me. I’ve actually enjoyed it and listened to it quite a bit already. My issue (which is really their issue) is how this all rolled out. It seems strange to me that they chose to create separate accounts on every platform (splitting Silverada and Mike and the Moonpies) rather than merging them. It’s not like they are going to stop playing Mike and the Moonpies songs. It feels like they are completely starting from scratch which doesn’t seem like it will benefit them in any way. It feels like a lot of this is going to get lost along the way and people either aren’t going to realize/remember the name change or just choose to let this next phase go on without them on board.
February 6, 2024 @ 8:33 am
To me, this is the literal definition of selling out.
You have a band that has a name. As a general rule, you play a certain type of music. You’re really, really good at it. Unfortunately, your type of music has simply passed out of the popular public consciousness many, many years ago. You have a large niche group of fans who support you. People respect the hell out of you for playing a “lost” style – bringing alive a sound that they miss. You live okay – not great, but okay.
But, that’s not enough. You’ve toiled for years traveling around, playing smaller venues. But you can’t hit it “big”. It’s not your fault, it’s just that your style of music isn’t as popular as it once was. Sure, some artists here and there who play music like yours have made it, but you sorta remember that they had to change their sound to do it. Sturgill? He made it big. But it wasn’t by playing bluegrass. It was by getting a different, more popular sound. You want more. We’ve all felt it.
So, like the rest of us, you “change jobs”. You change your music to sound like other stuff that’s more popular. Sure, you still sorta resemble what you were, but you’re certainly not the same as you used to be. Remember, that didn’t work. You even change your name. And, with any luck, you’ll make it big and make lots of money.
But, always remember, you didn’t do it by doing what you did originally. You did it by changing. You did it by selling out.
Do I blame you? No. It’s cool that you’re now making lots of money and fame and whatnot. But I certainly no longer respect you. And, for me at least, your new style isn’t what I like.
No hard feelings. It’s just business.
February 6, 2024 @ 3:52 pm
You nailed it.
This change is no different than when Chris Young went from singing traditional country music to full-on Metro Bro. He sold out because being a B-Level star didn’t satisfy him.
The name change, the new sound, etc.
It screams, “We want to be popular and successful.”