Garth Brooks changed musical genres through his alter ego Chris Gaines in 1999, quickly moving away from his country roots.
Aaron Lewis rose to fame as the lead singer of the alternative metal band Staind. He tried his hand at country music with his 2010 song “Country Boy,” and the genre fit like a proverbial glove.
“I lived before cell phones and computers. I know what life was like before the deep state and the Democratic Party gave the ultimate power of computers and the power to brainwash everyone.”
“Doubt prevents you from doing great things in life,” Lewis tells Aline. “I save my doubts for less important times. …Doubt usually prevents great things from happening.”
Lewis added a twist to the makeover. It might beat them all. He emerged as a conservative in an industry openly hostile to its ideology.
“When it comes to recent events, I feel like I have to talk about it. They impact my life, your life, my children’s lives, and my future grandchildren,” Lewis said. says.
Courtesy of Valory Music Company.
His latest album, The Hill, out March 29th, puts a twist on that candid side.
The first track, “Let’s Go Fishing,” hints at the problems facing the country today, but offers no solutions or specifics. Lewis is both angry and comforting, leaving listeners to connect the dots.
I have to work two jobs and rob banks.
To put food on the table and gas in the tank
and everyone knows who is responsible
But today I don’t care about such nonsenseSo let’s go fishing, let’s go with our wishes.
On the stars in the midnight darkness
The world has gone crazy and shit isn’t right
Let’s hide in the hinterland and go for a run
Everything is so messed up I can’t stand it
Let’s go Karen, let’s go Brandon.
and let’s go fishing
There’s a deeper meaning to this song that might get lost in the energy of “Let’s Go Brandon.”
“People expect things to be instantaneous, some type of instant gratification accountability for everything that’s happening right now,” he says. In “Let’s go fishing,” we are asked to “stop for a moment.” Take a moment to check it out and see this from a 10,000 foot view. ”
Another song, “Made in China,” adds a reference not often seen in songs these days.
I was not created by Uyghur children
for a penny on the dollar
Made in America
It says so on the collar.
Proven red, white and blue
roots too thick
Yes, I’m not made in China
Because I’m an American no matter how you look at it.
“The Hill” continues Lewis’ pure approach to country music. Unfiltered. Leave raw if necessary.
“I’ve always believed in the concept that a stripped-down song like this can stand true to itself,” he says, adding that “sonically it’s the best, most honest, purest representation of a song.” Leave only.
That sincerity also shines through in his live act.
“It’s just me on stage. There’s no show. I sit on a stool and play a song or have a conversation. …I do something with what God has blessed me with. “I feel it’s my responsibility to do good,” he says. “I’m very fact-based. When it comes to speaking on stage, I can back it up with receipts.”
As he approaches his 52nd birthday, he’s reminiscing about a time that was very different from America today.
“I lived before cell phones and computers. I know what life was like before the deep state and the Democratic Party gave the ultimate power of computers and the power to brainwash everyone.” he says.
He knows artists are afraid of saying the “wrong” thing and suspects his YouTube channel is being restricted due to pro-American sentiments.
However, he still sees the positive aspects of the information age.
“Just as they are using the internet to create confusion and division among us, we are using the internet to do just the opposite, to find out what is really going on. “It’s a double-edged sword,” he says. “The misinformation they keep saying is true.”
Being honest about his opinions didn’t slow him down as a professional.
His 2021 smash “Am I the Only One” is Only 9 songs It debuted at number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. His Stain reunion album, “Confessions of the Fallen” in October It debuted in 1st place. Four It ranked on the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart for the first time in 12 years.
What is his secret beyond his obvious talent? “Staying true to your morals and values and your ability to speak your mind and have an opinion,” he says of his 25 years at the top of the music business.
Lewis’ reinvention isn’t finished yet. The pure country heard on “The Hill” follows in the footsteps of “Confessions” and he has another project in the works that is different from his existing work.
He describes the sound as similar to “old” Portishead or modern-day Billie Eilish. Although he developed its rough outlines during the pandemic, he believes “ethereal” music has a promising future.
“I’m looking forward to coming back,” he says.
