Curb recording artist Rodney Atkins is “back and better than ever,” according to Whiskey Riff, with his new single “Caught Up In The Country” available on digital and streaming platforms now and impacting country radio on Monday, April 23.
The lead single and title track off his forthcoming fifth studio album features Atkins’ timeless twang while pushing boundaries through a thunderous beat and vocals from the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The historic a cappella vocal group consisting of students at Nashville’s Fisk University has performed everywhere from the White House to the United Kingdom, where Queen Victoria noted that such a talented group must come from the Music City of the United States – and thus Nashville’s nickname was born.
Atkins recently collaborated with the group at Music City’s iconic Ryman Auditorium and knew he had to include them on his album. The resulting song, called a “contagious country anthem” by The Boot and applauded for its “modern ‘anything goes’ style of production” by Taste of Country, serves as the perfect launching pad for Atkins’ return to country music.
“Listening to the Fisk Jubilee Singers with their hand clapping and foot stomping music is really a spiritual experience,” says Atkins. “When I heard ‘Caught Up In The Country’ I just felt like the two things had to come together. It doesn’t sound like anything I’ve recorded or released before and that also excites me.”
Atkins’ new music follows a season of personal renewal for the platinum-selling artist, which he credits for helping him to take stock not just of where he had been but also where he is going. He married fellow performer Rose Falcon, with whom he welcomed new baby Ryder Falcon Atkins in December, and her impact – whether lyrically, in a duet or just in spirit – is evident throughout Atkins’ new music.
“I equated it to my bow and arrow moment,” Atkins says. “I felt like I needed to stop, take a few steps back. Re-aim. Re-adjust. Get back on target, and to the level I wanted to operate on.”
For more information, visit www.rodneyatkins.com or follow online @RodneyAtkins.
