Gavin DeGraw Describes New Country-Leaning Album
Last month, Gavin DeGraw revealed that the new album he’s working on will go in a different musical direction: country. At the time, he clarified that his will be a songwriter’s record, which he feels fits with today’s country market. In a new interview yesterday, Gavin spoke more about his country-leaning new music. This time, he compared it to the sound of John Mellencamp, Bob Seger, and Tom Petty. Based on those references, it will likely be along the lines of heartland rock.
Gavin stopped by WALK 97.5 in New York. In an interview with Christina Kay yesterday, Gavin revealed his plans about making a country-leaning new album:
I’m making a record. I’m gonna make a record geared a little bit more toward what the new country market is open to. Which is interesting – it’s not necessarily cowboy country anymore. It’s kind of along the lines of more what I’m looking to do, which is a Mellencamp meets a Seger meets a Tom Petty. So not so far in the country realm. It’s not gonna sound like a Dodge commercial – “this is Ram country!” (laughs). It’s not gonna be quite like that.
It’s gonna be a songwriter’s record. Right now, the country market is a market that embraces songwriters like me, and it’s a good place to go, but Hot AC is still the right place for me, too. I’m not abandoning my bread and butter at all, because this genre has been family to me. I just want to spread my wings a little bit more.
This is certainly intriguing. In all honesty, we’re a bit relieved that Gavin doesn’t plan to go too far down the “cowboy country” route. While his music has always had a rootsy quality to it, making such a drastic change in sound could be alienating. His choice to play a sort of fusion between his pop rock and the country music of today sounds more palatable. And comparing his new music with the likes John Mellencamp, Bob Seger, and Tom Petty puts him in good company!
Watch the video of Gavin’s interview below. Conversation about his next album starts at 5:25:
One year ago, Gavin’s mother passed away after a battle with cancer. In November, Gavin spoke about the “gospel” sounding songs he was writing in the aftermath of his mother’s passing. At the time, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to finish any of those songs or if they’d appear on his next album. We predict that at least some of the songs on his next record will touch on this tragic subject, though.
Something Worth Saving
Gavin’s last album, Something Worth Saving, came out in September 2016. It launched the singles “She Sets The City On Fire” and “Making Love With The Radio On,” plus a live music video for the title track one year ago.
It’s only been two years since his last album, and Gavin will likely spend a few more months writing and recording. We may get his new album by the end of this year, but 2019 may be more likely. We already anticipated it to be very intimate, honest, and emotional – as some of his best music is. And, as we now know, it’ll have a slightly more country-leaning, singer-songwriter style.
Gavin let slip that he recently worked on a song with country singer Brett Young. He’s currently on a co-headlining tour with Phillip Phillips, which ends in just a few days.
What do you think of Gavin’s description of his new country-leaning music? Are you excited for it? Let us know what you think of his change in direction! And as always, keep checking back here for all the latest Gavin DeGraw music news.
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