We have a lifelong love for Uncle Kracker, so the opportunity to ask him about his latest record, Coffee & Beerand the possibility of talking about songs like “Follow Me” amazes us! Coffee & Beeris, as Uncle Kracker says in this interview, a true escape. The record is pure serotonin and feels like a summer day with the wind blowing through your hair. We hope you get as much out of this interview as we did!
Electricity Coffee & Beer Here!
Hi! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! We are long time fans and are so excited to talk about the new album! To start, how would you describe your sound/what you want to achieve with your music to someone who Coffee & Beer is her intro for you?
Hello! Thank you for letting me be here. I have Coffee & Beer as a way to give my fans an escape from the strange times we live in. I wanted to make an album that blended country, pop and rock so listeners could find a little bit of everything they like.
Coffee & Beer is your first full-length album in twelve (!!) years, with so much time between albums. What was going through your mind leading up to this release? What does it mean to you to make this album available to fans?
It’s been quite a journey. Leading up to the release, I was just excited to be releasing music again and connecting with my fans. I think for me it was important to release music that would make people feel optimistic and help them realize that better days are coming – especially at a time when so many of us feel like we’re living in a world full of nonsense.
And speaking of fans, you’ve had a loyal fan base for over two decades who still come to your shows and listen to your music. What’s it like to experience such support in an industry where fame can be fleeting?
It means the world to me. I’ve been in this industry for a long time, so it’s so great to have fans who have supported me through everything and followed my journey from day one. I’ve been very lucky.
What we’ve always loved about you is your ability to seamlessly cross genres, to exist in multiple genres at once, so to speak. Is that intentional? Does it feel more true to your personality as an artist when you don’t pigeonhole yourself?
Thank you for that. I think as an artist I was able to maintain and grow my fan base by being authentically myself. However, I personally don’t fit into a category, so it’s important that my music reflects that. I also love all genres of music and want to show with my music that I’m not just one type of artist, I can do anything.
You said with Coffee & Beer You wanted to make a summer album, which you definitely managed to do, but what albums will you be releasing in the summer?
A lot of rap and a bit of country. At the moment I’m listening to a lot of retro hits like Dr. Dre’s The Chronicleand Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique.
Looking back at your previous career, where you released surprise hits like “Follow Me” and your cover of “Drift Away,” what do you take from those moments as you release your new music?
I think I should just always be grateful for the experience. And not take myself too seriously. I want my music to make listeners feel like a heavy burden has been lifted off their shoulders and that they can feel some joy in dark times. So it’s always important to make sure I’m in the same frame of mind when I release and make the music.
You’re currently touring with country giant Kenny Chesney. What was it like touring with him after being featured on one of his most successful songs to date, which came out 20 years ago this year?
It was the best time! I loved hanging out with my buddy and performing in front of the crowd. Sharing the stage with Kenny and other amazing artists was a highlight of my year.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us! We like to end these interviews by asking what’s on the horizon. What can fans look forward to as we venture into the second half of 2024?
I will continue to tour with Kenny and the gang, as well as performing solo at festivals and other venues. I’m excited to play this new album live for my fans this summer!
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We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite song from the new Uncle Kracker album? Coffee & Beer? Let us know by leaving a comment below or tweeting us at @.Subscribe! We are also on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
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