Chase Rice Continues His Musical Evolution with Upcoming Independent Album, ‘Go Down Singin”

For the album art, Rice recreated a beloved photo of his late father, which served as the artwork for his previous project.

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

August 7, 2024

12:15 pm

Chase Rice Album Art: Go Down Singin’, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell

Chase Rice began a new musical era in 2023 with the release of his acclaimed album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, and later this year, he will continue this new chapter with his brand new album, Go Down Singin’.

Releasing on September 20, the 11-song project features tracks all co-written by Rice. For the album cover, the Diamond-selling songwriter recreated the cover art of I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, mirroring a retro photo of his late father holding two Coors Banquets.

Rice, who was born in Florida and raised in North Carolina, credits his father for inspiring his music, ultimately sharing the artist and man he is today.

In a statement, Rice recalled the advice his father once gave him: “Boy, anyone can play guitar, but no one is gonna really listen to you until you start singing.”

Taking those words to heart, Rice began to create introspective music that reflects his life experiences and the challenges he has faced. His last album marked the beginning of this journey, and he promises more of this introspection in his upcoming project.

“I’m 38 now, and that’s part of it. I’ve journaled since I was 15 years old, but there’s something about being able to tell other people. I’m a deep person, but I don’t know to show it in real life, so I’m trying to do it in my music,” he shared. “For me, Go Down Singin’ is everything about where I am and what I want,” he continues. “I’m starting to see myself as who I want to be, not who I thought I should be. That’s a good start. And I think a lot of men struggle with this stuff, too.”

Looking back on his career, Rice, who co-wrote “Cruise,” one of the biggest country music songs in history, admits he tried emulating other artists and felt a bit confused about his identity along the way.

“For one record, I thought I was Ed Sheeran. For one, I thought I was Florida Georgia Line,” he confessed. “I was 22. I got into the party scene, I got lost. I didn’t know. I was very influenced by Eric Church, and wanted to be like him, though mostly, I was just so confused. You fall into things, being in the studio, and you look back…”

Now, with a clear picture of who he is and what he wants to say, Rice is ready to unleash his new, independent project. Written mostly on guitar and piano, the album finds Rice once again teaming up with producer Oscar Charles, who has previously worked with artists like Boy Named Banjo, Madeline Edwards, and Elvie Shane.

The title track “Go Down Singin’,” was released in June and shares the autobiographical story of the singer/songwriter’s musical journey, from his early beginnings on Broadway to the rejections, to securing a record deal, and now, taking his artistry back into his own hands.

“I’ll spare y’all the details, but a few months ago I decided to leave my record deal and do this thing on my own,” Rice previously explained of the creative shift. “I appreciate the love and songs Broken Bow and I did together. We had a lot of fun, and had two number ones. I made friends and met people that will always be a positive influence in my life. But now it’s time for me to ride this crazy rollercoaster we call the music industry by myself… Guess now it’s on me, if I go down at least I go down singin’.”

Also included on the project is the previously released track “Fireside” and the highly anticipated “That Word Don’t Work No More” featuring lauded songwriter, Lori McKenna.

Go Down Singin’ drops on September 20.

Go Down Singin’ Track List:

Go Down Singin’ (Chase Rice, Blake Pendergrass)
Fireside (Chase Rice, Jackson Dean, Jonathan Sherwood, Oscar Charles)
That Word Don’t Work No More feat. Lori McKenna (Chase Rice, Lori McKenna, Oscar Charles)
Hey God It’s Me Again (Chase Rice, Corey Crowder, Randy Montana)
Oh Tennessee (Chase Rice, Lori McKenna, Oscar Charles)
Haw River (Chase Rice, Blake Pendergrass)
Arkansas (Chase Rice, Rob Baird)
Numbers (Chase Rice, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
If Drinkin’ Helped (Chase Rice, Lori McKenna, Oscar Charles)
Little Red Race Car (Chase Rice, Jackson Nance, Heath Warren)
You In ’85 (Chase Rice, Lori McKenna, Oscar Charles)

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.