Chase Rice On Collaborating with Thomas Rhett: ‘I’m In!’

Following the chart-topping smash hit “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” with award-winning duo Florida Georgia Line – Chase Rice has been embracing the success of his No.1 single and keeping up the positive momentum in the studio. His drive and party-like anthem did not go unnoticed by fellow musicians in the industry. 

In fact, the multi-platinum and CMA Awards nominee Thomas Rhett recently sent Rice a text message proposing a collaboration. During an exclusive Country Now interview, the “Ready Set Roll” singer revealed that it was a fan that encouraged Rhett to reach out in the first place. 

“He’s another one that texted me a little while ago,” says Rice after explaining that he was recently chatting with Brantley Gilbert about a potential tour. “Somebody posted that they wanted to hear me and Thomas collab, and he texted the screenshot and sent it to me and said, ‘we should at least try.’ 

When Country Now reporter Tiffany Goldstein questioned when the two would be joining forces, he responded with, “I’m in! He just has to let me know.” With the ball now in Rhett’s court, Rice will remain focus on penning his forthcoming record that is set to drop this spring. 

Alongside award-winning producer Jay Joyce, Rice recently whipped up a moving melody that serves as a teaser to his upcoming album. Released on Friday, October 8, fans received “If I Were Rock & Roll,” which highlights the individuals in his life who have inspired him to become the best version of himself and his notable vocal control. 

“I wanted to pull from all the stuff that has been a huge influence in my life. From Dale Earnhardt to my military buddy who was on the Bid Laden raid, to Johnny Cash, to Jesus, to my grandpa, and then especially the one that got away,” Rice adds about the inspiration behind the vulnerable lyrics of his latest release. 

The track that has already pulled at heartstrings nationwide marks a massive career milestone for the performer. The toe-tapping tune is the first major release written completely independently by Rice. The musician was motivated to take the creative risk after getting fed up with the negative culture of social media.

“The night I wrote this song, I decided to take a break from social media, so instead of aimlessly scrolling like most nights, I put Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You documentary on my living room TV,” says Rice about the writing process. “I picked up a guitar and wrote ‘If I Were Rock & Roll’ alone In that moment. No track and no cowriters meant I had no choice to focus on the lyrics and lead into what is real to me,” he adds. 

Rice is not the only country hitmaker that is returning back to his roots, getting in touch with his soul, and taking a raw storytelling approach, as Rhett’s track “ Country Again” has quickly become a fan-favorite for his authenticity and the way he stripped away his typical pop-country undertones. 

“This song is so special to me because every line really is autobiographical,” says Rhett in a recent statement that followed the ballad hitting No.1. “But it’s also a song about centering yourself and reconnecting with the things that are truly important to you, which is different for all of us. Being able to share this song with fans each night on the road finally and seeing how it’s resonating with them is something I will never take for granted.” 

After taking the creative leap to explore the traditional side of the country once again, he scored his 12th consecutive No.1 hit in mid-September.

Until music-goers can pop in their headphones to listen to Rhett and Rice jam out together, the two will be honing in on their craft and connecting with fans out on the road separately. Rice will be bringing down the house on Kane Brown’s Blessed & Free Tour in 2022, while Rhett just wrapped his Center Point Road Tour.