WATCH: Jason Aldean Addresses Social And Political Issues In New ‘Try That In A Small Town’ Music Video

The singer brings the song to life through clips of current events.

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Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

July 14, 2023

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Jason Aldean; Photo Courtesy of “Try That In A Small Town”/YouTube

Jason Aldean just released a politically-charged music video for his latest single, “Try That In A Small Town.” 

Directed by Shaun Silva, the thought-provoking clip features the country superstar singing the tune at the historic Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, intertwined with clips of current events that bring the song’s lyrics to life.

With this music video, Aldean takes a bold step by using his platform to shine a light on pressing social and political issues. The clip features footage from protests, rallies, and significant moments in history, underscoring the message of the song and its call for action and unity.

At the time of music video’s release, Aldean shared a message with fans via his Instagram, showcasing small-town pride.

“When u grow up in a small town, it’s that unspoken rule of ‘we all have each other’s backs and we look out for each other,’” he wrote on social media. “It feels like somewhere along the way, that sense of community and respect has gotten lost. Deep down we are all ready to get back to that. I hope my new music video helps y’all know that you are not alone in feeling that way.”


“Try That In A Small Town” is a tune that showcases the way Jason Aldean feels about the current state of the world. 

“Well, try that in a small town / See how far ya make it down the road / ‘Round here we take care of our own / You cross that line, it won’t take long / For you to find out, I recommend you don’t / Try that in a small town,” he sings.

Watch Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town” Music Video Below

YouTube video

After listening to “Try That In A Small Town” for the first time, Jason Aldean knew he had to record the tune as he immediately resonated with the message behind the track’s lyrics.

“For me, I heard the song and it just kind of explained to me what’s going on in the world. It resonated with me, I guess is a better word because of what’s going on in the world,” Jason Aldean explained during a recent interview on The Bobby Bones Show

He continued, “It’s like everyday you turn on the news and see something crazy happened or some heartbreaking story. This is just a song that talks about like you wouldn’t get away with that stuff in a small town. It’s just a different mindset and different kind of values in small town America that I wish everybody else would kind of adopt. It’d probably help some of things that are going on in the world.”

Produced by Michael Knox and written by Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, and Neil Thrasher, “Try That In A Small Town” impacted Country Radio on May 22.

“Try That In A Small Town” is expected to appear on Aldean’s forthcoming 11th studio album, which has yet-to-be announced. The project will also include “Tough Crowd,” a tune that he released in May of 2023 that serves as a tribute to his fan base, the Aldean Army.

YouTube video

The two new songs follow the Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum entertainer’s 10th career studio album, MACON, GEORGIA

The double album was named after his hometown of Macon, Georgia and features 20 new songs and an additional 10 live tracks. Jason Aldean unveiled the first half of the project in late 2021, and then released the completed record April 22, 2022. 

Jason Aldean - Georgia
Jason Aldean – Georgia

Hitting the road

Additionally, Jason Aldean is preparing to launch his highly-anticipated Highway Desperado Tour, which kicks off on July 14 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY.

Produced by Live Nation, the 39-city headlining tour is scheduled to make stops across the U.S. in Atlanta, Charlotte, Phoenix and more. The trek will come to a close in Tampa at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre on October 28. 

Mitchell Tenpenny and Corey Kent are set to serve as support on the trek.

Additionally, Jason Aldean is also scheduled to perform at several festivals later this year, including Country Thunder Wisconsin, Tidalwave Festival and more.

Photo Courtesy Jason Aldean
Photo Courtesy Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean’s Highway Desperado 2023 Tour Dates

July 

14 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

15 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre

16 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

20 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

21 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

27 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

28 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

29 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

August

4 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium

5 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

6 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

10 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

11 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

18 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

19 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Amphitheater

24 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena

25 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

September

7 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

8 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

9 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

14 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

15 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

16 –Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

21 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre

22 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

23 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

28 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

29 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre

30 – San Bernardino, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheater

October

5 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

6 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

7 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

12 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center+

13 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center

14 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

19 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena

20 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center

21 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center

27 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

28 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union AmphitheatreFor a full list of Jason Aldean’s upcoming tour dates, visit his official website HERE.

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Lauren Jo Black

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.