The most talked about artist in country music is back in our Song of the Day. Zach Bryan reached the top spot in the Billboard Artist 100 this week, trended on social media amid a concert ticket backlash and was filmed while being arrested in Oklahoma. Even the finest publicist in Nashville would need a grand slam to pull off a campaign like this.
All of this comes two weeks after Bryan’s self-titled album hit streaming platforms. There’s a reason those tickets are a hot commodity. At 27 years old, the Oologah, Oklahoma native is appearing alongside Kacey Musgraves, The Lumineers, The War and Treaty and Sierra Ferrell, and penning songs that will stand the test of time.
The album shines with its stripped down approach. It gives the feel of a polished underground demo with imperfections placed throughout, including this guitar introduction to “Fear and Friday’s” with drumming and background chatter. The melody of the song starts rolling and the track builds up steam.
“There’s a house hopping on the edge of town. I’m revved up, thirsty, and ready to drown,” Bryan sings as he launches into the chorus. “I’ve got a fear dear that it’s gonna end, won’t you get angry at me, say you love me again. I’ve got a fear dear that it’s a Friday spark, you only love me like you mean it when it’s after dark.”
The song reminds us of “Darkness on the Edge of Town” by Bruce Springsteen. It has the feeling of restlessness, a burning desire to chase the moments that make us feel alive. It’s these same passions that kept Bryan in the trending section this week.
Zach Bryan Faces Backlash for Ticketmaster Pricing
Bryan responded to fans that posted video of Ticketmasters’ low availability for Bryan’s tour dates, and expensive prices.
“Damned if you do and damned if you don’t, another lesson learned in the life of 27 year olds,” Bryan said of his efforts to open ticket sales to all outlets for this tour. Last year Bryan worked to prevent ticket resellers from driving up prices, which left fans complaining about availability. To remedy that Bryan lifted restrictions on distribution. As the story was drifting into the internet graveyard, news of Bryan’s arrest broke.
Zach Bryan Arrested in Oklahoma
Bryan said in a video response that he was recently pulled over for speeding in a small town in Oklahoma. Bryan refused to give the police officer his address when asked along with license and registration, which led to him being handcuffed. Bryan eventually complied and was let go. The incident stuck in his mind.
“I think it just frustrated me a lot because I didn’t know if I had a right to refuse giving him my address or not,” Bryan said.
A few days later Bryan set out to attend a concert and a security guard in his group was pulled over by police. Bryan pulled over to wait and the officer asked him to stay inside his vehicle. Bryan had a heated back and forth with the officer and was booked at the Craig County Sheriff’s Office in Vinita, Oklahoma. As the video and mug shot started trending, Bryan posted an apology.
“To be clear in the video I posted, I’m not trying to save face or act like the good guy, I was a complete spoiled (expletive) to these police officers and I’ll spend the next few weeks trying my best to right my wrongs and take back what I said,” Bryan said on X, formerly Twitter. “I do respect police officers and I made a massive mistake. I am embarrassed for myself, my family and the people I love but all I can do now in sincerely apologize.”
The self-titled album is a standout by Bryan. It has a raw passion that is impossible to fake. We’re watching someone at the peak of their ability in this album, with a drive at the perfect age to become a household name. The background vocals, harmonica and house party atmosphere of “Fear and Friday’s” really keeps this track on repeat.
Learn more about Zach Bryan here.
Press photo issued by Warner Records.
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