We have a lifelong love for Uncle Kracker, so getting the opportunity to pick his brain about his newest record, Coffee & Beer, alongside getting to talk about songs like ‘Follow Me,’ has us reeling! Coffee & Beer, just as Uncle Kracker says in this interview, is a true escape. The record is pure serotonin and feels like a summer’s day spent with the wind blowing through your hair. We hope you get as much out of this interview as we did!
Stream Coffee & Beer here!
Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! We are long-time fans and are so excited to jump into talking about the new album! To start us off, how would you describe your sound/what you hope to do with your music to someone who Coffee & Beer is their intro to you?
Hi! Thanks for having me. I made Coffee & Beer as an opportunity to give my fans an escape from the strange times we’re living in. I wanted to make an album that intertwines Country, Pop, and Rock so that the listeners are able to find a little bit of everything they like.
Coffee & Beer is your first full-length record in twelve (!!) years, with that much space between the records, what was going through your head leading up to this release? What does getting this album out to the fans mean to you?
It’s been quite a journey. Leading up to the release, I was just excited to put out music again and connect with my fans. I think that for me it was important to put out music that made people feel optimistic and helped them see that better days are coming – especially at a time when so many of us are feeling like we’re living in a world of nonsense.
And speaking of the fans, you’ve had a dedicated fanbase for well over two decades, and they are still showing up, coming to shows, and listening to the music, what has it been like to have that kind of 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 having had fans who have supported me through everything and followed my journey from day one has been so awesome. Very lucky.
Something we have always loved about you is your ability to seamlessly transcend genre, kind of existing across many at once, is that intentional? Does it feel truer to who you are as an artist not to box yourself in?
Thank you for that. I think as an artist, I’ve been able to maintain and grow my fanbase off of being authentically me. That being said, on a personal level, I don’t fit into just one box. So, having my music also depict that is important. Also, I just love all genres of music and want my music to show that I’m not just one type of artist, but that I can do it all.
You said with Coffee & Beer you wanted to make a summer album, which has definitely been accomplished, but for you, what albums are you turning on and up in the summer?
A lot of rap, and a little bit of country. Right now, I’ve been listening to a lot of throwbacks like Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, and Beastie Boy’s Paul’s Boutique.
When you look back at your earlier career, with releasing runaway hits like ‘Follow Me’ and your cover of ‘Drift Away,’ what did you take from those moments that you carry with you when releasing your new music?
I think just to always be grateful for the experience. And not taking myself too seriously. I want my music to allow the listeners to feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders and that they’re able to experience some joy in dark times, so making sure that I’m in that same headspace while releasing and making the music is always important.
You are currently on tour with Country music giant Kenny Chesney, what has been on the road with him after having been featured on one of his biggest songs to date, which came out 20 years ago this year, been like?
It’s been the best time! I’ve loved getting to hang with my buddy and perform for the crowd. Getting to share the stage with Kenny and other awesome artists has been a highlight of my year.
Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! We like to end these interviews by asking what is on the horizon. What can fans look forward to as we venture into the last half of 2024?
I’ll be continuing on the road with Kenny and the gang, as well as hitting some festivals and other venues on my own. Looking forward to getting to play this new album live for my fans this summer!
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We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite song off of the new Uncle Kracker album Coffee & Beer? Let us know by commenting down below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
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