By Jeff Arnold

On the opposite side of the spectrum from Florida Georgia Line and their army of loyal fans and young artists who strive to someday write a song as catchy and infectious as “Cruise” lies, as Eric Church would call them, “the outsiders.” This crop of talent produces something entirely different from the R&B heavy direction of modern country. Instead of bass and drum kits, they utilize grunge sounding guitars, unpolished vocals, and an unapologetic demeanor that can either lead them to the top of hold them back from ever becoming a force in the quickly expanding country music game. The newest member of that group is Tucker Beathard.

Hailing from Nashville, Beathard’s upbringing was anything but average. A self-described trouble maker throughout much of his youth and adolescence, Beathard is the son of one of the most prolific songwriters in Nashville, Casey Beathard. Casey, among other hits, co-wrote Eric Church’s 2011 single, “Homeboy,” which was inspired by his son’s attitude throughout his teenage years. In addition to the country music lineage in his family, Beathard’s older brother, C.J. Beathard is the quarterback for the University of Iowa and his grandfather, Bobby Beathard, was a scout and General Manager in the NFL. Although growing up he may have seemed to been the least promising of the Beathard clan, his musical direction over the past year have turned him into one of the fastest rising stars in country.

Beathard’s style can be compared to Eric Church, Cadillac Three, and Kip Moore; all brash, loud, and rebellious artists in their own rights who also happen to shine as songwriters. Currently signed to Big Machine Records, Beathard’s debut EP, The Demos Vol. 1, encapsulates who he is both as a person and an artist. Within the five songs you can hear the rock influence, specifically that of Blink 182, who Beathard says inspired him to pick up the guitar and, in turn, jump start his music career. The standout from the record is “Rock On,” his debut single. The mid-tempo track, co-written with Marla Cannon Goodman and Casey Beathard, talks about letting lost love go, culminating with the admission that he should have proposed and “put a rock on.”  Along with the clever lyrics are a series of references, such as mentioning hashtagging, that should help Beathard capture a young demographic. For those who are tired of bro-country and criticize country for all sounding the same, this song is a nice break. Although it does have a familiar tempo that is somewhat consistent with Kip Moore’s “Runin’ for You,” Beathard has an uncanny ability in his deliverance. His voice is unique to the point that the song fells authentic; something that other young artists struggle to do on this type of song.

Expect to see Tucker Beathard’s name more and more in the coming months. The buzz around his name is only increasing and his upcoming slot on Dierks Bentley’s Somewhere on a Beach Tour should help grow an already expanding fan base.