Grammy Award-Winning Singer Zach Bryan Says He Doesn’t Want to Be Labeled a Country Music Artist
Zach Bryan, a Grammy Award-winning artist well known for his country-infused songs, such as his breakout hit "Something in the Orange," has expressed his desire to break away from the confines of the country music genre.
"I don't want to be a country musician," the 28-year-old told singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, 75, in a recent interview for Rolling Stone's latest Musicians on Musicians issue.
"When I listen to your music, I'm like, 'If you put different production to this, it's a country song,'" Bryan said as he reflected on the genre-defying nature of Springsteen's songs.
Bryan emphasized his point by noting that Springsteen is seldom categorized solely as a rock musician—even though he is one. However, Bryan said his own music, which also incorporates rock and folk elements, is often labeled as pure country.
"Everyone calls me [a country musician]. I want to be a songwriter, and you're quintessentially a songwriter," he told Springsteen.
In 2023, he took home the Academy of Country Music Award for "New Male Artist of the Year" and earned a "New Artist of the Year" nod at the Country Music Awards.
Earlier this year, the singer won the Grammy Award for "Best Country Duo/Group Performance" for his song "I Remember Everything." The track, from his 2023 album "Zach Bryan," features singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves.
Bryan took to Instagram a few days after winning the award to reflect on his milestone achievement and celebrate his self-titled album going platinum.
"It is all so surreal but if anyone who knows me knows that I don't consider any of it success if I don't have my best friends and my family with me.
Bryan, who enlisted when he was 17, went on to write and play music during his free time, eventually releasing his debut album in 2019 while he was still serving on active duty. The album, titled "DeAnn," was a tribute to his mother, Annette DeAnn Bryan, who died in 2016 at the age of 49.
In May 2020, Bryan released his sophomore album, "Elisabeth," featuring his popular tracks "Heading South" and "Revival."
The following year, the singer was honorably discharged from the Navy so that he could focus his time on music. He subsequently released his third studio album, "American Heartbreak," in 2022, followed by "Zach Bryan."
Bryan debuted his fifth album on July 4. "The Great American Bar Scene" features a blend of folk, country, and heartland rock.
Despite his success as a country crooner, Bryan may finally fulfill his wish to break outside of the music genre.
"Zach sent me a song, I gotta put a verse on it," the 52-year-old hip-hop artist said, adding that he was moved by Bryan's interview with Springsteen.
"I'm inspired seeing that with him, with the boss, with Bruce Springsteen."
