Country music has always had a pretty rough reputation; that is, to most, it’s all about dogs dying, hunting, fishing, and tractors (…). The genre has its fair share of critics—myself included—because of the content that so many artists distribute to the world.
But, with every cliché-driven song and album released by so many similar-sounding men with such minimal, authentic, and genuine statements to make in their music, there’s a ray of hope. These rays provide us with songs that are timeless, energetic, passionate, well-written, complex, and worthy of the space they occupy on our playlists. Lucky for Seattle, on June 6, two of those rays are about to connect with an intimate audience at the Tractor Tavern.
Charlie Worsham, who’s signed to Warner Bros. Records, has been getting massive critical acclaim since the day his debut single, “Could it Be,” came out in 2013 in support of his first album, Rubberband. “Could it Be” managed to reach the Top 15 on country radio airplay, and while his following releases have failed to stick on the airwaves, Worsham’s appeal has been indisputably strengthened by the legends that’ve associated themselves with him. He’s previously opened for Miranda Lambert on tour, and his debut album even featured Vince Gill. Whether or not mainstream radio wants to embrace him is their own agenda-led prerogative, but Charlie Worsham has genuine artistry to offer.
Brandy Clark is a force, plain and simple. She is an elite songwriter, a passionate vocalist, and a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community. Openly identifying as a lesbian, her work in the Nashville industry has made tsunami-level waves. Her debut album, 12 Stories, oozes at the edges with strong storytelling and the desire to highlight the human experience. Her discussion of divorce, infidelity, and cannabis on her debut record led her to a string of awards and nominations, including two GRAMMY Award nominations—one of which was for Best New Artist.
Clark’s second record, Big Day in a Small Town, was met with an equal amount of critical love and strong reviews. The album explores new characters and elements of life, including a call-out to all men to get over their preconceived notions of what a woman should really look like.
Be sure to check out Brandy Clark & Charlie Worsham at 8:30 p.m. at the Tractor Tavern on Monday, June 5. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. This is a 21+ event. Tickets are available here.
CRAIG JAFFE | KXSU Editor