Michael J.

Michael J.

Michael J is keeping you in touch everywhere you find Country music: on the air, on-line and with the iHeartRadio app! If it's happening in...Full Bio

 

Michael J's Open Letter to Country Music Producers and Artists in NASHVILLE

Hey Country Music Producers on Music Row, I have a question?

IS it possible for Country artists to record WITHOUT a computerized drum beat? Not only do I want to protect the jobs of real LIVE drummers, I also feel something is missing.

Look, don't get me wrong, the drum is a great instrument in ALL types of music. There are so many legendary songs that have indelibly marked my personal music library. 

"In the Air Tonight" from Phil Collins would not have become what it was without DRUMS. Phil is a world renowned drummer who kept the beat for the rock band Genesis for so many years and the drum track created the danger and drama of that song.

"Hot for Teacher" from Van Halen epitomized the teenage angst David Lee Roth captured screaming his lungs out as the face of one of my favorite Southern California rock bands in the 1980's. The drum solo intro is something every drummer craves to be able to duplicate.

How about "Africa" from Toto, the #1 pop hit from 1983 that has had such staying power , it's been turned into everything from elevator muzak to acapella youtube gold every time vocalists try to recreate the syncopation.  

Yes there have been lots of GREAT Drum moments in Country music.

If you forward to 2:40 in Carrie Underwood's drum performance in "Church Bells" it's unforgettable. She used the intensity to add a HOT MOMENT obviously keeping pace and overall emotional intent.

Luke Bryan couldn't SHAKE IT For his "Country Girl" without help from his drummer is this world famous video.

But lately I feel like I've been hearing more and more synthetic DRUM MACHINES being used that don't feel the same. So just one SUPER country fan's opinion here for what it's worth.

Is there a way we can let the music BREATH a little and bring back some 

#acousticguitar 

#vocal harmony

#emotion

who knows, maybe even

#Fiddle

#Pedal Steel  

#Heart

#DontTakeTheGirl

Does anyone else understand what I'm saying? 

Just a few examples of songs that nail it.

And before you say, I'm living in the past. There is some incredible New Country coming out these days.

I guess I'm just saying being a COUNTRY FAN to the bone, PLEASE KEEP IT REAL. 

And to all of you, record-producing, computer-programming, drum-machine scheduling, Nashville music engineers,if you would let a little extra REAL LIFE created by the hands of living, breathing humans come through your hard drive for me, I'll be eternally grateful! Thank YOU for what you do because MUSIC still makes the WORLD go Round!

Michael J

Love to hear your feedback on social media everywhere @MichaelJOnAir

While I'm at it, one more GREAT new Country song I'm lovin' thanks to KIP MOORE!


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