In an exclusive interview, Chase Rice opens up about his journey in the country music scene, where he’s sold over 2.6 million albums and earned more than 2.8 billion streams. With the release of his fifth studio album, Go Down Singin’, Rice reveals a more authentic side of himself—one grounded in reflection, personal accountability, and the deeper truths he’s always carried. Through this 11-song collection, Rice dives into the twists and turns of life, addressing mistakes, regrets, and moments of triumph, all while embracing his true identity.
Chase Rice’s Evolution: Becoming the Artist He’s Always Been
At 38 years old, Chase Rice finds himself in a different place both personally and musically. Reflecting on the album as a whole, Rice shared, “It’s just who I am and where I’m at that’s key for me. “ The artist explained that he’s no longer writing about the same things he did when he was 25. This album reflects where he is now—authentic and unapologetic. He acknowledged that some will love it and some may not, but he’s okay with that.
Rice’s willingness to embrace change and showcase his authentic self has resonated with his fans. He noted that merch sales tend to be an indication of success and the inventory is flying off the shelves.
Working with Lori McKenna: A Deep Dive into Songwriting
A highlight of the album is the collaboration between Chase Rice and the highly respected songwriter Lori McKenna. The two worked together on several tracks, including “That Word Don’t Work No More,” “If Drinkin’ Helped,” and the standout “You in ‘85.”
Lori McKenna’s influence on Chase Rice’s songwriting process was undeniable. Rice noted that McKenna brought a depth unlike most writers he had worked with, explaining that the idea for “You in ’85” came from her and introduced a perspective he hadn’t previously considered. He also credits his other cowriter, Oscar Charles, for allowing him to see the positive side of the song, a celebration of his father.
The song “You in ‘85” touches on Rice’s relationship with his late father, who passed away when Chase was in his early twenties. In the track, he asks the poignant question: What if I could meet you as a grown man in 1985, or what if you were here now—what would our relationship look like?
When I asked the artist whether he’d want to go back to 1985 or whether he’d rather have his father travel to the present day, there was no hesitation. “Take me back!” he exclaimed, noting that he’d love to return to a simpler time. He also stated that if he could only ask one question, he would appreciate advice from his dad on how to attain and maintain a successful relationship, since his parents were a shining example of a love that lasted.
This powerful song serves as the emotional finale of Go Down Singin’. It reflects on both the sadness and celebration of the moments Rice never got to live with his father but now imagines through his music.
Embracing Accountability and Growth
Throughout the album, Chase Rice’s lyrics reflect a man who is not only unafraid to show his vulnerability but is also taking accountability for his past actions. In discussing his personal growth, he candidly shared, “What I’ve struggled with in life is considering other people’s feelings. I roll into people’s lives and I roll out. That’s kind of how I’ve lived my life.” He shared that he’s currently focused on being more mindful of how he interacts with others.
Rather than just entering someone’s life for a moment and moving on, he emphasized the importance of following up and staying connected. He acknowledged that every interaction has consequences, whether positive or negative, and stressed the need to be considerate and offer the best version of himself so that others are left with good memories of their time together.
This level of introspection has not only shaped who Rice is as a person but also how he approaches his music. With Go Down Singin’, he’s looking to give listeners a piece of his journey toward becoming someone his family and friends can be proud of.
The Impact of “Hey God, It’s Me Again”
Another standout track from the album is “Hey God, It’s Me Again,” which was written back in 2021. This raw and heartfelt track sees Rice reconnecting with his faith, expressing moments of struggle, joy, and hope in a conversation with God. It’s a deeply personal song that fans are sure to connect with on multiple levels.
For Rice, this song marked a pivotal moment in his songwriting process. Rice explained that during the pandemic, he shifted back to writing on guitar, which completely changed his mindset. He stopped thinking about what would sound cool on the radio and instead focused on writing songs that held personal meaning.
This change in approach has not only led to the creation of Go Down Singin’ but has also inspired new material that Rice is eager to record for future projects. He mentioned that his recent writing trip resulted in many new songs in just three days—an experience that reignited his passion for creating music from a place of honesty and authenticity. He bought a new guitar named Eldora and he’s already looking forward to recording new music with it.
Looking Ahead
Chase Rice’s Go Down Singin’ is more than just an album—it’s a statement of growth, reflection, and accountability. As he continues to evolve as both an artist and a person, Rice is determined to stay true to himself, even if that means taking risks and embracing vulnerability.
Go Down Singin’ is out today, and it promises to be a milestone in Chase Rice’s career, offering a deeper, more personal look into the man behind the music.
