Rodney Atkins sat down with Fandom Daily to discuss his latest album, a project he says was "shaped" and "made" for his fans.
Rodney Atkins' fandom waited roughly seven years for a full-length album, and despite the genre's shifts, they stayed loyal. That steadfast devotion underscores the connection between the hitmaker and his audience, and as a gesture of thanks, he dedicated his newly released album,
True South, to them.
The well-rounded project was not rushed. Atkins told
Fandom Daily that he finished the album "two and a half years ago," and decided to hold it until the timing felt right. The result is a record shaped by family, friends, faith, and, of course, his fans.
"Some of y’all have been around since the very beginning, and some of y’all grew up on '
Watching You' and '
Farmer’s Daughter.' One cool thing about social media is that I get to hear your stories about the songs and what they mean to you," said Atkins. "And believe me, I’m listening to and reading most every comment; and that’s why my new album,
True South, has been shaped by you and was made for you."
True South doubles down on what made him essential to country radio and to the people who have followed him for decades. The 12-track includes rich storytelling, family-first heart, and songs that are relatable to the average listener.
"I love life songs. There are a couple of love songs on the album, but they’re kind of even more about life. I’m kind of in the middle. I’ve got two little kids. I got a six and an eight-year-old, and I’ve got a 24-year-old," he pointed out. "That’s kind of my whole world. That’s everything that I think about. I love my wife like crazy, and I think that’s what a lot of people can relate to. I’m not trying to fool you, be slick, or cool, or anything else. Just trying to sing about the things that matter."
"'
The Years Are Short’ is a pretty powerful song," he said, before digging deep into the meaning behind the track. "It’s not even just about having kids, it’s just about realizing time is passing and to make the most of it."
This track features razor-sharp lyrics sure to give listeners goosebumps and invites multiple interpretations.
Atkins reflected on the writing and recording process behind "
The Years Are Short," saying his son actually encouraged him to release the track because it made him feel a certain way.
"When I first recorded the song, I sent it to my older son. He said, 'Dad…you got to put that out now. That kills me.' And that’s a young man with no kids, but relates to it in a completely different way," he recalled. "This album is just kind of that. It’s not me trying to be younger or chase a trend, it’s just about trying to be more me wherever I’m at."
Not only is this collection
For The Fans, but it also presents an intimate snapshot of his family.
Rose Falcon, his wife and frequent co-writer, duets on "
Believe Me," and his eldest son
Elijah, appears on "
Watching You 2.0." The chart-topping artist explains that his wife urges him to push boundaries and think outside the box in the writers’ room. He didn’t hesitate to gush about their creative chemistry, saying they complement each other perfectly.
"I’m fortunate, I get to write songs with my wife, and she’s an insane singer-songwriter. We write a lot of songs together and love that process," he said, with a beaming smile. "We’re honest with each other. Some people get their feelings hurt when you’re writing, but she and I both know we’re just trying to get a great song. She’s great at pushing the ball down the field. We just work really well together. It is one of my favorite things to do in the world," he added.
Not only did Falcon pen "
Believe Me," but she also wrote several other tracks on the album, including the title track, "
Helluvit," and "
All Y’all." But don’t be fooled…Atkins had no hand in writing "
Believe Me" and didn’t learn his wife wrote the poignant song until after he accepted it as an outside cut. That revelation only underscores how deeply he connects with her creative vision and storytelling.
"I got pitched 'Believe Me,' and I thought, 'Man…that is us. That’s it.’ I came home and told her I found a song and I’m going to record it. She said, 'What’s it called?' And I told her, and she said, 'I wrote that song.' I had no idea," he recalled, while telling
Fandom Daily reporter
Tiffany Goldstein the story.
Fans can hear Falcon on the piano-soaked ballad. While Atkins’ signature twang is on full display, it’s Falcon’s angelic voice that lifts the duet to the next level. Their harmonies, intertwined with an emotional delivery of a husband and wife confessing their love, will captivate listeners and prove this song belongs on
True South.
After years of working hard behind the scenes, he’s ready to road-test the new material.
True South honors the people who sustained him through quieter years. It’s an album not just about where Atkins stands now, but about the community that helped him get there. And now, he’s ready to connect with them in person again and re-create the iconic shows that made him a household name.
"I can’t wait. I love getting to play new songs," he pointed out. Fans who haven’t been to a
Rodney Atkins concert can expect a high-energy performance and to see his fanbase in full force. "We’re signing these songs together. That’s my whole goal from start to finish. There’s nothing like a crowd singing. These are my people."
The hitmaker has not announced a full-scale tour supporting the album, but will be performing at venues nationwide. For the complete tour schedule and to join his fandom, visit his
official website.
Feature Photo Credit: Curb Record/ @rodneyatkins on Instagram.
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