Bakersfield Meets Bluegrass: Chandler Dozier’s ‘Bakersfield East’ is a Triumph of Neo-Traditional Honky-Tonk
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Chandler Dozier’s debut EP, Bakersfield East, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a mission statement. Released on August 29, 2025, the six-track set serves as a master class in traditional country music, proving that the 23-year-old North Carolina native is a serious torchbearer for the genre’s golden eras.
The Artist: Carrying the Torch Eastbound
Chandler Dozier, a native of Troy, North Carolina, has spent years honing his craft in the proving grounds of Nashville’s Lower Broadway honky-tonks. His music is deeply rooted in the Neo-Traditionalist sound, drawing primary influence from the legendary Bakersfield Sound pioneers—Merle Haggard and Buck Owens—and the ’80s revivalists like Dwight Yoakam. Dozier also incorporates the driving energy of Appalachian Bluegrass, creating a distinctive blend of grit and precision.
The EP’s title is a clever nod to this geographical and sonic fusion. The original Bakersfield Sound was often called “Nashville West” for its stripped-down, electric answer to the polished Nashville machine. By reversing the title to Bakersfield East, Dozier stakes his claim in Music City as a proponent of that rougher, roots-driven style, executed with heavy fiddle, clean Telecaster riffs, and train-beat shuffles. Dozier produced the EP himself, capturing a live, refined feel with his seasoned band, showcasing his clear vision for authentic country music.
Track-by-Track Review
1. “It’s Not Me It’s You” (3:05) The EP blasts off with its lead single, a high-octane country shuffle that immediately sets the tone. This track is pure, unadulterated honky-tonk, driven by a classic train beat rhythm section. The song’s instrumentation—heavy on the fiddle and pedal steel—provides a wall of sound that feels both nostalgic and aggressively fresh. Lyrically, it’s a clever breakup anthem, offering a wry, self-aware defense of the narrator’s inevitable departure. Dozier’s vocals here are sharp, possessing a crisp swagger that invites immediate comparisons to Dwight Yoakam, establishing this as the quintessential sound of the Bakersfield East movement.
2. “All Over Again” (3:27) Following the energetic opener, “All Over Again” digs into a classic theme of regret and cyclical heartbreak. It slows the tempo slightly into a mid-tempo lament, allowing the instrumental finesse to shine. The steel guitar work is particularly mournful, tracing the contours of Dozier’s ache as he details the futility of returning to a toxic love. It’s a beautifully executed traditional ballad, finding the perfect balance between a tear-in-your-beer lyric and a clean, melodic arrangement that avoids excessive ornamentation.
3. “Dancing With A Memory” (3:18) This track is a quintessential barroom shuffle and a standout “traditional country heartbreaker.” It begins with a stirring double-fiddle intro that instantly transports the listener to a dimly lit dance floor. The song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being alone in a crowd, swaying with the ghost of a past lover. Dozier’s narrative storytelling comes to the fore here, painting a vivid picture of loneliness concealed by the illusion of a waltz. This is proof that Dozier can write a lyric that is both profoundly sad and perfect for line dancing.
4. “Let Me Be” (3:54) Highlighting the “East” part of the EP’s title, “Let Me Be” takes a sharp turn toward Appalachian roots music. While it maintains a driving percussion track, its core instrumentation and rapid-fire rhythm are distinctly Bluegrass, drawing inspiration from legends like Flatt & Scruggs. It is the purest showcase of the blend of sounds, marrying the up-tempo dexterity of bluegrass with the lyrical themes of traditional country. This track serves as a showcase for his instrumentalists’ versatility and Dozier’s deep knowledge of the genre’s regional variances.
5. “When You Land In Charlotte” (4:26) The longest and arguably most personal song on the EP, “When You Land In Charlotte,” is a waltz-timed ballad of stunning vulnerability. The genesis of the song—inspired by a simple phrase spoken to his mother at the airport—was transformed into a poignant story of finality after a romantic visit. The slower tempo and deep, expressive vocals capture a sense of resigned heartbreak. The song’s production is spacious, letting the steel guitar weep and the fiddle soar, cementing its status as the EP’s crucial, emotional centerpiece.
6. “Move It On Over” (Hank Williams cover) (3:01) The EP concludes with a bold interpretation of the Hank Williams classic. Rather than a straight honky-tonk rendition, Dozier injects an unexpected dose of rockabilly energy, giving it an “Elvis Presley-esque twist.” It’s a fiery, electric finale that demonstrates Dozier’s vocal and stylistic range. By taking on one of country music’s foundational songs and making it distinctly his own, he not only pays homage to the roots but signals his intent to be part of the genre’s evolving lineage.
Verdict
Bakersfield East is a remarkably self-assured debut. Chandler Dozier doesn’t just replicate classic sounds; he synthesizes them, using the Bakersfield grit as a foundation for his North Carolina-ingrained bluegrass and neo-traditional sensibilities. For fans yearning for fiddle-driven shuffles, genuine barroom tales, and a sound that respects the past while looking confidently to the future, this EP is essential listening. It is clear that country music has found a serious, talented young voice dedicated to preserving and popularizing its enduring traditional heartbeat.