Drew Green’s “Hot Chicken”: A Southern Celebration with Genre-Bending Swagger
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Drew Green, the rising artist known for his genre-melding approach to country music, is back with a new single that perfectly encapsulates his unique sound and vibrant personality. “Hot Chicken,” available now on all digital platforms, is a celebration of the simple pleasures of Southern living, infused with a swagger that blends modern country sounds with traditional rock influences.
Green’s latest track paints a vivid picture of life in the country, where good food, good company, and a cold drink are the cornerstones of happiness. From “Bush Baked Beans in the kitchen” to “podunk front porch sitting,” “Hot Chicken” transports listeners to a world of laid-back charm and unpretentious joy.
Co-written by Green with Seth Alley, Heath Warren, and Jake Rose, and produced by Mark Trussell and Seth Alley, “Hot Chicken” is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives Green’s music. The track will be featured on his upcoming EP, “Comin’ In Country,” set for release on April 18th, further solidifying Green’s commitment to delivering authentic and engaging music. The accompanying visualizer, produced by DK-MBA and directed by Ella Keyes, adds another layer of visual storytelling to the song, enhancing its already captivating narrative.
Green’s creative process for “Hot Chicken” is as unique as the song itself. “As soon as I heard the intro of the track I knew it was going to be a fun one that day!” Green shared. “When I started working on the lyrics, I had been watching ‘The Walking Dead’ series, and I guess wanted to write an end of the world idea. Somehow I tied a hip-hop verse, a rock chorus and a country lyric all together. It’s fun to get to mix music I like all into one song.” This eclectic approach to songwriting is a hallmark of Green’s style, allowing him to create music that is both familiar and refreshingly original.
“Hot Chicken” follows the release of Green’s February single, “Heard About Me,” which All Country News praised for its “fresh sonic landscape” and Green’s “smooth vocals and effortless ability to blend genres.” In “Heard About Me,” Green takes a more vulnerable approach, acknowledging his past mistakes and expressing his desire for personal growth. “I don’t want to be what you heard about me with you,” he sings, showcasing his willingness to evolve and challenge preconceived notions.
In January, Green celebrated the release of his song “Comin’ In Country” with industry friends and family in Nashville. The event also served as a celebration of his RIAA Gold certification for “Good Ol’ Man.” “I’m so glad that we got to finally celebrate ‘Good Ol Man’ going Gold, and glad that it gets to be my first one,” Green said. “I’m so thankful to each and every fan for listening and helping this song go Gold.”
Born and raised on a tree farm in McMinnville, Tennessee, Green’s musical journey began with a foundation in classic country artists like Sammy Kershaw and Alan Jackson. As he grew older, he expanded his musical horizons, incorporating influences from hip-hop, pop, and R&B artists like Usher, Craig David, Matchbox Twenty, and Dr. Dre. This diverse musical upbringing has shaped his unique sound, allowing him to seamlessly blend genres and create music that resonates with a wide audience.
Green’s path to success has been marked by dedication and perseverance. After graduating college, he moved to Nashville, where he balanced singing in the house band at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge with a day job at a bank, all while pursuing his songwriting dreams. His talent eventually caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to co-writing opportunities with artists like Florida Georgia Line (on “Colorado” with HARDY and Hunter Phelps). He then signed a publishing deal with Brett James’ Cornman Music and a record deal with Villa40/Sony Music Nashville, resulting in a string of streaming hits including “Little More Be Alright,” “She Got That,” “Hooch,” and “Good Ol’ Man.”
In 2024, Green signed with RECORDS Nashville and released the EP “Whiskey On Whiskey,” featuring a reimagined version of “Colorado” with co-writer HARDY. With “Hot Chicken” and the upcoming “Comin’ In Country” EP, Drew Green continues to solidify his position as a dynamic and innovative artist, blending genres and celebrating the simple joys of life with undeniable swagger.
For more information on Drew Green, visit drewgreen.com and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.