His brand new album, “Sinner,” blasts through today’s country music doldrums like a shot of 100-proof whiskey, the singer making zero compromises with either himself or the restrictions of a format that seems to have abandoned its rougher tendencies in favor of pop and ’70s rock inclinations largely lacking in grit. Aaron Lewis, who fronted the wildly successful rock group Staind, has 13 million albums sold worldwide and four consecutive top-three debuts on Billboard’s Top 200, including the single “It’s Been Awhile,” which remains the most-played rock song of the decade. He recently had some time to catch up with NRA Country’s Vanessa Shahidi.
NRAC: We know you’ve been hard at work in the studio on your new album, “Sinner,” and we love the lead single, “That Ain’t Country.” Tell us what else your fans can expect on this new project.
AL: I think the fans can expect another record reminiscent of the country of yesterday. Willie Nelson is on the record. Vince Gill is singing the harmonies on “That Ain’t Country.” Alison Krauss is all over the record! I’m pretty excited about it.
NRAC: Tell us about your favorite hunt or outdoor memory of 2016 so far?
AL: I chased and finally killed (after a sordid story of nerves, misses and crazy schedules) a whitetail that scores somewhere around 210 inches and has 23 points.
NRAC: What is your favorite personal firearm?
AL: My Benelli M2 Field 20-gauge.”
Visit aaronlewismusic.com for the latest news and tour dates. For more information visit nracountry.com, follow on Twitter @NRACountry, and look for NRA_Country on Instagram and Snapchat.
