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Zach Bryan, a rising star in the music world, is breaking boundaries in a way that challenges traditional genre definitions. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and raw emotion, Bryan’s musical aspirations go far beyond what any single genre can offer.
In a recent conversation with the iconic Bruce Springsteen, Bryan delved into his artistic philosophy, expressing his desire to be recognized as a country artist and a songwriter capable of transcending genres.
The discussion, which took place during a Rolling Stone-curated interview, revealed much about Bryan’s approach to music and how he’s shaping his career with the goal of versatility, much like his idol Springsteen.
The exchange between the two artists shed light on Bryan’s hopes to carve his own path, one that goes beyond the confines of country music.
Zach Bryan and Bruce Springsteen: A Meeting of Musical Minds
In his conversation withBruce Springsteen, Zach Bryan openly praised the legendary musician for creating a unique musical identity over his career. Springsteen, known for his rebellious, genre-defying style, has long been an inspiration to many, including Bryan, who is eager to emulate the same kind of cross-genre success.
“I don’t want to be a country musician. Everyone calls me that,” Bryan admitted during their chat. “I want to be a songwriter, and you’re quintessentially a songwriter. No one calls Bruce Springsteen — I hate to use your name in front of you — but no one calls Bruce Springsteen a rock musician,” Bryan explained.
“You’re also an indie musician, you’re also a country musician. You’re all these things encapsulated in one man. And that’s what songwriting is.”
For Bryan, Springsteen’s ability to straddle multiple musical styles is what sets him apart, and he’s aiming for the same kind of multifaceted career.
He doesn’t want to be pigeonholed into a single genre and hopes that people will see him as a songwriter who can adapt and evolve, much like the artists he looks up to.
Breaking Away From the Country Label
Although Bryan is often referred to as a country artist, he’s quick to push back against that label. His sound draws from several musical influences, including folk, pop, and rock, making his style hard to categorize.
This refusal to conform to the “country artist” label is at the core of Bryan’s musical identity. “When I first started making music… I was like, ‘I want to be in a lane where, when people look back, they can listen to my music and it’s supremely whatever you were doing,’” Bryan reflected, speaking to Springsteen.
“You were the only person in my head that has ever done that.” His reluctance to be labeled solely as a country musician is not just about defying expectations; it’s about expressing his individuality and creating art that speaks to a wide range of people.
Bryan’s music, much like Springsteen’s, touches on universal themes of love, heartache, and human experience, making it accessible to fans from different musical backgrounds. While Bryan’s music is rooted in the country genre, he frequently experiments with other styles, allowing him to stay on the fringes of multiple genres.
This blending of sounds has helped him stand out in a crowded industry and find a dedicated fanbase that appreciates his diversity.
A Genre-Spanning Career: The Path Bryan Wants to Take
Zach Bryan’s musical journey reflects his desire for a genre-spanning career that defies conventional labels. Although many categorize him as a country artist, his influences reach far beyond that.
In his heart, he wants to be known primarily as a songwriter, someone who can transcend genres and create music that speaks to people across a wide spectrum of tastes. “I want people to look back on my career and think of it as supremely authentic and representative of whatever I was doing at the time,” Bryan said.
“Much like Springsteen, I hope to be someone who can adapt and evolve, regardless of the genre I’m working within.” Bryan’s appreciation for artists like Springsteen, who are difficult to label and defy genre expectations, is evident in his own approach to music.
He wants to create a legacy that goes beyond genre restrictions, one that’s built on songwriting and emotional storytelling.
The Grammy Awards Snub: A Stand for Authenticity?
One of the most significant steps Bryan has taken toward maintaining his artistic integrity came when he declined to submit his music for consideration at the2025 Grammy Awards.
The decision sent shockwaves through the music community, with many questioning why an artist with such widespread acclaim would turn down the chance to win one of music’s most prestigious awards.
But for Bryan, the decision was simple: he has long been uncomfortable with the competitive nature of awards shows and feels that they often detract from the real purpose of making music. “I don’t want to be part of a system that pits musicians against each other,” Bryan said in a previous interview. “Music is about connecting with people, not competing for accolades.”
This stand against the Grammys is just one more way Bryan is distinguishing himself from otherartists. By rejecting the traditional markers of success in the music industry, he’s reinforcing his commitment to authenticity and refusing to let his career be defined by external validation.
Zach Bryan’s Future: What’s Next for the Genre-Defying Artist?
As Zach Bryan continues to push boundaries, his future in the music industry looks bright. He’s not just looking to be the next big country star — he’s aiming for something bigger.
By refusing to be boxed into a single genre, he’s creating a space for himself that’s entirely his own, much like the artists he admires. The young singer’s rise tofamehas been swift, but he’s taking his time to define what kind of artist he wants to be.
With influences ranging from folk and country to rock and pop, Bryan is shaping his own path, one that will likely continue to blur the lines between genres. In a world where many artists feel the need to fit into neat categories, Bryan’s refusal to conform is refreshing.
His commitment to being known as a songwriter first, and not just a country artist, sets him apart from many of his peers. It’s this approach that will likely keep him relevant for years to come, as he continues to evolve as an artist and defy the expectations of the industry.
Aspect
Zach Bryan’s Approach
Traditional Country Artist Approach
Genre Labeling
Prefers not to be labeled as a “country artist”
Often embraces the country genre as their identity
Musical Influences
Draws from folk, pop, rock, and country
Primarily rooted in country music
Career Inspiration
Inspired by genre-defying artists like Bruce Springsteen
Often embrace the country genre as their identity
Awards and Recognition
Declined to submit to the 2025 Grammys, rejecting competition
Often seeks validation through awards and accolades
Artistic Goal
Focuses on songwriting and creating authentic art
Aims for success within the country genre framework
Table: Zach Bryan’s Approach to Music vs. Traditional Country Artists
Conclusion
Zach Bryan’s refusal to be defined by a single genre is a testament to his artistic vision and determination to create music that speaks to a broad audience.
His admiration for artists like Bruce Springsteen, who have carved out a genre-defying career, drives him to pursue a similar path.
Whether it’s his decision to opt out of the Grammys or his blending of multiplemusicalinfluences, Bryan is proving that he’s more than just a country artist.
As his career progresses, it’s clear that Zach Bryan is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music world, one that transcends genres and connects with listeners on a deeper level.
Last Updated: October 18, 2024
