Thursday, October 24, 2013
By John Benson
Colt Ford may have a thick skin, but this Georgia native is starting to take things personally.
Not only did he co-write Jason Aldean’s monster hit “Dirt Road Anthem,” but the country-rap act last year released his first No. 1 album, “Declaration of Independence,” featuring singles “Back” (with Jake Owen) and “Drivin’ Around Song” (with Aldean). Despite the commercial success and star power, Ford remains on the outside looking in when it comes to country radio.
“I don’t get the same chance that everybody else gets, which is frustrating because I’m way more country than a lot of stuff they play on country radio,” said Ford, calling from his Georgia home. “If you listen to my songs, not even the content, but musically and sonically, I have fiddle and steel guitar on most every song. Most of the stuff coming out today doesn’t have any of that stuff.
“That’s hard to make sense of, and it’s painful at times. I’d like to have a hit on the radio, too. Is it because I’m a fat guy? I think maybe it’s a fat-guy discrimination thing because there’s no way for you to say [country-rap] don’t work.”
Ford, a former professional golfer turned musician, decided to explore this unique genre with his 2008 debut, “Ride Through the Country.” From there, the singer-songwriter released “Chicken & Biscuits” and “Every Chance I Get.”
Over the past five years, his fan base has steadily grown, which explains why “Declaration of Independence” reached No. 1 without the help of radio promotion. Ford stresses his latest effort finds him returning to an earlier mindset where he didn’t care whether the songs fit radio. He knew program directors across the country weren’t listening, so instead he catered to his fans.
“For instance, ‘Back’ is such a personal song for me,” Ford said. “That song is really cool. It’s almost my whole life from start to finish. ‘Angels and Demons’ is almost my first gospel song. It’s something I always wanted to do. I think that’s a really important song for me to make.”
One of the most important things for Ford is his credibility. Sure, the country-rap genre may seem like a novelty, but he’s tired of having to flash his rural youth credentials.
“This ain’t made up,” Ford said. “This didn’t get created in New York City. My daddy didn’t have indoor plumbing until he was 18 years old, and he also picked cotton. So I know what it is; that’s what I am.”
What Ford is doing now is looking forward to his Northeast Ohio return with a show Saturday at the Dusty Armadillo.
“This will be my third time playing there,” Ford said. “I like that place. It’s been fun every time.” When he’s reminded not to jump while on stage at the Rootstown venue or he may hit his head on the low ceiling, Ford laughed. “Exactly, it’s perfect for a short, fat guy.”