Whether he raps with Ludacris, rocks with Lenny Kravitz or sings one of his 13 No. 1 country songs, Jason Aldean throws his kinda party. The 38-year-old country superstar, who co-headlines with Kenny Chesney at Target Field on Saturday and Sunday, answered some quick questions from Nashville.
Jason Aldean on baseball stadiums, Spotify and wife Brittany Kerr's recording future
Jason Aldean loves baseball, hates Spotify and won't be recording with his wife.
July 16, 2015 at 10:48PM
Q: You're headlining some stadiums and arenas on your own. Why do 10 stadium shows with Kenny Chesney?
A: I've never been in Target Field … and baseball stadiums are my favorite just because I'm such a huge baseball fan. Kenny and I have been friends for a while and talked about touring before. We've never had a chance to go out together. I thought it would be cool. To have two acts that size, fans don't get to see that every day.
Q: It was just announced that you'll be playing a "Today" show summer concert on July 31. What is it like singing so early in the morning?
A: It's not easy. We're used to going to work at 9 o'clock at night. It takes a while for your voice to warm up and to sing these songs the way they're supposed to sound. Sometimes your range is a little limited that early in the morning. You get up early, like 3 or 4 in the morning, drink a lot of coffee and do a lot of talking. I don't do vocal exercises. I don't know what they are.
Q: Your No. 1 single from last year, "Burnin' It Down," had the vibe of a sexy midtempo R&B song. What were you thinking?
A: It was different. When people hear the song, they hear the drum loop and the electronic stuff that's going on in the song. But to me, I listen to the melody; it's in my wheelhouse, and it's pretty country. Lyrically, it's good.
Q: Your music is not on Spotify. Why?
A: I make the majority of my money on shows, not on a streaming site. Whether you're a songwriter, artist or producer, you should be fairly compensated for the work you put in. The pay [from Spotify] is laughable at best; I've seen the statements. That's why I got involved with Tidal. It's not a one-sided deal.
Over the past 10 years, we've cheapened music down so people think they're supposed to have it for nothing. You don't get to watch a new movie for free. I don't expect fans to understand how this business works. I'm the one country guy taking grenades for everybody. I was raised to stand up for whatever I believe in.
Q: What is the real Jason Aldean like?
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A: I'd say what you see is what you get. I go full throttle, try to give 110 percent and leave the people wanting more. When you see our shows, it's not smoke and mirrors with me.
Q: When will you record a duet with your new wife, Brittany Kerr, former "American Idol" contestant?
A: I don't know if she wants any part of the music business anymore. She's a great singer and would probably do fairly well. She had a little taste of all of that stuff. She can sing in the car and in the shower and here in the house, but I don't know if she cares to pursue it as a career.
Twitter: @JonBream • 612-673-1719
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