EXCLUSIVE: The Shootouts Talk New Album ‘Bullseye’

Incorporating a wide variety of genre styles such as country, rock, folk, and Americana into their sound, The Shootouts are one of the most eclectic groups on the market right now and their new album ‘Bullseye’ is a hybrid fusion of all their sonic influences making it a stellar collection.

Here we chat exclusively with The Shootouts to discuss their latest record:

How does it feel to have your new album out in the world?
We’re thrilled the album is finally out in the world! We recorded it over a year ago but had to hold it back due to Covid-19.

What would you say the core values are that run through the project?
The Shootouts mission statement is simple: we filter all kinds of traditional country music influences through our Rust Belt roots. We draw from so many influences and mix it all together with our own modern perspective.

What was the process like for bringing the album to life?
We worked on this record with Chuck Mead, former lead singer of BR5-49. Despite recording it in Nashville immediately following the devastating tornado that rocked the city in February of 2020, and starting the record on March 8th, the week the world changed, we made the best of the situation we were in and had a great time tracking this album. Chuck was an enthusiastic cheerleader throughout the whole process, so it really made making the album easy and enjoyable.

Who else have you worked with to create the LP?
Outside of the band and Chuck, we had a few special guests, like our longtime sideman Al Moss on pedal steel, Renae Truex on fiddle, and Micah Hulscher on keys. Cowboy Keith Thompson engineered, Chad Brown handled the mixing and Alex McCullogh at True East Mastering. We also worked with our friend Dave Sacchini in Ohio to do a few small last-minute overdubs.

Is there one song, in particular, you’re most excited about sharing?
The song that means the most to me [Ryan Humbert] is “Another Mother,” written to honor my late mother, Judy Humbert, who passed away unexpectedly in 2018. It’s a song that reminds people to cherish every day they spend with their family members. You never know when it could be your last. I hope it might help others heal like it helped me.

What would you say was the most difficult track to write?
“Another Mother,” again — without a doubt. After she passed away it took me nearly a year before I could write the song. I knew the raw emotions it would stir up just couldn’t be forced.

What are you hoping to achieve with this record?
Ideally, we want to continue to carry the torch for traditional country music in all its forms and spreading the word about The Shootouts, our music, and our mission. We hope this album helps us reach more people that connect with all of those things!

Looking ahead, what else do you have planned this year?

We’re going to get out and support this record with live dates as soon as it makes sense. We want everyone to be safe. I think we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel though! Outside of that, we’re already discussing what “Album #3″ might look like!

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Feature photography credit: Jamie Escola