Russell Dickerson Welcomes ‘New Era’ With Reflective EP [Interview]

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Music lovers have been rolling their windows down and blasting Russell Dickerson tunes, such as the triple-Platinum “Yours,” double-Platinum “Blue Tacoma” and Platinum singles “Every Little Thing,” “Love You Like I Used To” and “She Likes It (feat. Jake Scott),” for nearly a decade now.

After launching his career with four consecutive hit songs on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and earning multiple RIAA certifications, he has continued to mark milestones like notching his fifth No. 1 single with “God Gave Me A Girl” in 2023 and receiving 12 BMI Millionaire Certificates following the drop of “Good Day To Have A Great Day” in June.

As the days of summer began to dwindle, Dickerson found himself thinking about the feelings and festivities associated with fall while curating his new project, Bones The EP, which led him to reflect on the relationships and heartfelt moments that have made him who he is. Now, as he preps for its release tomorrow (Aug. 30), the Triple Tigers recording artist feels the collection’s five tracks, all of which he co-wrote, summarize that introspection and welcome not only a different season of weather, but a different sonic season of his artistry.

The title track, which was the most-added single at country radio upon its release last month, is what initially caused the leaves of Dickerson’s craft to change color. He recalls the word “Bones” really turning his wheels and throwing it out as title while writing with Chase McGill, Chris LaCorte and Parker Welling. The four focused on the different expressions and ways in which the word is used in everyday life and built the lyrics around those phrases, resulting in a sweet, sentimental number that exemplifies classic country storytelling with lines like “once the gold on my finger is wrapped around nothing but bones.” Dickerson says it excites him in the same way “Yours” and other hits have.

“There’s nothing in it that sticks out to me as distracting or wrong. When I listen to it I’m just so proud of what we created,” he tells MusicRow. “I’m willing to bet my career and put my neck on the line for this song.”

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The success Dickerson has achieved thus far speaks to his dedication to and belief in his work. Staying true to himself and trusting his gut has allowed him to authentically connect with audiences across the nation, and that wasn’t going to change with “Bones.”

“There were some people who were unsure about it so I had to fight for it to be a single,” says Dickerson. “I’m always a team player and want everyone’s advice, but I just knew this was the single.”

That confidence in the tune deemed it the project name and ushered in the reflection that formed the rest of the EP and “the starting line of new era of Russell Dickerson,” according to the hitmaker.

With fall around the corner, the EP finds him reminiscing on significant memories and moments that took place during the season throughout the years, and looking for pieces that embody the cozy feeling of a bonfire and similar warm energy. “Those Nights These Days,” a track about missing close friends which Dickerson co-penned with Seth Ennis and Jordan Reynolds, immediately stuck out along with “Cold Beer Conversation,” a tune inspired by chats with his grandfather that he, Casey Brown, Ryan Hurd and Brad Tursi brewed.

The other two, “Miss You So (Letters To You)” and “What A Life,” also travel back in time to elicit those appreciative and thoughtful vibes—something he plans to bring to his various “Good Day To Have A Great Tour” stops.

“With [Bones The EP], I want people to see another facet of me,” shares Dickerson. “We have the ‘RD Party’ and other things [that centers around having a good time], but this is a little more emo and introspective.”

Liza Anderson
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