Rascal Flatts is pulsing into a new career phase with hot single “Rewind,” which debuted at a press event this morning (Jan. 8) in Nashville. It’s a “good way to bridge the gap between familiar Rascal Rlatts and a new era of Rascal Flatts,” explained Jay DeMarcus to the crowd assembled at Houston Station.
It’s ironic that a song named “Rewind” marks a leap forward, but the band said it is representative of the upcoming album, where they sought new, fresh ways to tell stories. Penned by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Eric Paslay, the lyrics are about a night you want to do all over again: “Un-touch your skin/ un-kiss your lips and kiss ‘em again/…. this is one night/ that I wish I could rewind.” It was recorded at DeMarcus’ studio. Though he has been tallying production credits for several years, this is the first time he and the band have co-produced their own songs. Also contributing tracks to the album is longtime collaborator Dann Huff, and rock/pop stalwart Howard Benson.
During a 12-month recording process, the longest in the band’s history, they searched for songs and a sound that would appeal to longtime fans but fall in line with current country music. Noting a shift in country radio since their debut single in 2000, the group didn’t only want to please radio, they also needed material they believed in and could sing with conviction. They knew that if their music wasn’t authentic it wouldn’t resonate with fans. DeMarcus, Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney pushed the creative envelope and recorded songs they wouldn’t have done in the past. By the end of such a lengthy process, it was natural that they started second-guessing some of their choices, especially as top-notch material continued to pile in. One of those late arrivals was “Rewind.”
The title of the single prompted the band to reflect on their whirlwind ride over the last 14 years. “I wish we could rewind some of the special moments that flew past us,” admitted LeVox. Just as they did for that first single, the guys are headed out on a radio tour. Following this morning’s event, they hopped a plane to Houston to kick off a 10-day sprint, hitting two or three cities per day. Commandeering the trip is Big Machine Records Sr. VP Promotion Jack Purcell, who is celebrating his 50th birthday today.
Along with a fresh sound, in recent years Rascal Flatts has built a new team by signing with Big Machine and manager Clarence Spalding. DeMarcus thanked BMLG head Scott Borchetta for not pressuring them with recording deadlines. He said, “We had to get over a hump, creatively, to find our stride.”
Next up, Rascal Flatts will hit the road with Sheryl Crow. As in years past, fans can expect plenty of pre-show and parking lot action. Those events will tie in to the group’s charitable initiatives with Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and Make A Wish, which LeVox called a “magical and important part of our lives.”