16-SONG COLLECTION IS FOLLOW UP TO 2015’S HISTORY MAKING NO. 1 ALBUM THE UNDERDOG
Nashville, TN – Groundbreaking independent country artist Aaron Watson continues to chart his own course with the February 24th release of his new album Vaquero (BIG Label Records/Thirty Tigers). Watson made history in 2015 when his 10th studio album, The Underdog debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart marking the first time an independent, male country artist had ever debuted at the coveted top spot. Watson’s unprecedented accomplishment turned heads and opened many eyes to what he had been building independently for years. With Vaquero, Watson continues to challenge current trends and stay true to his muse. The 16-song collection finds the Texas native following the trail back to his roots, keying in on his influences and tipping his hat to the fans and family who helped set the foundation for his success.
Tirelessly defying the odds of the conventional country album cycle over the last 17 years, Watson built a career one fan at a time, night after night, and album-by-album. It’s only recently that others have caught up to the now nationally recognized artist who, now more than ever, is a force to contend with. Watson has been selling out shows across Texas and beyond, with audiences ranging from 2,000-5,000 nightly for years, while also selling out in major markets including Boston and Denver. Expanding his reach even further, Watson performs headlining shows to capacity crowds internationally in Italy, France, Norway, the UK and more. For Watson, it has been a slow and steady climb, but one thing is clear, the integrity and principles that lie beneath all the hard work and perseverance have remain unchanged.
Vaquero, which means the ‘original cowboy,’ is an intensely reflective and personal set of songs filled with compelling narratives. Throughout, he depicts stories of a rugged people, humble but hardworking, like himself. He puts a playful spin on an insider’s view on the Texan way of life with “Amen Amigo” and delivers life lessons courtesy of an old vaquero with the title track. On the poignant “Diamonds & Daughters,” he opens up his heart for his little girl. “Mariano’s Dream” is a companion piece to “Clear Isabel” and on “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To” he sings of the longing for the nostalgia of an earlier time. Listeners have come to know Watson’s pragmatic style and authenticity as an artist over the years. With Vaquero, he keeps his Texas flare and honest songwriting at the forefront.
Watson co-produced Vaquero with award-winning producer Marshall Altman. All 16 songs for the Amarillo, TX native bear his name, with half penned solely by Watson and the others co-written with acclaimed collaborators including Mac McAnally, Leslie Satcher, Kendell Marvel and more.
A pre-order of the album is available now and includes lead single “Outta Style” and “Big Love In A Small Town”, here: http://smarturl.it/Vaquero.