“An Aaron Watson tune is solid, sturdy, well crafted, dependable. He riffs on the familiar, weaves in wordplay and funny twists like George Strait. Above all, he is authentic. What you see is what you get. At a time when everyone and everything seems overly marketed, when we’re being constantly manipulated and sold to, the music of Aaron Watson can be awfully appealing. There’s no gimmick, no pretension, there’s certainly no irony.” – Texas Monthly
Country music’s independent force Aaron Watson will perform at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN on Saturday, June 10th. Watson’s album Vaquero debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, marking his biggest career sales week to date. The album follows his #1 history-making predecessor The Underdog, which made him the first independent, male country artist to debut in the coveted top spot. Entrepreneur recently talked with the groundbreaking artist about his innovative business strategies and unprecedented rise. Read more HERE.
Watson’s 11th, full-length studio album Vaquero released to overwhelming praise from press. Texas Monthlyfeatured him in an in-depth, 9-page article (HERE). Rolling Stone Country, Billboard, CMT and many others highlighted his impressive path carved outside of the Nashville establishment and his well-crafted songs.American Songwriter said, “Watson’s knack for shaping sharp, hooky choruses makes this eleventh edition to his catalog not just a worthy complement to The Underdog, but a textbook example of his talents in a genre overflowing with shapeless, cookie cutter “bro country,” little of which is half as enjoyable or well-crafted as the majority of Vaquero.”
Vaquero is a compelling collection of 16 songs and a nod to Watson’s fans and family who helped set the foundation for his success. 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. 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 built a career one fan at a time, night after night and album by album. Now, after 18 years, 2,500 shows-and-counting, and eleven albums later, people are just now catching up to the nationally recognized artist who is a force to contend with. Watson continues to dominate as a true independent in the country music scene, and he shared his inspiring journey with fans via a video that has since racked up over 6.8 million views, watch HERE.
Vaquero was co-produced by Watson and Marshall Altman. All of the songs were written or co-written by Watson and collaborators including Mac McAnally, Leslie Satcher, Kendell Marvel, among others.