“Sittin’ on a tailgate, listenin’ to George Strait,
Shoulda-woulda-coulda but it’s lookin like it’s too late”
Nashville, Tenn. — Alias James will release his debut digital single, “Hell (If I Don’t Cry),” on Friday, April 23. A songwriter and recording artist with a wide range of influences — including country, Americana, and alternative rock — “Hell (if I Don’t Cry)” is a fast talking, honky-tonk twangfest that is already earning reviewer accolades. The energetic track manages to namecheck George Strait, Tom Petty, Alabama Shakes, the Titanic, a radio preacher, a thousand angels, and of course, the devil, and features soaring pedal steel riffs, rapid-fire lyric bursts, and sing-along vocal harmonies.
Little is known so far about the enigmatic and talented Alias James; he chooses to let his music do the talking and Nashville is already listening. A batch of new songs is currently being readied for an EP release later this year.
Manager Stan Lee Johnson acknowledges Alias James’ genre-defying style: “When I agreed to help AJ get the songs out, I said ‘Hey, you got so many different things on here, how’s somebody going to describe it?’ He said, ‘It’s just some country music . . . it’s made out in the country!'”
Early Accolades for “Hell (If I Don’t Cry)”
“It’s impossible to not clap and belt out along with the chorus.” – The Country Note
“Hell (If I Don’t Cry)” boasts an infectious chorus enhanced by a traditional country-leaning production, with enough steel guitar to make any listener instantly fall in love with the song. I can’t wait to see where Alias goes.” – OK Country
“The playful energy of the track is infectious, starting with a toe-tapping rhythm and ending up somewhere nearer foot stomping. We hope it gets the attention it deserves.” – Various Small Flames (UK)
“The writing is great and the vocal delivery is beautiful; Alias James masters this art perfectly.” – Yellow & Black
“Love the classic feel and the upbeat instrumentals.” – Yorke Calling (UK)