Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. — “With all that’s happened over the last year, I thought this could hopefully develop as sort of a summertime Anthem in people’s cars and while they were on vacation. A song they could create fun memories to that would last a lifetime.” JEFF ZAZUETA (lead singer & founder) says of SHOTGUN JEFFERSON’S latest track, “Escape,” the post quarantine feel-good song about finding that spot you can escape to. “Escape” was written by Braeden Counts (American Dream) and produced remotely with Bill McDermott in Nashville (George Strait, Tim McGraw, Vince Gill, Billy Currington, etc). The song is now available worldwide on all streaming platforms.
“Escape” mixes country rock with the perfect amount of pop-country to be a strong contender in the radio market. The instant that Zazueta heard the demo he knew it was the right song for them. “We sifted through a variety of songs and listened carefully until we found the song we wanted to attach our names to. It was clear to us from the start that “Escape” checked off all the boxes we were looking for. Easy to listen to, easy to remember, excellent melodies with a sing-along chorus.” Previously, the band had written the majority of their releases but were looking for a fresh start with some new material after rebuilding the band and lockdown. “For us, it’s sort of a redemption song to kick the gates back open for Shotgun Jefferson that have been locked for over a year due to Covid. “Escape” is everything we’ve all wanted to do for the last year and now it’s in the form of a song. I feel it’s something we all can relate to at least to some degree and is one of the most important songs for us since Shotgun Jeffersons’ inception. Because we’re all hoping to be revitalized by it as a band and for our listeners. We’re hoping to escape this last year and move forward with this song into a brighter future.”
With relatable lyrics such as “Where do you go when the day beats you up again, and the world feels like it’s tryin’ to make you give in,” the average everyday working person can relate as well as though struggling through hard times. Songwriter Braeden Counts says “I literally wrote the song while I was at work. I was having one of those days where all I wanted to do was throw my desk across the building, leave and never come back. So I used company time to write a song about all the things I’d rather do. We all have days when we feel like that. On those days I know we all dream and drift off to the place where we feel free.”
Shotgun Jefferson echoes those sentiments and has desperately missed performing live for their fans “The excitement and joy that we receive when we create a quality song or put on a high energy show added to the response and smiles we receive from our fans for a job well done are why we have such a passion for music. When we get the opportunity to help others through the gift of music it amplifies the joy and emotion tenfold and that’s what truly fills our spirit.”
This isn’t the first time this Southern California-based band has achieved success through feel-good music or performing. In 2020, they were named Country Band of The Year for the Josie Music Awards in Tennessee. They have also been part of several charity events for Route 91 Survivors, Veterans, supporting our servicemen and women, and a Livestream for Covid Relief with The Red Cross.
No stranger to the spotlight, their ultimate goal is to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and Stagecoach Festival, as well as to tour nationally. Shotgun Jefferson has shared bills with country superstars like Lindsay Ell, The Lacs, Brooke Eden, Moonshine Bandits, Jordan Rager, Jessica Lynn, and Pop Acts Missing Persons and Bow Wow Wow, Aaron Watson, Meghan Lindsey, & Confederate Railroad.
With their previous releases, Shotgun Jefferson has already accumulated over 50K streams, has an official line-dance for one of their songs, and is looking to break that number with this song as well as add radio play worldwide.
Follow Shotgun Jefferson on their musical journey on their various socials, including Instagram, Spotify, Facebook, and Apple Music.