Progressive Country Singer Bryan Andrews Doesn’t Care If Nashville Likes Him: ‘I Knew There Was Going to Be Highs and Lows In Doing This’

Bryan Andrews, a country singer from a small town in Missouri, has gained a large following through his progressive views expressed in his music. His songs, such as "Yeehaw," "Are We Great Yet" and "The Older I Get," have resonated with his over 3.8 million TikTok and 1.5 million Instagram followers. One of his most notable tracks, "The Older I Get," which criticizes big pharma, the Epstein files, ICE and un-Christ-like behavior by some Christians, reached No. 3 on Billboard's Country Digital Song Sales chart last year.

Andrews' popularity and notoriety have grown since his July EP, Independence Day. He is set to embark on his headlining Taking My Flag Back tour, starting on Election Day, November 5, in Washington, D.C. During a recent trip to Los Angeles, Andrews spoke to Billboard about his career and his stance as an outspoken liberal in an industry known for its conservative bent.

In his song "Yeehaw," Andrews collaborated with Nashville songwriter Laura Veltz and producer Steve Rusch. He mentioned that there might be writers who don't want to work with him due to his political views, but he hasn't been explicitly told so. Andrews considers himself a protest singer and has cited artists like N.W.A., Tupac, and Rage Against the Machine as influences. He has never met Tom Morello, but expressed admiration for his activism.

Andrews has had some instances where his team suggested he might need to tone down his rhetoric, but he has remained steadfast in expressing his beliefs. He mentioned that Disruptor, his record label under Sony, has discussed bringing his music to country radio, but they are currently focusing on building a strong community before pursuing radio opportunities.

Andrews played alongside Tennessee Representative Justin Pearson at CMA Fest in June, who spoke about voting rights. Andrews appreciated the opportunity and did not hold any grudges against the CMA for not allowing him to speak during the performance.