Chase Rice Reclaims His Roots with ‘Fireside Sessions’: “I Didn’t Know Who I Was as a Human, Much Less an Artist”
Country music star Chase Rice has taken a bold step in redefining his career with the release of Fireside Sessions, a stripped-down live collection of songs that reflect a deeply personal journey. Known in the past for his bro-country anthems and radio-friendly hits, Rice has now embraced authenticity and vulnerability in his music.
The Fireside Sessions project includes 25 single-take performances of songs from his most recent albums, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell and Go Down Singin’. Recorded in a cozy, intimate setting, the songs highlight Rice’s raw vocals and storytelling chops, shedding the layers of overproduction that once defined his sound.
“I didn’t know who I was at all as a human, much less as an artist,” Rice confessed in a recent interview. “I was chasing whatever was popular.” That all changed when he began writing with sincerity and purpose, collaborating with acclaimed songwriters like Lori McKenna, Jackson Dean, and Hunter Phelps.
He debuted the project with a surprise performance at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe, where fans and critics alike were treated to the new, introspective version of Rice. The album showcases his desire to be “known well” rather than just “well-known.”
This turning point marks a new era for the country artist, one rooted in honesty and emotional depth. Fireside Sessions is more than just a musical release—it’s a declaration of identity and a return to his roots. With this project, Chase Rice is no longer just chasing hits; he’s chasing meaning, and fans are taking notice.