Cody Johnson is about to tackle a singular problem on the upcoming Hondo Rodeo Fest, the place he’ll be pulling double responsibility as each a performer and a competitor within the rodeo occasion. This is not only a publicity stunt – Johnson has a real background in rodeos, having began group roping as a interest. As Hondo Rodeo Fest CEO James Trawick defined, “He is truly going to rope on the Hondo this yr. Followers are going to get to see him experience and twine on the Hondo for the primary time ever. Strain is on Cody. It is on the market. It is within the public.”
The Hondo Rodeo Fest is a three-night occasion in Phoenix, Arizona, that showcases the genuine rodeo expertise alongside stay music performances. This yr’s lineup consists of notable acts like Nickelback, Jason Aldean, and Jon Pardi, along with Cody Johnson. What’s fascinating is that Johnson is not simply performing – he is additionally competing within the rodeo, and he is not doing it for present. He is out to win, and his expertise shall be put to the check.
It is value noting that Johnson has confronted criticism prior to now for being “too nation” for nation radio. In an outdated Whiskey Riff Raff podcast interview, he talked about that his producer, Trent Wilmon, urged releasing the songs they needed, fairly than making an attempt to cater to radio codecs. Johnson recalled, “Once you get so many individuals on this facet {that a} man like me is taken into account ‘too nation for radio,’ man, we have got an issue. We have been discussing what songs off my new report we might take into account singles… and my producer Trent Wilmon says ‘In the event that they’re already not gonna play it, why not launch what we wish?'”
Johnson additionally shared that his hit track “Expensive Rodeo” with Reba McEntire was as soon as deemed “too rodeo” for radio play, with some critics citing issues about cruelty to animals. Nonetheless, it is clear that Johnson’s music is rooted in his real-life experiences, and his authenticity is a part of what makes his songs so compelling. Now, by competing within the rodeo and headlining the pageant, Johnson is basically proving that he is as rodeo because it will get – and that is one thing to be appreciated. As he is proven time and time once more, Johnson is an artist who stays true to himself and his roots, and that is what makes his music so real and relatable.
