Aaron Lewis and Beyoncé are currently in a battle for the top chart position on iTunes, with the alternative-metal-turned-country star holding the coveted number one spot for his latest album. Lewis, known for his role as the lead vocalist of the alternative metal band Staind, ventured into the realm of country music with his solo career, gaining significant traction in the genre.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé stirred controvery with the announcement of her album, "Act II: Cowboy Carter," initially teased as a country-themed project. However, Beyoncé clarified that the album is not strictly country but rather a reflection of her diverse musical influences.
Beyoncé said that the project "ain't a country album," and the the project came from "taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work."
The competition between Aaron Lewis and Beyoncé shows where the industry is at, where artists explore and experiment with different genres, and it turns out country music is a big influence on artists that you may not expect.
In July 2010, Lewis wrapped up the recording of his country music EP titled Town Line, which saw its release on March 1, 2011, through Stroudavarious Records.
One of the standout tracks from Town Line was "Country Boy," the EP's lead single, which featured collaborations with country music legends George Jones, Charlie Daniels, and Chris Young. The EP also included tracks like "Massachusetts," "Vicious Circles," "The Story Never Ends," and a re-recording of "Tangled Up in You," originally from his days with Staind.
In a revealing interview in July 2011, Lewis disclosed that his introduction to country music came during his childhood, thanks to his grandfather's influence. However, it wasn't until later in his career, particularly during his time touring with fellow rock artist turned occasional country singer Kid Rock, that his passion for country music was reignited
