Country musician Eric Church discusses his recently released album, heavily influenced by New Orleans, and his controversial performance at the Stagecoach festival.

Loose Cannon's Guide to Eric Church's New Album and Business Ventures

Eric Church isn't your average country musician. This 48-year-old singer-songwriter has been cranking out hits since the 90s, but it's his recent endeavors that have folks talking. Let's dive into his latest album, his business ventures, and his controversial Stagecoach festival performance.

Church's new album, "Evangeline vs. the Machine," is a departure from his previous hard-rocking tunes like "Springsteen," "Give Me Back My Hometown," and "Smoke a Little Smoke." Instead, this album leans into a lusher, orchestral vibe, with the addition of strings, horns, and a choir. One standout track, "Johnny," pays homage to The Charlie Daniels Band's 1979 hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."

Looking beyond music, Church has been busy diversifying his portfolio. Remember the chaos in Nashville when Morgan Wallen hurled a chair off a roof? Well, that took place outside Church's bar, Chief's, on Broadway. But don't let that stop you from visiting—Chief's focuses on songwriter shows and upcoming artists. Managing the messaging to distinguish Chief's from other Broadway bars, as Church mentions, has been a significant challenge.

The bar isn't Church's only venture. He's also got a line of whiskeys, a partnership with Wallen to co-own the Field & Stream brand, and a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. Yep, you read that right—moving from Nashville to the world of billionaires.

And what about that Stagecoach festival set that left many scratching their heads? Church blended originals with spirituals like "Amazing Grace" and "I'll Fly Away," along with unexpected covers like Al Green’s "Take Me to the River" and Snoop Dogg’s "Gin and Juice." Some might call it a polarizing gig, but Church couldn't be happier with the response.

When asked about his new musical direction and business ventures, Church cites COVID as the catalyst. With live shows on hold, he saw an opportunity to expand his horizons and learned a thing or two from successful artists like Jay-Z and J. Cole. Ten years ago, mingling with rappers and billionaires? Not in his wildest dreams.

As for the polarizing Stagecoach performance, Church stands by his decision. He wanted to show an arc musically, highlighting the Black roots of country music, and create a unique, unforgettable experience. Love it or hate it, one thing is clear—Church isn't afraid to push boundaries.

So there you have it—a taste of Eric Church's latest album, his business ventures, and his Stagecoach festival set. Whether you're a fan or just fascinated by his bold moves, there's no denying that Eric Church is making waves in the music and business worlds.

Eric Church, currently in his 40s, is not your typical country musician as he delves into new ventures, including a latest album titled 'Evangeline vs. the Machine.'
The new album showcases a different vibe, with a focus on strings, horns, and a choir, deviating from his earlier hits like "Springsteen," "Give Me Back My Hometown," and "Smoke a Little Smoke."
Besides music, Church owns a bar, Chief's, in Nashville, known for songwriter shows and upcoming artists, and has a line of whiskeys, a partnership with Morgan Wallen to co-own the Field & Stream brand, and a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, venturing into the world of billionaires.
His controversial Stagecoach festival performance, combining originals with spirituals and covers, stirred debates, but Church believes it was a bold move that showcased the Black roots of country music.
Church credits the COVID-19 pandemic for his recent musical direction and business ventures, learning from successful artists like Jay-Z and J. Cole, something he never imagined ten years ago.
The entertainment industry of California, including Hollywood, music, and sports, has been watching Church's moves with interest, as his unique approach in both music and business is shifting the paradigm.
Whether you're a fan or just fascinated by his audacious moves, it's clear that Eric Church is making a significant impact in the entertainment and music industries, creating plenty of buzz and new opportunities.