As each new work week begins, most folks already have a mental countdown until 5:00 on Friday when weekend fun is set to begin. With his new single, “5:00 In The Country,” Jordan Rowe has provided an anthemic, fiddle-driven tune for both that exact moment and the good times that follow.
We chatted with Rowe all about “5:00 In The Country,” as well as his upcoming headlining dates, the importance of farming and more!
Pro Country: 2021 was a breakthrough year for you as an artist, with several single releases leading up to your album, Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy. How encouraging was the response to the singles from the album as you jumped onto the radar of many fans in the country music world?
Jordan Rowe: It was really encouraging to see the songs connect with people, especially songs like “Mama Ain’t Jesus.” It’s always a little stressful putting yourself and your art out into the world, so it was exciting to see it be well received.
PC: The closing song on Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy, “10-4,” features country legends Tracy Lawrence, Eddie Montgomery and Rhett Akins. What was it like for you to have that collective talent on the song?
JR: It was a dream come true to work with those guys. I grew up listening to them, so to work on their level was an awesome experience. Great guys, every one of them.
PC: What went into the decision to release your newest single, “5:00 in the Country,” as your first single since following Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy?
JR: I wanted to put out something up-tempo that is sonically different than anything out there right now. I wanted a song that would stand out in the crowd, and “5:00” does that for me.
PC: You co-wrote “5:00 In The Country” with Hunter Phelps and Driver Williams. Can you take us in the room and talk about how the song came together?
JR: Hunter and I had talked in a previous writing session about writing the title “5:00 In The Country” at some point. Funny enough, I actually came up with a lot of the chorus lyrics and chorus melody in the shower one morning thinking about that idea. I don’t know why, but I get a lot of song ideas in the shower. Anyways, I came into the write and showed them what I had. I remember Hunter saying, “Well sweet, we already have the whole first verse,” to which I replied, “No that’s the chorus…” Hunter gave me a perplexed but excited look, and we jumped in on it. Driver started playing that catchy guitar lick, Hunter threw out that bluegrass verse melody, and the rest is history. Many fist bumps and high-fives later, we knew we had a good one.
PC: You shared several snippets of “5:00 In The Country” on TikTok prior to the release. How important is it for you to gauge you base’s interest in that way, and given the positive reception, how excited were you to offer the whole song for them?
JR: The truth is, I wish TikTok would’ve been banned when we had the chance. I moved to Nashville to be a country music artist, not a content creator. There’s a big difference. With the rise of TikTok, real artists and good songs are becoming harder and harder to find. I’d venture to say that disappointingly, the music is maybe 10% of being an artist these days. However, as in any business, you must adapt to survive. That’s why it’s important that I’m present on TikTok right now, and I’m doing my best to be successful at it, while not selling myself out to it. The reality is, it’s the best way to get your songs out there; that is, until the next thing comes along. Nonetheless, I truly am thankful for my fans on the platform and the positive response and love I’ve received on “5:00 In The Country.” I’m really excited to release it and continue to build on it this year. I just wish I could reach my fans without fighting an algorithm to do it. So, if you’re a fan and reading this, text “Jordan” to 615-675-6263 so that I can reach you anytime, and long after TikTok isn’t cool anymore. I love y’all.
PC: You’ve shared the stage with several of the genre’s biggest names, including Luke Combs and Cody Johnson. As a young artist, what can you take away from sharing stages and bills with artists of that caliber?
JR: Cody Johnson is the best performer I’ve shared the stage with, and I look up to him more than anyone in the industry right now. He knows who he is, and he knows who his fans are. Cody is a reminder that country music still has a place for class, chivalry and being a gentleman. In addition to that, I’d say he taught me to never shy away from my morals and beliefs, especially on stage.
PC: You’re gearing up for headlining dates across the south in 2022? How excited are you to both bring “5:00 in the Country” on the road and to have top billing on the road?
JR: I’m chomping at the bit to get out there and play that song live. There’s something in the air that changes when we start that song at a concert. It gets people up, and you see more people dancing to it than any other song we play. If we’re coming to a town near you, come on!
PC: Along with your touring plans, what are your plans for the rest of 2022?
JR: Aside from touring, I plan to put out a few more songs, kill a few big deer and watch the Dawgs defend that well overdue Natty.
PC: You launched a “Support Local Farmers” merch campaign that offers a scholarship fund for students pursuing an agriculture degree. Why was it important to you to take that initiative and what has the response been so far?
JR: I grew up in a little farming town in south Georgia and graduated with degrees in Agribusiness and Ag Economics from UGA. I thought I would go back home and work in the Ag industry, but the Lord had different plans for my life, and I moved to Nashville to chase my music dream. What never changed though, is I believe farmers are among the most important people we have in our country, and I wanted to recognize them by tying agriculture in with my music. The Support Local Farmers merch has been extremely well received, and we’re gearing up to give away the first scholarship next spring. This scholarship will help a student pursue an agriculture degree to learn how to better feed our great country and the rest of the world.
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