Aaron Pritchett is taking control of his music.
For the first time the country musician is calling all the shots on his fifth album, aptly called In The Driver’s Seat. He is writing or co-writing every song and ensuring it adheres to the kind of music he wants to make.
In the past Pritchett said he had to compromise with what the record label wanted but not he has complete creative control. He’s taking the opportunity to tell stories from his life.
“This time I did some of that but also took some personal stories and took them to pen and paper,” he said.
Pritchett said it’s not an easy task to be in control of every aspect of creating an album.
“But it’s something I wanted to do never the less,” he said.
In The Driver’s Seat is set to be release this fall. Songs like Come Clean and She’s Goin’ Somewhere explore personal and serious issues.
“Come Clean is one of those songs you can relate to,” said Pritchett.
He said when people hear the song it reminds them of something they’ve gone through in the past or are currently struggling with, whether it’s telling the truth about something or other issues.
Other songs such as Pinch and Light It Up are high-energy songs with a little bit of rock and roll thrown in.
Pritchett was born in Vancouver, but was raised in Kitimat. During his youth he listened to 80s rock such as Van Halen and AC/DC. But there was something about the stories country artists sang about that he could relate to that drew him into the genre. In his youth he would go fishing, camping or on long bus rides to hockey tournaments in his youth. His life had that down-home feel that translated into the country world of music.
What got him into country music when he was younger was Randy Travis.
“He was a different country guy with a pop flavour,” said Pritchett.
That interest led him to other country artists such as Clint Brown and earlier works by Garth Brooks.
Pritchett has many awards under his belt including Canadian Country Music Association awards for Independent Male Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, which he won in 2007 for Hold My Beer.
Pritchett performs at the Queen’s Friday (July 26) at 8 p.m., and is followed by special guest Montgomery County. Tickets are $35 and available at the bar, Guava Apparel or by calling 250-754-6751.
For more information about Pritchett please go to www.aaron-pritchett.com.