There are artists like John Moreland and Parker Millsap that remain so underrated from the mainstream Americana world that you almost think it’s unfair. But perhaps it’s their saving grace not to be lumped into the realm of Head and The Hearts and Mt. Joys. Artistic integrity remains their true voice, even if they can use the extra royalty money. JR Atkins certainly is one of these substance-over-style artists that continues to build a following with his soulful delivery mixed with an irritated kick of authentic rock and roll.
Glide is premiering “Rattlesnake,” (below) one of two new singles from Atkins where his tenacious compositional ethic combines a Waylon thump and Ryan Bingham’s modern outlaw propensity. The song features the signature and singular guitar work from Mike Haldeman (Moses Sumney, altopalo) along with longtime cohorts Zac Coe (Charlie Hickey, Del Water Gap) and Ned Steves (Samia).
Rattlesnake” has become a spiritual symbol for Atkins, who describes it as, “What is now understood that wasn’t clear before.” In a transformative time of mining for material, spending over a decade performing in the city and reinforcing his inclination to write in such a vast genre-pool – as with the singer-songwriter tradition – Atkins rallies around a recurring formula: destruction, growth, healing and discovery.
“’Rattlesnake’ is about approaching family and tradition. I tried to create something that captured my relationship toward the world around me after my mom died. I felt angry and uneasy about everyone around me. I had been picking at the opening guitar part for months and I wrote a bunch of the verses in a van on tour when I was in a pretty dark place.
Atkins’ inward journey of growth and perspective through songwriting is an active pursuit to break free from self-destructive cycles with a modern take on Americana. “Rather than fabricating or inventing characters… these are more personal and direct experiences,” says Atkins. “The people I’m writing about are very close to me. I’ve lived within this reality for years. I’ve seen the roots. I can see the leaves and how they’ve grown.”
