WILL HOGE RELEASES “DESPERATE TIMES” TO TRIPLE-A RADIO FORMATS
GRAMMY-nominated troubadour Will Hoge is set to release his new single “Desperate Times” to triple-A radio formats today, June 1. “Desperate Times” is off Hoge’s latest album, SMALL TOWN DREAMS, which rocketed up the Country albums charts, landing Top 5 on iTunes and No. 15 on Billboard. Produced by Marshall Altman, Hoge delves deeper into both his country and rock 'n' roll roots for his 10th studio album. Never fitting particularly neatly into a genre box, he's always just made the music that moved him and "Desperate Times" is one of those songs.
"'Desperate Times' is a true life story about staying in a place and toughing it out. Those tests and trials we all go through that make us stronger and wiser once we make it to the other side," says Hoge. "Plus, it's accompanied by boogie-woogie piano."
Written by Hoge and Adam Hood, the lyrics reflect a song about pushing through when times get tough, however Hoge pulls it off with an incandescent delivery - singing to an upbeat rock and blues melody. Bringing it close to home, the handclaps heard in the background include Hoge’s two sons.
Critically hailed as an artist who is "rapidly positioning himself between those two pillars of populist rock, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp” by Popmatters.com and as a "genuine crusader who heeds his calling," Hoge impresses on “Desperate Times” and his newest SMALL TOWN DREAMS with his voice, "an impressive instrument with the dexterity to hit the high notes, and the weatherworn intensity to make each of songs feel genuine and lived-in," as noted by Absolutepunk.net.
Tracking the miles of his own American journey with SMALL TOWN DREAMS, Hoge relives his upbringing and hometown roots with personal stories on each track, continuing to pile on the stunning reviews;
“His rootsy presentation harks back to sounds first showcased by Carlene Carter, Roseanne Cash, and Rodney Crowell in the 1980s, poured through the roots rock filter of Bob Seger and John Mellencamp. But Hoge’s take is fresh, bracing even." – AllMusic.com
"Reminiscent of Springsteen, and based on the subject matter alone, you can’t help but conjure Mellencamp songs like 'Small Town' and 'Pink Houses.'" – Radio.com
“…his voice tugs at heartstrings with conviction. Real is always better than cliché, and this is real life in song.” – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Working with producer Marshall Altman and co-writing with the likes of Chris Stapleton, Gary Allan and more, the 11-song release is just the latest in a long line of wins for Hoge." – Paste Magazine
Previously opening for Dierks Bentley, John Mellencamp and ZZ Top, Hoge is currently performing shows across the country with his SMALL TOWN DREAMS headline tour with upcoming stops in Buffalo, NY (6/5), New York, NY (6/6), and Uncasville, CT (6/7). In September, he will travel across the pond for a UK edition of the tour.
The Nashville native catapulted into the national spotlight with the release of his top-selling single “Strong.” Providing the musical backdrop for General Motor’s 2014 Chevy Silverado ad campaign, the song has sold nearly 200,000 copies to date. Breaking into mainstream country, Hoge has penned Lady Antebellum's “Better Off Now (That You’re Gone),” and co-wrote the Platinum-selling No. 1 smash “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” recorded by the Eli Young Band. “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” earned nominations for the 2013 GRAMMY Country Song of the Year, 2013 ACM Song of the Year and 2012 CMA Song of the Year.
For tour dates and more information on Will Hoge, visit www.willhoge.com.
SMALL TOWN DREAMS is available on iTunes, via: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/small-town-dreams/id964082754.