GRAMMY-Winning Artist Cedric Burnside Explores Faith and Resilience in New Single “Closer”

GRAMMY Award-winning blues musician Cedric Burnside has released “Closer,” a profound exploration of faith, resilience, and the unbreakable bond to one’s roots, and the latest single from his new album ‘Hill Country Love’ (April 5th, Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group). Out today on all digital platforms, “Closer” serves as a testament to Burnside’s enduring spirit and artistic depth. “This song is about living life and having faith. I wrote ‘Closer’ because I’ve been through a lot of things in life – I’m sure we all have. My faith got tested a bunch here on this earth, and I don’t always get it right. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but you gotta try to get it right the next time. All you can do is live as righteous as you can and stay as close to the Lord as you can. That’s what it’s all about.”

“Closer” is a soul-stirring blend of Burnside’s signature Hill Country blues sound, interwoven with deeply personal lyrics that reflect his life’s trials and triumphs. With the release of “Closer,” Burnside continues to build anticipation for ‘Hill Country Love.’ This album not only explores the genre’s traditional roots but also ventures into new territory, showcasing Burnside’s growth as an artist and his deep connection to his musical heritage. “Closer” follows the release of the album’s title track “Hill Country Love,” which delves into the heart of Burnside’s musical and personal narrative, as well as an accompanying music video directed by Jim Arbogast.
 

Burnside’s musical journey began at the age of 13, playing drums for his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside. His recording career has spanned more than a decade, marked by critical acclaim and artistic growth, with GRAMMY nominations for ‘Descendants of Hill Country’ and ‘Benton County Relic.’ Burnside’s versatility extends beyond music; his film appearances and significant roles underscore his multifaceted talent.
 
After the 2021 release of ‘I Be Trying,’ Burnside clinched the title of Best Traditional Blues Album at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards. This accolade cemented his stature not just as a descendant of the Hill Country Blues lineage but as its contemporary standard-bearer. ‘Hill Country Love’ is the culmination of this legacy—a vivid, intimate portrayal of his life’s voyages, challenges, and victories. His dedication to authenticity echoes in each track, presenting a modern interpretation of the blues while honoring its foundational rhythms.
 
Recorded in the heart of Mississippi, ‘Hill Country Love’ captures the essence of the region’s rich musical landscape, offering listeners a glimpse into Burnside’s world. The album features a collection of tracks that are both personal and universal, highlighting Burnside’s unique blend of storytelling and musicianship.
 
Beyond the music, Burnside’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and the enduring power of family legacy. His ascent from drumming in his grandfather’s band to becoming a celebrated artist in his own right is a narrative of dedication and passion for the blues tradition. ‘Hill Country Love’ is an immersive experience into the heart of Hill Country Blues, inviting listeners to partake in a musical journey that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
 
Burnside will perform extensively in support of the album and is set to embark on the first leg of his Hill Country Love Tour this spring, bringing the vibrant energy of ‘Hill Country Love’ to audiences across the US and Canada. The tour kicks off on Wednesday, March 6 at the Miller Theater in Augusta, GA – the first of 17 shows with JJ Grey & Mofro. In addition to appearances at Big Ears Festival on March 23 in Knoxville, TN and a performance on NPR’s Mountain Stage on March 24 in Morgantown, WV, Burnside will headline 24 dates across the Southeast, Southwest and Pacific Coast. Highlights include stops in New Orleans, LA on May 3 at the Broadside; Austin, TX on May 10 at 3Ten; Los Angeles, CA on May 16 at Troubadour; and Vancouver, BC on May 25 at Fox Cabaret, before ending the run with two nights in Denver, CO at Globe Hall on May 31-June 1.
 

2024 Hill Country Love Tour Dates
March 6 – Augusta, GA – Miller Theater*
March 7 – Nashville, TN -Ryman Auditorium*
March 8 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern*
March 9 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery*
March 10 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center*
March 13 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall*
March 14 – Rogers, AR – Victory Theater*
March 15 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse*
March 16 – West Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom*
March 23 – Knoxville, TN – Big Ears Festival
March 24 – Morgantown, WV – Mountain Stage
April 18 – Charlotte, NC – The Amp Ballantyne*
April 19 – Lexington, KY – The Burl
April 20 – Chesterfield, MO – Chesterfield Amphitheater*
April 21 – Bloomington, IL – Castle Theatre*
April 23 – Roanoke, VA – The Spot on Kirk
April 24 – Greensboro, NC – The Flat Iron
April 25 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater*
April 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company*
April 28 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal*
April 30 – Athens, GA – The Foundry
May 1 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium*
May 2 – Decatur, AL – Princess Theatre
May 3 – New Orleans, LA – The Broadside
May 4 – Hattiesburg, MS – Saenger Theater*
May 9 – Houston, TX – The Continental
May 10 – Austin, TX – 3Ten
May 11 – San Antonio, TX – Jo Long Theatre
May 13 – Santa Fe, NM – TumbleRoot
May 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Music Instrument Museum
May 16 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
May 17 – Fresno, CA – Tower Theater
May 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
May 21 – Portland, OR – Polars Hall
May 23 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
May 24 – Bellingham, WA – Wild Buffalo
May 25 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret
May 26 – Victoria, BC – Wicket Hall
May 28 – Boise, ID – Neurolux
May 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – State Room
May 30 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre
May 31 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
June 1 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
 
*with JJ Grey & Mofro
Tracklisting

1.) I Know
2.) Hill Country Love
3.) Shake’em on Down
4.) Juke Joint
5.) Smile
6.) Closer
7.) Coming Real to You
8.) Thank You
9.) Love You Music
10.) Toll On Your Life
11.) You Got to Move
12.) Strong
13.) Funky!
14.) Po Black Mattie