Hayes Carll will perform at The Basement East on April 11 in support of his new album What It Is, released February 15 via Dualtone. As his sixth studio release and follow up to 2016’s deeply personal Lovers and Leavers, What It Is is comprised of 12 tracks that find Carll in a wiser phase of life — rejuvenated on a new creative plateau. Carll’s vivid imagery and unique ability to put complex emotions into words makes his music instantly relatable. What It Is has garnered high critical praise from multiple outlets HERE
Spanning from catchy ballads to bold, Texas stomps, What It Is addresses topics ranging from the current socio-political climate to navigating the continous change of the relationships. The new collection of songs weave intricate and often emotional lyrics with sly political commentary and well-executed, subtle sarcasm, making for some of his most nuanced work yet. What It Is recently held the #1 spot at Americana Radio for two weeks, while the first single “None Ya” held the #1 position for eight consecutive weeks. The album debuted in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Rock (#5), Country (#5) and Americana (#4) charts. Carll made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry in February, which was beautifully captured before, during and after via this My Opry Debut short film. (Watch Above)
Over the past decade, Hayes Carll has proven himself to be one of roots music’s strongest songwriters, winning the 2008 Americana Music Association Award for “Song of the Year” for his single “She Left Me for Jesus”. In 2016, he garnered a “Best Country Song” Grammy nomination for writing the Lee Ann Womack hit “Chances Are”. In addition to his own thought-provoking storytelling, What It Is features co-writes with Matraca Berg, Adam Landry, Lolo, Charlie Mars, and Allison Moorer.
