Aaron Burdett "Rockefeller" (single)
  • Aaron Burdett "Rockefeller"
  • Aaron Burdett "Rockefeller"
    Genre: Americana
    MP3 (03:21) [7.67 MB]
Biography

Aaron Burdett’s ‘Rockefeller’ gives a vivid look at the working class mindset
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Aaron Burdett’s music tells stories about life as reflected in the mind and felt in the soul of a southern Appalachian. Stories that are authentic, intense, wise — and occasionally, at least a bit humorous.

The Western Carolina-based native’s new single, “Rockefeller,” is mountain music that speaks to the modern age. It’s part satire, part comedy, peppered with a dash of protest. Above all, it’s a vivid look at the working class mindset of a character staring out at a world they feel both alienated from and at peace with.

In a new step for the singer-songwriter, the music here is bluegrass in form, with a banjo-driven energy that perfectly underpins Burdett’s urgent, muscular vocal. The result is lighthearted and entertaining, yet unmistakably perceptive.

As Burdett notes, "’Rockefeller’ is,on the surface, just a fun song about wishing for more than you have and being envious of others. I like to write from the vantage point of someone here in our region say, in the 1930’s or 1940’s. Dig a little deeper though, and the song brings in hints of the income and economic inequality that’s such a big part of our mountain history, both 100 years ago and now. But then the chorus is all about making do and being content with what you do have. So it’s a song with a few layers to jump back and forth between.”

The lyrics also hint that the song’s hero is a trickster having a laugh at the world that allows for such a wide income disparity. “Might not be good enough to fool the Lord but it’ll be good enough to fool you for sure. I’ve been getting by with what is mine.”

With a fiery bluegrass sound that features stinging harmonies from regular bassist Kim France, “Rockefeller” ultimately comes across as a new version of an old kind of ballad — one that comments perfectly on a current cultural reality.


About Aaron Burdett
Creating music isn’t a means to an end, it is an end with a meaning for Aaron Burdett. Writing and creating songs is rooted somewhere deep in his psyche; it’s something that can’t be denied and must be shared. His lyrics are soul-touching, intelligent, witty, and poetic all at once, while his music style is a seamless blend of Americana, country, blues, bluegrass, and folk-rock that cohesively creates a story. The result is a distinctive, personal approach that’s earned him a growing list of accolades, from winning Our State Magazine’s Carolina Songs competition in 2012 with “Going Home to Carolina” to inclusion on WNC Magazine’s list of the top 10 most important musicians of western North Carolina, alongside such greats as Doc Watson, the Steep Canyon Rangers, and the Avett Brothers.

Return To Crossroads Label Group
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  • Members:
    Aaron Burdett
  • Sounds Like:
    homegrown music with deep roots in the Carolina soil
  • Influences:
    James Taylor, John Prine, John Mellencamp
  • AirPlay Direct Member Since:
    11/18/19
  • Profile Last Updated:
    08/20/23 12:40:04

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