I’m not a huge fan of country music I have to admit, but what the Cheat Codes have done with this record, fusing country and pop-EDM, I absolutely love. The musical trio released One Night in Nashville, their 15-song, love letter to Tennessee. Trevor Dahl, Matthew Russell and KEVI have created a record that lovers of both pop and country can enjoy.
“I’ve always loved country music. I’ve always loved the way they write songs as storytelling, and it’s so different than any other kind of genre. It’s so picturesque, and you can really imagine what’s happening in every song. It’s just unique in that way,” says Dahl to PEOPLE.com.
“Going to the coolest city ever after making one song turned into fourteen and we wanted to make an entire album. We knew it was a different world musically from the one we lived in, but we knew we wanted to be a part of it,” says Trevor, KEVI & Matthew. “We felt so comforted and welcomed by this incredible community of creators. The journey that began two years ago, now gets to be heard around the world, and we could not be more excited about this collection of songs.”
The other country stars rounding out the track list for the record include Mitchell Tenpenny, Russell Dickerson, Jimmie Allen, Lady A, Brett Young, Nate Smith, Matt Stell, Maddie & Tae and Adam Doleac. My two favourite songs on the album have to be ‘Lose You’ and ‘One Night Left’. Cheat Codes, Jimmie Allen and Mackenzie Porter spoke with PM Studio on both of these singles;
“MacKenzie had written the idea and we really wanted to try blending it with Trevor’s vocals for more of a call and response feel. Getting to add two different perspectives to the idea of what our ‘One Night Left’ would be like really rounded out the song, and the combination of Trevor’s and MacKenzie’s vocals sound so good together.”
MacKenzie Porter said, “I couldn’t wait for this song to drop! We wrote it at my friend’s lake house over a year ago and I knew it was special then. I am such a fan of Cheat Codes; the guys are so talented and also just the kindest dudes. It’s been so much fun collaborating with them and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it.”
“We had been following Jimmie for a while and love that he’s not afraid to be himself. He has such a rock star style and sound, but he’s one of the most down-to-earth guys.”
Jimmie Allen said, “I’ve been a fan of Cheat Codes for a while. They did a song with my friends Lee Brice and Lindsay Ell, and the co-writers of ‘Lose You’ are friends of mine – Nick Bailey and Levon Grey. Man, I get to work with Cheat Codes and do a song written by two of my friends? I’m all about it! We’re just glad for the song to be out for the world to hear it.”
What I love about this record is the Cheat Codes ability to create something different, something unique, and make it work. It’s at the top of my play list, from beginning to end it’s a great listen. One thing is for certain, Cheat Codes know music, and this album is a true reflection of that.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
