Kendall Tucker Discusses His “Dragging Me Down” Single, Collaborations, and Touring

Stringing success together is what Kendall Tucker is doing in a very big way right now. The Country-Rap artist made some serious noise with the debut of his new single “Dragging Me Down,” which features the talents of both Jelly Roll and State of Mine. That single was the follow-up to “Stickup,” another impressive collaboration with MYXED and Project Pat, the co-founder of Three Six Mafia. “Dragging Me Down” overflows with confidence and enthusiasm, meant to give you that dose of energy and motivation when you feel like you’re struggling. As a collective, Tucker, Jelly Roll, and State of Mine want to let you know that you’re not alone, and so many others feel just as you do.

With roots in both Nashville and Florida, Tucker was very much exposed to Country growing up, so he couldn’t help but become a fan. However he has always had a strong interest in hip hop as well, which encouraged him to combine both styles when he was trying to develop his own sound. You’ll also certainly notice a Rock influence within his music. Two of the real trendsetters who paved the way for the evolution of Country and Hip Hop were Bubba Sparxxx and Uncle Kracker, who are both associates of Tucker and both of whom he has previously worked with.

Joining us today is Tucker himself for a chat about his music, his creative process, touring, performing live, and more.

How would you describe your own music?

Kendall Tucker: “It’s hard describing my music, even for myself; I get this question a lot. I grew up on all genres, so I tend to lean towards all genres when it comes to writing and recording. One day, it’s Rock, next it’s Country or rap. I’m sure I got a song that everyone can enjoy.”

How would you describe your creative process?

“When it comes to writing a new song, most of the time, I’ll listen to the instrumental/beat that the producer or band came up with, and the lyrics will come to me from there. I know everyone is different; sometimes, if I have a certain melody in my head, I’ll write the lyrics first.”

Who are your biggest influences?

“There are several artists I look up to and try to learn from. One artist whom I’ve got much respect for, and he’s shown me nothing but love since day one, is Colt Ford. Colt has done something that no one else has done and that’s getting accepted into the Country genre as a rapper. The work he’s put in and the road he paved for artists like me, you can’t help but respect him.”

Kendall Tucker “Dragging Me Down” single artwork

Tell us about your most recent release; what was your experience of making it? What went on behind the scenes? Any notable moments that stand out?

“My new song ‘Dragging Me Down’ featuring Jelly Roll and State of Mine. I’m super excited about this song and getting it out to the people. Not only is it a good song, but I think it will help people who are dealing with personal demons. Let them know they’re not alone. I wrote the song with Jelly Roll in mind and shortly after got connected with Jelly Roll and State of Mine, and it was history from there.”

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

“There are so many people I’d love to work with. I think Post Malone would be really cool!”

Which act would you want to tour with?

“Jason Aldean. I think our music is a little different, but the message is the same. We have the same kind of listeners/fans. Good old blue-collar workers that love this country and are proud to be an American.”

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

“It would be the business side of things; not every label is bad. There are labels that have helped change artists’ lives for the better, but the entertainment business, in general, is a dirty business. I’ve got several artist friends with #1 hits not getting the percentages they deserve as the creative mind behind everything.”

What do you like most about playing music?

“The people I get to meet on the road and at shows. I can be clear across the country and have someone tell me my song touched them or helped them at a point in their life; that feeling will never get old.”

What’s the best show you’ve ever played?

“That’s a tough question; I’ve had several fun shows. I always have a blast when I get to hit the road with Colt Ford, though. His fans are the greatest and always full of energy.”

Kendall Tucker

What was the highlight of some of your more recent tours?

“We played a show out in Yellowstone, Montana, with Uncle Kracker. Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen; we had a blast!”

Do you ever get stage fright? What’s your solution for it?

“I don’t really get stage fright, but I still get them butterflies before hitting the stage. It’s funny because I’ve had people ask me if I ever get scared playing in front of 6,000 people, but I get more nervous playing in front of 100 people than larger crowds.”

What are you still trying to figure out?

I’ve got a ton to still figure out. Every day I try to grow and be better than the day before. If you’ve been blessed to wake up the next morning, then take advantage of it and continue to learn.”

Do you have anything you’d like to tell any fans reading right now?

“I could never thank them enough, honestly, I don’t even like using the word fans. These people have become friends/family, and I couldn’t push this music without them. They are the reason why I even continue to do music.”

When you write do you do so with the live setting in mind, or do you write a song just for the song’s sake?

“I’d say both; sometimes it’s just about the song. More recently, I’ve been thinking more about the live show, which is why a lot of my newer music hits a lot harder with some rock sounds in the mix.”

Politics and music. Yay, nay or what the hay?

“I don’t like when an artist fully focuses on politics in music, but what I will say is this: if you’ve been given a platform to reach the masses and, in your heart, you feel convicted about a certain subject in politics and feel like you should say something, well then this is America, and you have that right. I feel like artists have a powerful tool with music and can do very big things by speaking up.”

What are your touring plans for when the new music drops?

“I’m in the middle of booking the largest tour of my career right now. Can’t give you too many details, but definitely got some big shows coming following the drop of some new singles.”