Slash's Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Country Music

Slash, the iconic guitarist of the legendary rock band Guns N' Roses, has long been known for his love of hard-hitting genres like rock and heavy metal. However, in a surprising turn of events, the virtuoso has found himself drawn to the soulful sounds of country music, exploring the genre's rich history and collaborating with some of its most renowned artists.

Uncovering Slash's Unexpected Country Music Passion

Discovering the Allure of Nashville's Musical Landscape

Slash's journey into the world of country music began when he traveled to Nashville, the epicenter of the genre, to work on an album with his band, the Conspirators. During his time in the Music City, Slash was captivated by the rich history and vibrant energy that permeated the city's recording studios, particularly the iconic RCA Studio A."We got an Airbnb here — it was during [2020] — so we were here for a couple of weeks and we were recording at the RCA Studio, Studio A, which is a very historic, famous recording studio here in Nashville," Slash recalled. "Being in that building, there was just this vibe, and it was all these great country artists all over the walls, but real iconic country people."Immersed in the musical legacy of Nashville, Slash found himself drawn to the rich tapestry of country music, exploring the works of legendary artists like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. This newfound appreciation for the genre would soon lead to a deeper exploration and a desire to collaborate with some of its most acclaimed practitioners.

Forging a Collaboration with Country Music Superstar Chris Stapleton

One of the most significant collaborations in Slash's country music journey was his work with Chris Stapleton, the acclaimed country singer-songwriter. Slash had long admired Stapleton's soulful voice and unique musical style, and when the opportunity arose to cover the classic song "Oh Well" on his album "Orgy of the Damned," he knew he had to have Stapleton on board."We'd already recorded the song, and I had him earmarked as the guy, but I had my doubts that he would actually do it. Just his voice, his way that his sort of drawl is and that tone of his, that would be the greatest pairing. Finally I did get his number and I called him, and he said, 'Oh yeah, yeah, that'd be cool.' And I was I beside myself that he was into it."The collaboration between Slash and Stapleton proved to be a resounding success, with the guitarist praising the country star's passion and integrity. "Somebody like Chris Stapleton, when it's done from pure of heart and it's done with passion and integrity, it's as great as anything else."

Embracing the Diversity of Country Music

Slash's exploration of country music has not been limited to traditional sounds; he has also embraced the genre's evolving landscape, where artists like Post Malone and Beyoncé have made forays into the country realm. This openness to the genre's diversity has allowed Slash to appreciate the depth and versatility of country music, recognizing its ability to transcend boundaries and appeal to a wide range of listeners."With stars like Lainey Wilson insisting country is cool again, Slash recalled traveling to Nashville to work with the Conspirators," showcasing his willingness to engage with the contemporary country music scene and its rising stars.Slash's journey into the heart of country music has been a testament to his musical curiosity and his ability to find inspiration in unexpected places. From the historic recording studios of Nashville to the soulful vocals of Chris Stapleton, the legendary guitarist has embraced the genre's rich traditions and its evolving landscape, expanding his artistic horizons and captivating fans with his newfound passion for country music.