Independent country artist Christopher James has released a new single, “What If I,” via Young Outlaw Music. According to the announcement, the song addresses the idea of an artist resisting a single stylistic lane, contrasting modern production with lyrical nods to 1990s country influences.
James wrote and recorded the track at home over about three days, playing all instruments himself except for pedal steel, the announcement says. The release follows his previous single, “Shotgun County Pawn and Gun,” a more traditional country story song, which James discussed in a television appearance on Good Morning Washington alongside his military service.
James has served as a U.S. Army musician for nearly 20 years and has performed alongside artists including Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Train, Garth Brooks, Sammy Hagar and CeeLo Green, according to the announcement. He is based in Washington, D.C., and reports more than 90,000 streams across his independent catalogue.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Eric Alper, thatericalper.com.