NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Indie recording artist Joe Hermes will serve up two brand new original tunes ("Outgun The Outlaw" and "American Muscle") as the "last call" in his 2024 Double-Shot Waterfall Series. Featuring classic themes of duels and American pride, fueled by raw vocal delivery and instrumental horsepower, the pairing of the country and rock recordings showcases Hermes' artistry and natural ability to perform high-octane rock and picturesque heartfelt modern-day country.
“The music I perform mirrors the artists and recordings I’m drawn to–both country music and rock.” Hermes introduced. "Being an independent recording artist gives me the liberty to run wide open in any space, and I'm fortunate that my fans welcome the variety of music I play."
Hermes will introduce Double-Shot Series III with the release of “American Muscle” (an “On The Rocks” rock tune) on Friday, November 22, 2024 followed by “Outgun The Outlaw” (a “Straight Up” country tune) on Friday, December 13, 2024. (Presale/pre-save events begin on November 8 and November 29 respectively.) The recordings were co-written alongside, and produced by, Dale Oliver
(Carrie Underwood, Billy Currington, LOCASH, Sawyer Brown, Blackhawk.)
"American Muscle" (Due Friday, November 22, 2024)
Written by Joe Hermes and Dale Oliver
"I have a deep respect for our brothers and sisters who serve and have served, voluntarily going into harm's way…putting their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. Similarly, I have a mutual high regard for our farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to put food on our tables. The song title is a metaphor depicting that kind of fiber and spirit from farm to war field spreading seed…spreading bullets all for the greater good of our country. It's like a 'Rocky' theme song that stands for patriotism, pride and selflessness. …where in the land of the free and the home of the brave, it’s all or nothing."
Hermes delivers a tribute to American determination; the rock anthem roars with energy, celebrating resilience, hard work, and raw strength. Lyrics embody the freedom and grit of working-class heroes and the relentless hustle that defines the American spirit. Imagery of muscle cars, firepower and the brotherhood of those who answer the call ignite the track with adrenaline-pumping energy. Hermes’ signature as a musical storyteller captures the essence of midnight missions, crawling through the muck alongside comrades, and answering the call of duty with unwavering resolve.
"Outgun The Outlaw" (Due Friday, December 13, 2024)
Written by Joe Hermes and Dale Oliver
"The song parallels a lover's quarrel, verbal gunfire and fighting the good fight in defense; and the ultimate decision to lay the guns down or shoot it out."
Set against the backdrop of a ghost town left smoking by the fires of passion and conflict, the instrumentation portrays the essence of a classic Western showdown and the raw tension between two lovers locked in a duel of wills.
Bolstered by Hermes' emotional gritty vocals, the lyrics depict a resilience and spirit of those who refuse to back down in a relentless battle where wounded hearts pay a high-stakes price. The intensity builds to portray a love story as wild and unpredictable as a shootout at sundown and strikes the challenge to circle the wagons and wave the white flag or take your best shot and fire away.
Hermes introduced his “Double-Shot” tracks with Series I (spotlighting the country tune "Hey Son" and the rock-infused "Black Label Country"). He followed with Double Shot Series II (“Outlaw's Gospel” and ”Devil's in the Details”) dropping the singles in mid-October. To date, the tracks in the Double-Shot Series have enjoyed 265,000 cumulative Spotify streams. Hermes' 2024 Double-Shot series paves the way for his full-length album, BLACK LABEL COUNTRY, slated for release in February 2025. The album will spotlight 13 original tracks that bridge the gap between country and rock, establishing Hermes as one of the most dynamic and versatile artists in the indie scene today.
TRACK INFO
Label: OTM Productions
Tracks Produced by Dale Oliver
Presale/Pre-save Event: "American Muscle "- 11/8/24 • "Outgun The Outlaw" - 11/29/24
Digital/Streaming Release: "American Muscle "- 11/22/24 • "Outgun The Outlaw" - 11/13/24
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