Staind Frontman Aaron Lewis Is a ‘Country Boy’ at Heart

On paper, Aaron Lewis may seem like an unlikely candidate to pair up with country legends George Jones and Charlie Daniels, and country prodigy Chris Young. But the Massachusetts native, and frontman of the rock band Staind, proudly displays his allegiance to country music on his new single, aptly titled 'Country Boy.'

"Country was the background music to my childhood," Aaron says. "My grandfather listened to Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Hank Williams, Jr. and all of the greats. When Staind did our first tour with Kid Rock in 1999, I rode the bus with him on a couple occasions and we bonded over this music. I haven't been able to let go of it since then."

The track, written solely by Aaron, is featured on his five-song EP 'Town Line,' set for release on March 1. The project is his first foray into country music.

'Town Line' spotlights Aaron as an accomplished vocalist and lyricist, solely penning each track. 'Massachusetts,' in particular, hits close to home for the songwriter. The tune is a love song, of sorts, to his home state.

"I live in the sticks of Massachusetts," Aaron confesses. "I wrote the song sitting on the front steps of my house. In the spring, the peepers get so loud outside. When they come out, they bring on the night. It's chilling and familiar, and I've heard that sound my whole life. That's how I know I'm home."

Fans also may be familiar with 'Tangled Up in You,' which was originally featured on Staind's 'The Illusion of Progress' album.

"The song was already a little bit country in term of its flavor with the slide guitar and the pedal steel," he says. "We brought it further down that road."

Ultimately, Aaron wants fans to understand his evolution from rock to country was an organic process. He proudly admits that he maintained the same level of honesty and authenticity as his previous work.

"I've always stayed true to how I feel in my songs," Aaron explains. "I love this country, and I feel like I've gotten to live the American dream. I'm genuinely blessed to have this opportunity, and I'm glad to celebrate that classic country spirit with this new music."