Midwest Royal: Raising a Glass to Rebellion with The New Single “Bourbon”
In an era where political and social landscapes seem more fractured than ever, Midwest Royal steps onto the scene with a track that cuts through the noise, offering a powerful and timely message. With their latest release, “Bourbon”, Midwest Royal doesn’t just craft another outlaw country tune—they deliver a sharp, soulful anthem for a society on the brink. With every note and lyric, “Bourbon” channels the defiant spirit of resistance, urging listeners to wake up, unite, and confront the corruption gnawing at the heart of modern life.
At the helm of Midwest Royal is Jonathan Rodebaugh, a seasoned songwriter and musician whose musical journey spans decades and genres. With Midwest Royal, Rodebaugh embodies a collaborative ethos that allows his songs to breathe and evolve. His vision is one of community, a “village” where songs come to life through the talents of a collective of musicians, producers, and engineers. Midwest Royal, in many ways, is an extension of this mindset—a dynamic project that adapts to whatever musical expression a song demands. In Rodebaugh’s hands, genre is fluid, boundaries dissolve, and the music speaks for itself.
With “Bourbon”, Rodebaugh continues to challenge not only the conventions of music but the conventions of society. Drawing on a rich tradition of outlaw country, the song captures the rough-hewn spirit of rebellion while weaving a deeper message of social responsibility. On this track, Rodebaugh is joined by country music veteran Ben Helson (of Dierks Bentley fame) and keyboardist Scott Guberman, who has made his mark with Phil Lesh & Friends. Their contributions infuse the song with a seasoned authenticity, adding layers of grit and polish in equal measure.
From the first striking guitar chord, “Bourbon” makes its intentions clear. The instrumentation is both rugged and refined, a careful balance that mirrors the complexity of its themes. The electric guitar riffs are unapologetically gritty, capturing the outlaw essence that inspired the track, while the steady, driving rhythm anchors the listener in a state of anticipation. It’s a song that feels lived-in, like a dive bar at closing time—smoky, weathered, and filled with stories.
Rodebaugh’s vocals, sharp and resolute, lead the charge. There’s a distinct rawness in his voice, as though each lyric is pulled from a place of deep frustration and righteous anger. This is no accident. The heart of “Bourbon” lies in its direct, unflinching confrontation of political and societal ills. “Does anyone understand why we fight these endless wars? To create chaos so bankers profit more…” Rodebaugh’s words strike like a gut punch, calling out the uncomfortable truths that many are too fearful to face head-on. These lines hit particularly hard in a world where conflicts, both abroad and at home, often feel like a means to line the pockets of the elite at the expense of the people.
But the song’s critique doesn’t end there. “Bourbon” takes direct aim at the arrogance of those in power—the so-called elites who view themselves as untouchable, far removed from the realities of everyday citizens. Rodebaugh’s sharp-tongued lyrics, “What about all these self-appointed socialites who think that we’re all too dumb to get it right?” peel back the curtain on the condescension that festers within the highest ranks of society. It’s a stinging rebuke, a reminder that the people—ordinary, hardworking, and resilient—are not as easily duped as the powerful would like to believe.
What sets “Bourbon” apart from other protest songs is its refusal to devolve into cynicism. This isn’t a track about tearing down for the sake of destruction. Instead, it offers a rallying cry for unity. Midwest Royal taps into a deep well of frustration but channels it into something constructive, advocating for solidarity in the face of division. The song’s message is clear: the real battle is not between ordinary people, but between the masses and those who profit off division. If we can cast aside the labels, look beyond the headlines, and engage in genuine, offline dialogue, then we stand a chance of reclaiming what’s been lost.
This sense of resolve is felt not only in Rodebaugh’s fiery delivery but in the very structure of the music itself. The fusion of outlaw country with Midwest Royal’s eclectic influences results in a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. You can feel the influence of Rodebaugh’s early musical idols—from Prince’s fearless experimentation to Huey Lewis’ no-nonsense rock spirit—woven into the song’s DNA. And with the expertise of musicians like Helson and Guberman elevating the track, “Bourbon” is as smooth and intoxicating as its namesake.
To call “Bourbon” just a song would be a disservice. It’s a manifesto—a declaration of resistance, truth, and accountability. It’s a reminder that music can be both art and weapon, a force for change as much as it is a form of expression. In a time when much of popular music shies away from hard conversations, Midwest Royal is diving headfirst into the fray, unafraid to confront uncomfortable realities.
Jonathan Rodebaugh, with Midwest Royal as his vessel, is proving that music still has the power to challenge, inspire, and bring people together. As the final notes of “Bourbon” fade, one thing is clear: this is not the end, but the beginning of a new era for Midwest Royal. And as Rodebaugh himself might put it, it’s time to raise a glass—because the revolution is just getting started.
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