NASHVILLE, TN. (Sony Nashville) -
Travis Tritt' new single, "What Say You," is a timely political duet with rocker John Mellencamp. "The pairing of the two of us describes what the song is about," says
Travis Tritt. "Two people from different sides of the political spectrum and yet able to have a dialogue. It worked on so many levels.
He [John Mellencamp] loved the song and felt exactly the same way.
Perfect song at the perfect time!"
Democrat rocker John Mellencamp and Republican Travis Tritt played their guitars on a Nashville street corner Monday to promote a bipartisan message for political civility.
Actually, the rocker and country crooner were shooting the video for their duet, "What Say You," from Travis Tritt's latest CD "My Honky Tonky History" (on Sony Nashville).
Shot in Nashville recently, the clip brings the acclaimed country star and the storied rock entertainer not only into musical harmony, but also onto common philosophical ground. The two perform on a street corner in what could be Anytown, U.S.A., drawing the interest of a wide cross section of people in the area to their respectful airing of viewpoints.
The outdoor performance video, which also features a cameo from banjoist Bela Fleck, reflects the spirited individualism and shared patriotism at the heart of what's best about America's political process.
The 'What Say You' video made its world premiere on CMT this week while the song sits at No. 26 on the charts. The single rose to the Top 30 in only seven weeks after its release.
Still climbing the country charts, the song has been a focus of early critical acclaim for Tritt's just-released ninth album My Honky Tonk History. USA Today raves, "Tired of the shrill tone of this election year's political music? Then try 'What Say You'...."
Whether leaning left or leaning right, a little bit country or a little bit rock 'n' roll, Tritt and Mellencamp make a compelling statement that when it comes to music and democracy, the dialects may differ but we all speak the same language.
