With the influence and popularity of country music on a seemingly unstoppable rise, it appears that the genre has been taking more of a pop influenced turn, but not all country artists are taking that route. Traditional country artists are back in the game and fans are embracing the change.

Take Texas native, and Nashville transplant, Carlton Anderson for example. Anderson, with his steadfast belief in authenticity over trends, is taking over country music airwaves with his catchy new single “Drop Everything,” and it seems fans are doing just that. However, with musical tastes always developing, is there such a thing as being “too country for country” in 2018?

“Honestly I don’t know how you can be too country for country music, but these are some of the critiques I’ve had over the years. Right now, I feel like it’s a great time for country music, because we are kind of shifting back to a country sound, to kind of even out where the genre has done over the last couple years. We’re not trying to bring back the 60s, 70s, 80s, or the 90s, we’re just trying to have that new tradition for 2018, for that sound. And who’s going to be a part of that. That’s where we fit in. It’s a good time. If we’d have tried to do this a few years ago, it wouldn’t have worked, but the way that things are shifting now, it’s a good time to be in the mix.”

Although being a lifelong singer, Anderson never considered a solo career until after high school. “I didn’t pick up a guitar until I was 17. I was kinda a late bloomer on that end too. It just wasn’t something that people did in my family. I picked up a guitar and kinda made it my only option. I’ve been doing music full time now for 7 years and that’s what’s been keeping my life going for me.”

Of course, like any kid with a country music dream, Nashville is the place to go, and that’s just what he did.

Anderson was accepted to Belmont University where he studied the music business while performing on Broadway in the heart of Nashville. He found a home there at the Swingin’ Doors, where they agreed to let him play a few songs. “I was instilled with a really good work ethic. Growing up we weren’t really given anything. You always gotta work for what you get and that’s what I’ve always known. That’s what I applied to the music business when I came. With Belmont, it got me to town. I was very fortunate, my grandparents were able to co-sign on a loan. It just wasn’t something people did, go to college, in my family. I was the first to graduate. Some of it helped (music business degree), but just like any other business, you gotta get your hands dirty and you gotta go do it. That’s the best way to learn and the best way to figure out where you fit in.”

Coming from a deep Texas upbringing, with family ingrained in the oil fields and military service, it took a bit of convincing for the family to get behind Anderson, “My Mom was always my biggest fan. It took a little while for everyone else to catch on, but once they realized that this is what I was gonna do, they jumped on board. It wasn’t like I had to convince ‘em, it was just more like ‘What the heck?’ I mean no one in my family does music. It was really off of left of center for me to do this.”

Certainly “getting your hands dirty” in the clubs of Nashville meant a lot of shows and doing your best to win over tourists and locals alike, a challenge no doubt. “The place I played at wasn’t your usual downtown Nashville crowd. They came to listen and they came to watch the music.

It wasn’t just ‘Hey, let’s go get hammered while we’re on vacation.’ I’m very thankful for that bar, for just being that kind of place where people go to actually listen to music, where we weren’t background, where we were part of the experience.”

That gritty Nashville exposure, combined with Anderson’s raw talent, and a true love of country music, led to a record deal with Arista and collaborating with big names like Rhett Akins, Matt Dragsrem, and Ashley Gorley. “I’m glad to be a vessel for it. I’m glad that all these guys want to write and that they want me to be a part of it. The more the merrier is always my thing. I think the more people we can get included the better.”

Notwithstanding, even when you’ve got your own hits, as well as a powerhouse songwriting team, it’s still fun to pay homage to your heroes and Anderson has many to think back on. “I love playing ‘Run,’ but anything by George Strait really. I have the hardest time picking favorites. One of the first songs I learned was ‘Tell Lorrie I love Her,’ which is a Keith Whitley song. ‘Time Marches On,’ Tracey Lawrence. These are kinda my go-to’s really.”

Seems like fitting choices for the ever polite, baritone voiced, country rooted crooner. Anderson sincerely encompasses all the warmth and solidarity that country music has come to be known for and this newcomer is a a welcome addition to the community.

Fans new and old can rest easy knowing that this is just the beginning of a sure to be long career for Carlton Anderson.

“I’m a fan of this genre. I’m just thankful to be a part of it and thankful to be with Arista, that’s allowing me to make the music I want to make. You can expect more country music like this from me very soon.”

Carlton Anderson is currently touring the U.S. now through December 2018.