"Hold My Beer": The Journey Behind My New Album
By Russ Ray Rollins
WTKS - Real Radio - March 16, 2023
1:56 PM
As I sit here in the recording studio, headphones on and pen and paper in hand, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and accomplishment. You see, I'm currently working on my new album, "Hold My Beer" by Russ Ray Rollins, and I'm checking off a major item on my bucket list. Creating a full album of original songs, that I sing, is something I've always wanted to do, and now, it's finally happening.
The journey began with a simple idea: to create a 12-song album that tells a story and embodies my personal experiences and the rollercoaster ride that is life. Each song on the album has a unique theme and message, and together, they create a story that I hope resonates with listeners.
The album kicks off with the title track, "Hold My Beer," a fun, lighthearted tune that sets the stage for the rest of the record. It’s about my philosophy in life and for the radio show. “Hold my beer, I’ll show you how to do it agian, I’ve lost once or twice but I only count the wins.” Other songs include "I'm Eatin' for Two," which is all about indulging in life's simple pleasures way to much after a bad break up. I can’t tell you how many times I gained weight because i was “Eating for tow. "Her Face is Busted, but Her Feet Are Hot," a humorous take on finding beauty in unexpected places and drinking so much, it doesn’t matter what she looks like if she has nice feet.
One of my personal favorites is "There's Been Worse Country Songs," a tongue-in-cheek ode to the ever-changing landscape of country music. I'm also particularly proud of "Hey Son, It's Dad," a heartfelt ballad that explores the bond between a father and his son. I use my fathers actual voce and last voice mail he ever sent me in this moving song. It is a personal favorite for many different reasons.
The album continues with "Girls Drink Wine, Women Drink Whiskey," an anthem for strong, independent drink chicks everywhere, followed by the inspirational "You Only Die Once, You Live Every Day." "Let Me Go" delves into the complexities of love and loss, while "I'm Your Hero" is a comedy song about a conceded narscists that thinks he’s everything. I had to dig deep for that one.
"I Am the Bull of the Woods" is a powerful, foot-stomping track that pays tribute to the American Dream Dusty Rhodes, and "Grab My Horns, I'm Ready to Fight" is a rallying cry for those who refuse to back down. The album concludes with a fresh, updated version of "The Beer Song," a Monsters of the Morning classic originally sung by Burt "Bubba" Wilson that I've loved for years. This classic Monster song deserves the respect of a new set of wheels to help keep the song alive. Nothing will be better than the original , but I’m not to afraid to give it my best shot.
Writing songs has always been a passion of mine, and over the past 30 years, I've had the pleasure of writing a lot of songs for the Monsters. But this is the first time I've had the confidence to sing them myself. This project wouldn't have been possible without the support and guidance of Matt Mckeown, who has provided vocal coaching and studio help to make this dream a reality.
As I continue to work on "Hold My Beer," I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share my stories and experiences through music. This album is a reflection of who I am, and I hope that it inspires others to chase their dreams and cross items off their bucket lists.
So, as write ideas down and sing my heart out, I invite you to join me on this incredible journey. Hold my beer, folks – it's going to be one hell of a ride.