When it comes to the contentious song “Try That in a Small Town” by Jason Aldean, perhaps there is no such thing as bad press.
Despite allegations that it promotes racism and is “pro-lynching,” Aldean’s successful song is making headlines. It’s also currently at the top of both the Top Songs and Music Videos lists on iTunes, as of Wednesday evening.
Streams and Views
Over 3.8 million people have listened to the song since it was first made available on May 19th.
Since its release on Friday, the music video already amassed more than 1.8 million views on YouTube. Additionally, it is currently ranked fourth on the website’s list of the most popular music videos.
Aldean’s rendition of the song will continue to be featured in ABC’s coverage of the CMA Music Festival, which will air on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST, an insider told The Washington Post.
Filming for the festival took place in Nashville between June 8 and 11. An insider has guaranteed The Post that viewers would not get any peeks of the music video while it is being broadcast.
.@Jason_Aldean – who was on-stage during the mass shooting at a Las Vegas concert in 2017 that killed 60 people and wounded over 400 more – has recorded a song called “Try That In A Small Town” about how he and his friends will shoot you if you try to take their guns. pic.twitter.com/hWGdEgS33v
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) July 17, 2023
CMT removed the video from their rotation because it included footage from rallies, particularly Black Lives Matter protests, as well as footage of Aldean, 46, playing in front of a Tennessee courthouse renowned for historic lynchings.
Nevertheless, the track’s popularity continues to increase.
Coincidence
Aldean, known for his outspoken conservatism, defended himself against the criticism on Tuesday by posting a response on his Instagram Story. He stated the allegations that he released a song that advocates lynching are not only baseless, but also dangerous.
In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous.…
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) July 18, 2023
TackleBox Films, the company that created Aldean’s music video, informed Fox News Digital that the Tennessee courtroom in the video is a “popular filming spot outside of Nashville.”
Aldean did not choose it as the backdrop for the video himself.
According to the statements made by the corporation, a number of other movies and music videos have been shot at the venue.
