Back in November of 2015, rising Country artist Chris Stapleton swept the CMA Awards with his highly-praised album, Traveller. The project created its own path for the Kentucky native, and he earned 10 CMA and ACM Awards. He also earned two Grammy trophies the following year.
Stapleton’s solo success didn’t happen overnight. In 2013, Chris Stapleton released his first-ever solo single, “What Are You Listening To?”
The ballad talks about music as a reference point between two ex-lovers. A heartbroken man wonders what his former lover is doing in terms of what song she listens to. He hopes she misses their previous relationships, but then comes to the conclusion that she could be listening to a love song while thinking about someone new. Stapleton released the single in October of 2013 after signing a record deal with Mercury Nashville earlier that year.
Check out the song below:
He sings the chorus from the perspective of the heartbroken man in the relationship. “What are you listening to / Is it a cover band in some college town bar…Or is it something to get you through / Just a sad song playing on the radio stations… Or is it a love song about someone new / What are you listening to?”
Despite the storytelling lyrics and melodies, Stapleton’s first single was a bust. The track was originally on an album that was never released. Due to the lack of response, Stapleton switched gears and eventually found success with his smash hit debut solo album, Traveller.
On May 5th, Stapleton released his record-setting sophomore album From A Room: Volume 1. The highly-anticipated project earned its name from the famous RCA Studio A, where it was recorded last winter. Its first single, “Either Way,” was also released the same day as the album. Be sure to look out for the song on country radio stations!
Check it out here:
Don’t forget to share this trip down memory lane with other Chris Stapleton fans!
