Jason Aldean's Controversial Music Video "Try That in a Small Town" Removed by CMT
Jason Aldean, a prominent country music artist, found himself at the center of controversy when his music video for the song "Try That in a Small Town" stirred up strong reactions from the public. However, the video was subsequently pulled from the air by CMT, a popular country music television network. The decision to remove the video came amidst increasing criticism and a growing furor surrounding the controversial content.
Aldean's Video Removed, No Further Comment Provided
CMT confirmed that they had initially aired Jason Aldean's highly controversial music video but decided to pull it from their programming on Monday. The network took this action even before the controversy surrounding the song grew greater on Tuesday. However, a CMT spokesperson declined to provide any further comment on the video being yanked. Representatives for Aldean's label, BBR Music Group, also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It was Billboard that first reported the video being removed by the network.
Aldean Defends His Song Amid Criticism
Amidst the backlash and public outcry, Jason Aldean took to his social media accounts on Tuesday afternoon to defend the song from its many critics. In his messages, Aldean adopted a much softer tone compared to the hostile nature of the single itself and the video's imagery, which projected images of demonstrators onto a courthouse that was the site of a famous lynching.
Aldean expressed his frustration with the accusations he faced, stating, "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 was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless but dangerous."
The country music artist continued, emphasizing that there were no racial references in the song's lyrics or in any video clips used. He acknowledged that different interpretations of music were valid but argued that this particular controversy went too far. Aldean highlighted his personal connection to tragic events, such as the Route 91 shooting, and stressed that he did not want to perpetuate senseless headlines or contribute to the tearing apart of families.
Aldean's Attempt to Portray a Positive Message
Jason Aldean attempted to portray his song as having a positive attitude toward small towns. He downplayed the belligerent threats to outsiders that were present in the lyrics and the significant amount of footage featuring protesters in the video. The artist explained, "'Try That In A Small Town,' for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences."
Aldean acknowledged his political views and the differing opinions within the country, expressing a desire for a sense of normalcy that would allow people to have at least a day without distressing headlines. He claimed that this desire was the essence of his song.
However, despite Aldean's attempts to clarify his intentions, his message did not alleviate the concerns of those who interpreted the video as promoting anger towards city dwellers or containing racial dog whistles. The video was filmed in front of a courthouse in Colombia, Tennessee, known for a racially charged lynching incident involving a Black man in the 1920s. Aldean did not directly address this specific aspect of the controversy.
Fallout and Reception
While CMT removed the video from their programming, it remains to be seen whether there will be any similar repercussions at country radio or if the format will continue to support the already divisive song. The single had already been added to 125 stations, which is a significant number for potential success. However, the overall reception may not be as strong as other hits in the country music genre.
In a commentary, Variety addressed the controversy surrounding Jason Aldean and his song. The publication stated, "Jason Aldean Already Had the Most Contemptible Country Song of the Decade. The Video Is Worse." The article highlighted Aldean's threats in the song, particularly the references to his guns, which aligned with his increasingly open conservative political beliefs in recent years. The country music artist faced backlash, including being dropped by his publicity firm after making statements that were considered controversial and divisive.
Conclusion
Jason Aldean's music video for "Try That in a Small Town" sparked significant controversy, leading to its removal from CMT's programming. The artist defended the song, asserting that it was not racially charged and aimed to convey a positive message about small towns. However, the video's use of footage and its association with a courthouse involved in a historical racially charged lynching contributed to the backlash. The future reception of the song in other media platforms, such as country radio, remains uncertain, while public opinion remains divided.
FAQs
1. Why was Jason Aldean's music video removed from CMT?
CMT decided to pull Jason Aldean's music video for "Try That in a Small Town" amidst growing controversy and public backlash.
2. What did Jason Aldean say in response to the criticism?
Jason Aldean defended the song on his social media accounts, emphasizing that there were no racial references in the lyrics and video clips. He expressed his frustration with the accusations and the danger of such meritless claims.
3. What was the controversial element of the music video?
The music video projected images of demonstrators onto a courthouse that was historically associated with a racially charged lynching incident. This imagery raised concerns and sparked further controversy.
4. How did Jason Aldean explain the meaning behind the song?
Aldean attempted to portray the song as reflecting the positive aspects of small towns, emphasizing the sense of community and caring for neighbors. He also expressed a desire for a return to normalcy and less distressing headlines.
5. Will there be any repercussions for the song on country radio?
It remains uncertain whether there will be any similar fallout at country radio or if the format will continue to support the song. The number of stations that added the single suggests potential success, but the divisive nature of the song may impact its reception.
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