In a bold departure from his established image, musician Alex Williams has unveiled a groundbreaking project, 'Space Brain,' which ingeniously transforms classic 1980s hard rock and hair metal tracks into raw, authentic outlaw country. This innovative album sees Williams, initially recognized for his deep baritone akin to Chris Stapleton, navigating a fresh artistic path that fuses the bombast of arena rock with the introspective storytelling inherent in country music. His reimagining of these iconic songs emphasizes their lyrical depth, presenting them in a new, stripped-down context that highlights the often-overlooked narratives within the original compositions.
A decade ago, the Nashville music scene was actively seeking the next impactful voice in country following Chris Stapleton's success. Alex Williams, an Indiana native with a captivating vocal range and intense presence, seemed a prime candidate. He secured a record deal with Big Machine Records in 2017, releasing his debut album, Better Than Myself, to critical acclaim. Despite a promising start, which included sold-out shows and positive reviews from esteemed publications, the album did not achieve the widespread commercial success anticipated. Williams candidly admits his early career was marked by a search for identity within the 'outlaw country' genre, a style he admired but one that ultimately felt less authentic to his true musical inclinations.
Williams reveals his deeper connection lies with the 1980s hard rock and metal that influenced his youth, a genre his father introduced him to. This affinity served as the creative foundation for Space Brain, released on Lighting Rod Records. The album is not merely a collection of covers but a profound homage, with Williams meticulously reinterpreting songs by bands such as Mötley Crüe, Poison, Judas Priest, and Cinderella. He consciously eschews the typical glitzy aesthetics of hair metal, instead opting for sparse, ballad-driven arrangements. This choice, he explains, is deliberate, aimed at foregrounding the powerful and often poetic lyrics that he believes were frequently overshadowed by the original recordings' production. He cites Mötley Crüe's 'Wild Side' as an example of a track whose lyrics continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.
What truly sets Space Brain apart is Williams' discerning selection of songs. Rather than choosing obvious, country-leaning rock ballads, he courageously tackles high-energy rock anthems like Skid Row's 'Youth Gone Wild,' Poison's 'Look What the Cat Dragged in,' and Mötley Crüe's 'Wild Side.' Notably, he opted for Guns N' Roses' 'Night Train' over the more popular 'Patience,' finding thematic inspiration in its lyrics, which lend the album its evocative title: 'Loaded like a freight train/Flying like an aeroplane/Feeling like a space brain/One more time tonight.' This deliberate choice showcases his dedication to extracting the essence of these rock staples and infusing them with a distinct country sensibility.
Williams’ profound appreciation for the blues-rock elements prevalent in late-eighties bands underscores his artistic vision. He recounts discovering these groups through his father's CD collection, finding their album art and music captivating, which led him to explore their discographies in depth. This personal journey is mirrored in the enduring crossover appeal between 1980s hard rock and country music. As hair metal's popularity waned in the early 1990s, many of its fans migrated to mainstream country, a genre that subsequently began to incorporate more electric guitars and powerful drums, echoing the celebratory and often rebellious spirit of its rock predecessors. Williams notes this shift, highlighting the increasing emphasis on 'authenticity' in music during the nineties.
The confluence of rock and country continues to be a prominent theme in Nashville. Recent years have seen country icons like Dolly Parton collaborate with rock legends, as evidenced by her 2023 album Rockstar, featuring artists such as Rob Halford of Judas Priest and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Parton also contributed to a new rendition of Mötley Crüe’s 'Home Sweet Home,' which topped classic rock charts, and sent a tribute message to Ozzy Osbourne. Esteemed artists such as Sammy Hagar and Halestorm have also performed at country festivals or collaborated with country acts, illustrating the ongoing cross-genre appeal. Modern country stars like Hardy actively bridge the gap, attracting both hard rock and country fans with their assertive sound.
Williams is steadily expanding his fanbase by drawing inspiration from mentors like Cody Jinks, another artist who masterfully blends metal influences with traditional country. Jinks, known for his own compelling cover of AC/DC's 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll),' joins Williams on Space Brain for a duet of Ozzy Osbourne's 'Fly High Again.' Williams concludes that embracing this fusion has been pivotal in his journey of self-discovery, allowing him to create music that truly reflects his diverse artistic identity.