Blake Redferrin, a White House, Tennessee native, has taken the country music scene by storm with his unique sound and innovative approach. While many know him for his viral hit, "Jack & Diet Coke," the story behind the song and the artist himself is one of passion, perseverance, and a little bit of serendipity.
From Dirt Bikes to Music City
Redferrin's journey to music stardom wasn't a straight line. For the first 24 years of his life, he lived on the pegs of a dirt bike, chasing high-speed dreams with the throttle pinned and no kill switch. By 18, he had earned a professional ride and joined the national Arenacross circuit. However, the constant crashes and injuries that come with racing eventually led him to explore a different path.
Living just 30 miles north of Music City, Redferrin began to consider a career in music. This transition marked a significant turning point, shifting gears from the adrenaline-fueled world of motocross to the creative landscape of songwriting and performance.
The Rise of "Jack & Diet Coke"
"Jack & Diet Coke" hit the ground running, quickly becoming Redferrin's most-streamed song of his career. The song has garnered over 18 million global streams to date, averaging nearly one million a week. Its popularity led to its addition to SiriusXM’s The Highway and features on numerous playlists, including Spotify’s Viral 50 - US.
The song's success also caught the attention of Tennessee native and rap sensation Juicy J, who collaborated with Redferrin on a remix. Redferrin expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "I grew up listening to Three 6 Mafia, so to have their trademark sound painted onto a song I’m so proud of is a bucket list moment."
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Inspiration and Influences
Redferrin's music is influenced by a range of artists and genres. He grew up loving Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin, which explains the presence of "big guitars" in his sound. He also appreciates the loyalty and enthusiasm of his fans, particularly in the UK, where he experienced the thrill of hearing people sing his music back to him for the first time.
During his UK visit on Russell Dickerson’s ‘Good Day To Have A Great Tour’ tour, Redferrin shared his experiences. He reminisced about his previous London show at the O2, expressing amazement at how quickly he was able to return. The energy from the London crowd left a lasting impression on him.
Redferrin also shared an anecdote about trying beans for breakfast in London, a common dish he wasn't accustomed to from back home. He humorously recalled his mother's version with cinnamon and bacon, contrasting it with the traditional British preparation. This willingness to embrace new experiences reflects his approach to music and life.
The Creative Process and Unexpected Credits
Redferrin's early experiences sending demos to artists shaped his artistic development. He noted that many artists would use their original stems or reproduce their songs almost exactly. This led to him receiving background vocal credits on various records, as artists appreciated the feel of his harmonies and chose to keep them in the final mix.
Redferrin values the authenticity of his music and appreciates when artists recognize and preserve the original essence of his work. While he acknowledges that songs can sometimes change for the better, he cherishes the instances where his contributions are left untouched.
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Beyond the Hits: Exploring Redferrin's Discography
While "Jack & Diet Coke" brought him widespread recognition, Redferrin's discography includes other notable tracks. "Miss Summer," released in the midst of winter, captures the essence of a summer fling. Co-written with Michael Tyler and Chris Loocke, the song evokes the bittersweet feeling of summer ending.
Another song, "She's Like Whiskey," holds a special place in Redferrin's heart. While it may sound like a love song or a breakup song, it's actually about his dog. He wrote the song during a week-long camping trip with friends, during which his dog became ill. On their last night together, they shared drinks and treats with her while writing the song in their Airstream. Redferrin has a tattoo dedicated to her and thinks of her every time he sings the song.
Touring and Future Endeavors
Redferrin is actively touring and connecting with fans across the country. He has been playing at Tin Roof venues and joined Niko Moon on tour. He also had his first headlining hometown show at Nashville’s Exit/In on February 15.
Redferrin's dedication to his craft and his connection with his audience are evident in his live performances. He appreciates the opportunity to share his music and hopes that people will continue to check out his shows and recordings.
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