Who Is Robert Counts? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

Who Is Robert Counts? Talented new country Sony Nashville recording artist, whose debut single “What Do I Know” is working its way up the charts.

Sony Music Nashville is full of exciting new singer-songwriters for fans to fall in love with! This week’s Swag Spotlight artist, Robert Counts is no exception. He’s a true-blue country artist with a country-rock sound, a gritty vibe, and a powerful knack for songwriting. We got a chance to interview the rising artist and learn more about his path to country music.

Growing up in Franklin, Tennessee, a town just outside of Nashville, Counts recalls being introduced to music through his faith. “I first started playing music in my church. That’s kind of where I started taking guitar lessons,” he recalls, sharing his experience playing in his church’s contemporary band throughout his childhood.

At that point, music was just a hobby for the budding musician. “As a kid, I was a thinker,” he shared, adding, “I liked more contemporary music like John Mayer, Jason Isbell, stuff like indie-rock […] anything with a lyric was what I was drawn to.” Counts spent his younger years learning rifts on the guitar and being mesmerized by the story-telling aspect of country music, as well as, more contemporary artists.

Some of his most profound musical influences can be traced back to his parents. “My mom was a big fan of Travis Tritt and Alan Jackson,” he shared, “Coincidentally now, two of my favorite country artists of all times- they’re storytellers.” Counts also shared a liking of midwestern rock artists like Bob Segar and Bruce Springsteen. The connecting thread though was always about the ability to craft an exceptional lyric.

Despite obvious pure talent, Counts decided to pursue a different path, heading to college and obtaining a degree in biochemistry, with dreams of being a surgeon. After graduation, he decided to take a gap year to study for the MCATS; however, that was when the trajectory of his future was flipped on its axis.

“I entered a few songs that I thought were good,” he recalls, talking about a songwriting contest at Puckett’s, “…and I ended up winning the whole thing.” The contest led him to his first publishing deal. “I learned about the industry. I learned how publishing works. I honed my craft as far as songwriting a little bit. Got in, met some people, and I just fell in love with it, he shared.”

Since then, Counts has been dedicated to honing his craft. With some convincing from supportive people in his life, the songwriter pivoted again, deciding to focus on becoming an artist in his own right.

Now as a signed recording artist, Counts is garnering a fanbase that respects his love of country music, his knowledge of the industry, and of course his impressive vocals. His debut radio single, “What Do I Know,” written by the singer with HARDY and Jake Mitchell, is currently climbing the charts. “We got that idea and we were like what about southern advice, stuff your dad tells you growing up, things you hear,” Counts recalls, thinking about the co-write with HARDY and Mitchell from back in 2018.

Although Counts knew then that the song was good, it took two years for the singer to finally decide to release it as his debut single. “For my debut single to radio, I wanted to be something that really came out swinging and left nothing to question,” adding, You know who I am. I am a guy whose southern, works hard, I’m normal every day, every man, just living his life by honest truth. And I think that’s what that song says.” We couldn’t agree more!

As 2020 comes to a close, fans can anticipate more music heading down the pipeline early next year. Counts also promises to get back on the road to play live shows again as soon as it is safe. Stay tuned for more from the singer-songwriter!

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Robert Counts releases.

To keep up with Robert Counts, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“What Do I Know” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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