In 2022, we featured Cam Cole for his powerful and evocative single, Truth Be Told, so when we heard that Cam was back with Get Up Ya Honky Tonk, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in his universe once again, and share our experience.
Get Up Ya Honky Tonk opens with the sounds of a live set up, expanding into a super subversive guitar soundscape with textured percussion. The opus evolves with cerebral vocals as Cam Cole takes us on a bold and dark Americana journey. We appreciate the high octane and assertive nature of the track.
There is no doubt that Get Up Ya Honky Tonk holds a cinematic allure and would be perfect for an episode of True Blood, or a scene in a TV show like Nine Perfect Strangers or PLUR1BUS that taps into a more psychedelic energy. We love the haunting, spiritual section which invites introspection before a dynamic and dimensional reprise.
On a highly zeitgeist level, Get Up Ya Honky Tonk is about shaking yourself out of stagnation and diving headfirst into life. It feels like a very important message in this day and age. Naturally, it draws on blues and psychedelic influences and captures the feeling of being pulled into a hypnotic world with grit and the chaotic spirit of a honky-tonk bar. We appreciate the notions of escapism and the “swampy, haunting bridge” is intended to hint at darker emotions or moments of uncertainty.
For some background, Cam Cole started out by busking the streets of Camden Town until the crowds outgrew the pavement. He then rose from viral sensation to being an international touring artist with millions of streams and sold-out shows across Europe, North America and Australia. Cam also featured in a standout appearance in the Emmy-winning series Ted Lasso.
Needless to say, we are in awe of Get Up Ya Honky Tonk, and have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Cam Cole, including New Age Blues, and Truth Be Told.