Earlier this summer, Wide Open Country released Gethen Jenkin’s raucous music video for his current single “Basket Case” ahead of the Outlaw Country artist’s debut album. Filmed at famed biker bar, Cooks Corner Bar in Trabuco Canyon, California, Gethen called upon a few friends of his to get the job done, “A bunch of great people showed up at the drop of a hat… it’s a family and it means a lot to me that they were there to be in my video. That’s why we do this. It’s not for us, it’s for our family and friends. ”With apedal steel guitarist and an upright bassistin tow, Jenkins’ and his band perform as the locals partake in arm wrestling, parking lot socializing and honkytonk dancing. L.A. based filmmaker, Cole Needham directed the video saying,” “Working with Gethen felt like home… working with his texture and his music, it’s what I grew up on.”“Basket Case” was inspired by Gethen’s time in the Marine Corps, leaving the military and feeling relatable to a basket case motorcycle, “the only thing that keeps me sane these days is riding my motorcycle,” Gethen shares of the song. The track was co-written with songwriter Aaron Raitiere, whose most recent cornerstone includes writing “I’ll Never Love Again” with Lady Gaga, Natalie Hemby and Hilary Lindsey for the blockbuster A Star Is Born. Listen to “Basket Case” HERE.
Recorded in Nashville’s Sputnik Studio, Jenkins’ was in good company while creating debut album Western Gold, landing 4-time Grammy Award winner Vance Powell as the producer. Powell is known for his work with Chris Stapleton, Jack White, Buddy Guyand and more. Jenkins praises Powell saying, “He’s a freaking genius,” and, “an amazing guy to work with.” Born in West Virginia and raised in rural Alaska, the full-length album showcases Jenkins’ songwriting on each track while highlighting the whiskey-soaked honkytonk sound Jenkins’ grew up on, citing Haggard, Billy Joe Shaver, Charlie Daniels, Waylon Jennings and even Pearl Jam as his greatest influences.
The singer released a six-song EP titled Where The Honkytonk Belongs in July 2017, and the project gained airplay on Sirius XM’s Outlaw Country, as well as becoming one of the top-selling Outlaw Country albums on iTunes. After serving eight years in the U.S. Marines, Jenkins settled down in Southern California, where he has built a dedicated fan base, being honored with the Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year awards at 2017’s California Country Awards. Recently, he was named a Top 10 Country/Americana Artist in Los Angeles County by LA Weekly and 2018’s Best Outlaw Country Artist. Jenkins has played over 1,000 live shows, sharing the stage with prominent country acts such as The Marshall Tucker Band, Billy Joe Shaver, Wanda Jackson, David Allan Coe, Asleep at the Wheel, Shooter Jennings, Dale Watson, Whitey Morgan and many more. Jenkins released his debut album on July 26th, available now on all major streaming services.
Veteran Sound Project 
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