Chase Rice is far from a surface-level singer-songwriter, as he officially shifted his creative approach to step into a new musical era. The multi-platinum artist recently (Oct. 14) released "Way Down Yonder," a country outlaw track that exemplifies the direction Rice is heading. 

Rice co-wrote "Way Down Yonder" on a songwriter's retreat in sunny Florida, but his home state of North Carolina was on his mind. While diligently working alongside Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, and Corey Crowder, Rice decided to center the narrative around the rich history of the moonshine capital of the world. 

The hitmaker told CMT that he initially did not like the working title "Way Down Yonder," because it sounded cliché. Rice strongly believed that the name would turn the song into a field party anthem, which he wanted to stay clear from. 

"I kept being adamant, like we're not doing that," Rice stressed. "This needs to be a song about something real. I'm from the mountains of North Carolina. Let's go the moonshining route." 

The country-rock single was also inspired by the 2012 crime drama "Lawless" and John Wayne, a Golden Globe Award-winning actor best known for his roles in Western war movies. Through imagery and heavy alliteration, the group of songsmiths paint a picture of the risky lifestyle and hardworking folks that are bold enough to disregard the law. 

"Way down yonder where the outlaws wander | You can feel that thunder in your bones | Rippin' hot rod runners under moonlight cover|  Just some back glass gunners on the road | Where you buy your bud with your moonshine money," sings Rice. "Make your love where the bees make honey  | When the cut's where you're born and raised |  Man it's in your blood, we were born this way down yonder." 

Throughout the razor-sharp lyrics – Rice pays homage to Bertie "Birdie" Brown, a fierce African American homesteader. The great legend began moonshining long before Prohibition in Montana. When prohibition became federally outlawed by the Eighteenth Amendment, she did not comply and continued with her craft. 

"Bertie Brown is actually a lady," he explained. "She was one of Montana's most famous black moonshiners – that's a real story. So, we put real stuff in it. We had to do research on Birdie and who she was. It wasn't the easiest song to write. It was definitely the most difficult song on the whole record." 

"Way Down Yonder" lyrically displays Rice's growth as a writer, as he has come a long way since his smash hits "Eyes On You" [2018] and [2013] "Ready Set Roll," Rice revealed that the depth within his storytelling is something he has been longing. 

"That feels like a long time coming, to be honest. I've got all these love songs, and I'm not a loving dude. In a way, I am pretty rough around the edges when you get to know me. Sometimes that's not the best, but I'm working on that," he laughed. "I've lived a pretty rough life, and that's what I wanted to show. This one's different, because it's such a unique song and we kind of stumbled upon it." 

The production of "Way Down Yonder" is a side of Rice that has never been heard before. Sonically the track emphasizes his raw and raspy vocals, but the production infused with heart-thumping percussion and a simple acoustic guitar – creates a carnival-like sound that pushes their wild west vision to the forefront. 

"The production is rougher, and it's Southern rock. Oscar Charles produced the song. He makes me better and takes me in the direction that I've always wanted to go. I have nothing but respect for him. He's one of my favorite producers ever," he declared. "Rob McNelley started playing the song on the acoustic guitar. It's the most fun I've ever had making music," he added. 

Rice said that "Way Down Yonder" was a challenging track, as they were trying to figure out a way to make it sound different from everything else in his impressive catalog. McNelly and Charles hunkered down at his Tennessee ranch to perfect the rootsy melody and make magic happen within his makeshift home studio. 

"We would've never been able to do this in a regular studio. We had an endless amount of time," shared Rice. "They slept upstairs in some of my guest rooms. We were working until three or four  in the morning." 

When it was time to bring the lyrics to life, Rice turned to director Kaiser Cunningham and the production crew at Twelve Midnight. To run with the western vibe, Rice recruited Taylor Sheridan-approved actors from "1883" and filmed in Fort Worth, TX, at a sticky bar called The Brand Room. 

The music video is destined to transport listeners to a 19-century saloon, where Rice is dressed head to toe as a fugitive cowboy. To cultivate the old-world feel – Cunningham incorporated saloon girls, ranchers puffing cigars, intense poker games, and drinkers throwing back whiskey. Rice said rehearsals were long and rigorous, since they wanted to capture the video in one shot. 

"It's one take video, which is pretty sick," Rice shared full of enthusiasm. "Everybody had their spot. If one person screwed up, we had to restart. So, it was a long day. Once we got that one take, the video was done. It was awesome." 

The crooner said he's at "peace" with how "Way Down Yonder" came to fruition. Although Rice's highly anticipated album is set to drop early next year, he refuses to pump the breaks. 

Rice exclusively told CMT that more music is slated to arrive after the release of the full-length album.  

"We're actually already talking about recording five or six new songs to have ready to roll when this album comes out," he confessed. "I believe it will be the biggest album I've ever had and the most impactful album I've ever had. We want to capitalize on that and be ready with even more new music quick after. The label doesn't know that yet, but that's my plan."