Although mixtapes aren’t usually a part of a typical release plan in the country genre, artists like Sam Hunt and now John Gurney and Tyler Filmore have us hoping it’s a trend that’s here to stay.
Gurney and Filmore’s new release is a collaborative project called The Lookout – a concept that embodies not only the album but the high drive and independent hustle mentality core to the duo and their crew. The guys were incredibly kind to give us a sneak peek of the project at their studio in Nashville last week and we’ve been stoked ever since. The final product exceeds our expectations.
The ten-track release, which is streaming on SoundCloud and available for free download, vibes like a tailgate Tyler Hilton – relaxed summer vibes meets expertly crafted acoustic-country-pop fusion. Gurney’s vocals slide smoothly through tracks like “Ground Up” and “Recipe,” while Filmore brings some edge and Southern style to tracks like “Small Town Beautiful.” Standout tracks include “Hung Up on You,” that perfectly combines the catchy sensibilities of pop while remaining rooted in country instrumentation, lyrics, and vocal quality – even nodding at hip-hop with a quick-spoken line in the first verse a la Sam Hunt’s “Speakers.” Walker McGuire’s feature fits in seamlessly on “More Than I Deserve,” and Briana Tyson graces “Tonight,” with “You and Tequila”-esque flavor.
Check out the guys and The Lookout lifestyle on their website and on Facebook, and find Gurney on Facebook / Twitter and Filmore on Facebook / Twitter.