John Rich**, best known as one half of Big & Rich, is once again making headlines—this time for speaking candidly about his relationship with the country music industry. In a recent interview on Just the News, No Noise, Rich addressed why he released his single Progress without the support of a major record label. According to Rich, his outspoken conservative views made it difficult to secure industry backing, but he sees that as a trade-off he’s willing to accept in favor of personal freedom and creative control.
Rather than viewing the lack of traditional support as a setback, Rich framed it as a conscious decision. He explained that he no longer relies on industry approval and prefers to operate independently, even if that means stepping outside the mainstream country music system. For him, maintaining the ability to express his views openly matters more than aligning with executives or corporate expectations. That independence, he suggested, has allowed him to connect directly with listeners who share or respect his perspective.
Rich also discussed his unconventional release strategy for “Progress,” noting that he chose not to debut the song on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube. Instead, he released it through Truth Social and Rumble, where he says the song quickly gained traction. Within hours, he claimed, it reached the top position globally on those platforms. The decision, he explained, aligned with the song’s themes about feeling unheard in modern public discourse.
Lyrically, “Progress” reflects Rich’s frustrations with economic pressures, public safety concerns, and broader national issues he feels are being framed positively without addressing everyday realities. While his views are polarizing, the response to the song underscores how independent artists can still reach large audiences outside traditional industry channels. Rich’s experience highlights a shifting music landscape—one where artists increasingly choose autonomy, niche platforms, and direct audience engagement over conventional approval.
