Zac Brown Speaks Out on the Country Music Industry

Zac Brown is letting loose — and what he just said about the country music industry might be one of the most unfiltered things we’ve heard in a long time. The Zac Brown Band frontman recently joined comedian Bert Kreischer on his Bertcast podcast, where the topic of climbing the country charts came up — and Brown didn’t hold back. Let’s just say… he said what he said.

The Reality of Achieving a No. 1 Song

“You Don’t Get a No. 1 Song By Having a Good Song”

With more than 15 No. 1 hits throughout his career, Brown didn’t sugarcoat what it truly takes to reach the top of country radio charts. He boldly stated, “You don’t get a number one song by having a good song. You get a number one song by sucking every d–k in f–king radio land.”

He elaborated on the intense hustle involved in the industry, saying, “The team digs them all up and helps me suck up 200 in a day. I put my Carmex on and I go to sucking.” This raw commentary certainly paints a vivid picture of the effort and networking required in the music business.

Addressing Industry Pressures

Brown later clarified that his comments were not merely about the quote itself but about the relentless pressure and politics behind promoting a hit. “You get as much done in a day as you can, so then you can focus elsewhere,” he explained. “At some point, you wake up and you’re like, ‘I don’t want to do that anymore.’ So you take a break for four or five years and see what you can gain.”

Zac Brown’s New Direction

Focusing on Creative Freedom

These days, Brown is prioritizing creative freedom over chasing charts. His new album, *Love & Fear*, is set to release on December 5 and features notable collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton on the track “Butterfly” and Snoop Dogg on “Let It Run.”

Headlining a Las Vegas Residency

In addition to his music, Brown is also headlining a Las Vegas residency at Sphere, which has already expanded its schedule due to high demand.

Personal Milestones

On a personal note, Brown recently got engaged to Kendra Scott, a self-made billionaire and philanthropist. The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2025 American Music Awards, marking a significant moment in both their lives.

A New Chapter for Zac Brown

Whether he’s topping the charts or applying his Carmex, Zac Brown is entering a new era — one where he’s in control and pursuing his passions on his own terms.

FAQs

What did Zac Brown say about the country music industry?

Zac Brown expressed that achieving a No. 1 song in country music often requires more than just having a good song; it involves extensive networking and industry politics, which he described in a candid manner on Bert Kreischer’s podcast.

When is Zac Brown’s new album releasing?

Zac Brown’s new album, *Love & Fear*, is set to drop on December 5.

Who are the featured artists on Zac Brown’s new album?

The album features collaborations with Dolly Parton and Snoop Dogg, among others.

What is Zac Brown’s current focus in his career?

Brown is currently focused on creative freedom and is not primarily chasing music charts. He is also headlining a residency in Las Vegas.

Who is Zac Brown engaged to?

Zac Brown is engaged to Kendra Scott, a jewelry designer and entrepreneur, and they recently made their red carpet debut together.