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From Denver's High to Kent's Low: The Real Story Behind "Rocky Mountain Low"
27 Jan
Summary
- Corey Kent's song "Rocky Mountain Low" was inspired by a moment of awe in Crested Butte, Colorado.
- The song's creation involved a unique 1950s Kay N-5 Parlor guitar and a mood influenced by cold weather.
- Koe Wetzel's guest vocal was recorded during a harrowing day with unexpected breakdowns and an emergency.
Corey Kent's collaboration with Koe Wetzel, titled "Rocky Mountain Low," explores a new musical direction, diverging from John Denver's iconic song of the same name. Kent found inspiration for the title not from Denver's nature-focused anthem, but from an overwhelming scenic moment in Crested Butte, Colorado, during a family trip.
This new track emerged on January 15, 2025, within the attic office of songwriter Austin Goodloe. The writing session, featuring Thomas Archer and Michael Tyler, was influenced by a significant drop in temperature, fostering a unique creative mood. Goodloe initiated the song's sound with a distinctive, "wacky, weird vibe" from a salvaged 1950s Kay N-5 Parlor guitar.
Kent envisioned "Rocky Mountain Low" as a story of a recently single individual succumbing to old habits, referencing vinyl records and Eric Clapton's "Slowhand." The song builds in intensity, moving from a relatable pre-chorus to a frustrated chorus about ineffective coping mechanisms, with the music's dynamic shifting to match the lyrical sentiment.
The recording process at Nashville's Sound Emporium aimed for a creative, non-clinical atmosphere. Musicians took creative liberties, with contributions from acoustic guitarist Todd Lombardo and electric guitarist Kris Donegan adding to the track's edgy tone. Bassist Preston Shrewbridge was encouraged to play with a robust, driving style, emphasizing a live band feel.
Koe Wetzel recorded his guest verse from Cisco, Texas, on a day fraught with personal challenges, including vehicle trouble and a family emergency. These demanding circumstances unexpectedly enhanced Wetzel's performance, aligning with the song's theme of a "terrible day."
Despite initial thoughts that "Rocky Mountain Low" might be too unconventional for a single, Kent felt it perfectly introduced his upcoming album's heartland rock 'n' roll sound. RCA Nashville agreed, releasing it to country radio on December 4. The song is currently charting at No. 30 on Billboard's Country Airplay chart, dated January 31, marking a new era for Corey Kent's artistic expression.
