Today's Pick

The Band Perry has just premiered the music video on Great American Country Television for their new song "If I Die Young," the country music trio's second single off their self-titled EP for Republic Nashville, follows their debut single, "Hip To My Heart," which was a breakthrough, sprightly, effervescent sliver of youth-laden pop country – a pleasant sounding droplet so light that it quickly evaporated into the ether, and became a Top 20 hit on the country singles charts. For its follow up, the sibling trio delivers a thoughtful track with significantly more narrative volume that has gotten a strong reaction from radio, press and fans, "If I Die Young" is a weighty, introspective take on life's evanescence.
The Band Perry are comprised of siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry. The three grew up playing gigs in Mobile, Alabama, and now make their home in eastern Tennessee. After spending years honing their performing and songwriting skills, the trio began writing and collecting songs for their first country music recording.
The video for new song was directed by David McClister (Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes), and was shot at Nashville's historic Two Rivers Mansion. Fittingly, the song opens to the sound of Kimberly taking in a breath. Gentle fiddle and guitar accompany her raspy, almost-hushed delivery of the song's chorus up until a banjo and drum track join in for the first repeat of the refrain. "If I Die Young" remains mostly acoustic throughout, boasting a series of delightful arrangements that underline Kimberly's beautiful vocal performance–she has a rich, slightly weathered voice that really brings home the song's melancholy. Throughout the song, it's a surprisingly interesting and creative entry from a band that at first appeared to be aiming for very little. Here's hoping this is only the beginning of Kimberly's songwriting journey–and that future efforts bring all of these pieces into alignment.
The Band Perry made people on Music Row take notice of them with their debut single, "Hip To My Heart," Now I believe that their second single, "If I Die Young" is looking to have similar success. When I first listened to the song, the message didn't quite make it through. It was an inviting melody, and easy to sing along, but it wasn't until I watched the video that I realized the deeper meaning behind those carefully written lyrics. After watching the video, I felt the need to reflect on what I value most in my own life and whether I've been giving those things enough attention. "If I Die Young" brings to the forefront the idea that no one knows how much longer they have in this life so be optimistic and cherish it while you can.