Darius Rucker returns to Country radio with a new preview of his forthcoming album, Carolyn’s Boy, as “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” debuts across all platforms today, March 31. Listen HERE.
Written by Dan Isbell, Ben Hayslip and Jacob Rice, the sensual song showcases Rucker’s smooth baritone celebrated by Billboard as “one of the most distinctive voices of the modern country era” and by The New Yorker as “extraordinary: rich, round, and full of nuance.”
“When I first heard ‘Fires Don’t Start Themselves,’ the hook immediately got me,” reflects Rucker. “The beginning of the chorus, ‘Let’s drink what’s left of this…’ is classic ‘90s Country. I love it!”
The new release precedes a special performance from Rucker on the CMT Music Awards, where he will join forces with The Black Crowes for a duet of “She Talks to Angels.” Tune in to CBS or Paramount+ this Sunday, April 2 at 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. ET/PT to see the collaboration.
“I’ve been a fan of The Black Crowes for decades, and I’m grateful that we’ve also become good friends over the years. The first time I heard ‘She Talks to Angels;’ I remember being so moved by the lyrics that I went around Columbia, South Carolina asking every single bar to play it. I went home that night and put on Bonnie Raitt’s Home Plate, and decided I was going to try to write ‘She Talks to Angels’ for her. ‘Let Her Cry’ was what poured out of me. These guys have been so impactful on my career and I can’t wait to share the CMT stage with them.”
Rucker will also kick off his Starting Fires Tour on June 15, visiting 21 cities across the U.S. and Canada throughout the summer. Joining the three-time GRAMMY winner as direct support across most dates is popular Americana band Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, with rising star Drew Green as direct support on select dates. Tickets are on sale now via DariusRucker.com.
He also recently announced the lineup for his second annual Riverfront Revival Music Festival, taking place October 7-8 in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. Joining Rucker to perform are fellow headliners Turnpike Troubadours, plus Lainey Wilson, Band of Horses, Greensky Bluegrass, Niko Moon, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Drivin N’ Cryin, Megan Moroney, Elvie Shane and more. Full lineup details and tickets are available via RiverfrontRevival.com.
Additionally, Rucker will return to the stage this spring with his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates, taking over the picturesque stretch of white sand beach at Moon Palace Cancún for the second annual HootieFest: The Big Splash, a four-day celebration of all things rock. Set for April 26-29, the destination event will feature three headlining performances on the beach by the GRAMMY Award-winning band, plus daily pool parties, intimate oceanfront performances from Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Edwin McCain, Lit and Cowboy Mouth, as well as a special Hootie & the Blowfish sunset show. Limited ticket/travel packages remain via HootieFest.com.
For more information on all things Darius Rucker, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.
“Fires Don’t Start Themselves” Lyrics Available for Download HERE
Starting Fires Tour Dates
* denotes Drew Green as direct support (all other dates are Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors)
June 15 Roanoke, Va. || Elmwood Park Amphitheatre*
June 22 Washington, D.C. || The Anthem
June 24 Canandaigua, N.Y. || Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
July 13 Dubuque, Iowa || Q Casino – Back Waters Stage*
July 20 Jacksonville, Fla. || Daily’s Place
July 21 Wilmington, N.C. || Live Oak Bank Pavilion
July 22 Alpharetta, Ga. || Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 3 Niagara Falls, Ontario || Fallsview Casino
Aug. 4 Bridgeport, Conn. || Hartford HealthCare Amphitheatre
Aug. 5 Farmingville, N.Y. || Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill
Aug. 10 Sterling Heights, Mich. || Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Aug. 11 Milwaukee, Wis. || BMO Pavilion
Aug. 12 Maryland Heights, Mo. || Saint Louis Music Park
Aug. 18 Irvine, Calif. || FivePoint Amphitheatre
Aug. 19 Stateline, Nev. || Lake Tahoe Harveys Outdoor Arena
Aug. 23 Los Angeles, Calif. || The Greek Theatre
Aug. 25 San Diego, Calif. || Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Aug. 26 Highland, Calif. || Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Sept. 8 Durant, Okla. || Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grand Theater
Sept. 9 Durant, Okla. || Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grand Theater
Oct. 14 Nashville, Tenn. || Ascend Amphitheater
*Audio below, but also click here for more audio liners.
Audio / Darius Rucker says his new single, "Fires Don't Start Themselves," took him back to '90s country.
DownloadDarius Rucker (Fires Don’t Start Themselves) 2 OC: …the same time. :17
“Oh, I just thought it was a great song the first time I heard it. I thought the story was cool, but the melody and getting to singing that low register and everything, it just felt right. And it felt like the ‘90s is what I loved about it, you know. It made me feel like Keith Whitley and Josh Turner at the same time.”
Audio / Darius Rucker talks about his new single, "Fires Don't Start Themselves."
DownloadDarius Rucker (Fires Don’t Start Themselves) 1 OC: …all about. (laughs) :13
“You know, it’s a song about that time when you’re sitting at home with your significant other or girlfriend or wife or boyfriend or husband or whatever, and you know it’s time. It’s time to get down to business. That’s what that song’s all about.” (laughs)
