Brothers Osborne: ‘People Are Tired of the Bulls— and Are Ready for the Real Substance’

Brothers Osborne are tired of this mess! In front of the release of their latest single, the country duo are stepping out and speaking up about finding a balance between commercial success and critical acclaim, and they're not about to go bro.

With a sound that's more stripped down and edgy, it's taken a while for Brothers Osborne to fully break into a country radio scene that currently favors catchy-hooks and bro-coutntry vibes. But according to a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the sibling duo say they wouldn't have it any other way.

"I think people are tired of the bulls--- and are ready for the real substance,” says John Osborne. "We went through an era of big hit songs that no one is going to listen to 10 years from now. And we’re about to hit a decade of country that I think is going to be played for a long time."

John says that current country music is a lot like hair-metal rock music that was popular in the '90s, saying that sooner rather than later, the "bubble is going to explode." And his bandmate brother, T.J. Osborne, is quick to agree. But he's also quick to agree that there are indeed some acts on the radio who are getting the acclaim — commercially and critically — that they deserve.

"I think artists are finally realizing we can either have this short-lived, sell-our-souls moment, put the song out and have a little flash in the pan, or we can get down to real music….There are a bunch of [diverse and true] artists now,” T.J. says, citing Kacey Musgraves and Eric Church. “It’s not the same regurgitated bulls---."

Colorful language aside, the brothers may have a point. And with innovative singles like "Rum" and, most recently, the blues-rock inspired "Stay a Little Longer," it may be time for critics and country radio to listen.

Whether you love them or hate them, there's at least one country icon who has embraced the no-frills, anti-bro country music of Brothers Osborne. The duo has opened up for Church on numerous occasions and will join him again on the road in April.

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