Emily Ann Roberts invokes traditional folk-country instrumentation to describe a seemingly “heaven-sent” man whose “halo was only a disguise” in this haunting ballad, “Devil Wears Denim.” The official music video, directed by Leah Steiger, premiered across CMT properties on Feb. 2. The premiere comes on the heels of Roberts’ inclusion in the CMT Next Women of Country class of 2024 on January 23. Watch the video here.
As Vulture put it, “Emily Ann Roberts is the latest in a long line of the genre’s female stars who can pen a great tune about getting back at an abusive, cheating, generally good-for-nothin’ man.”
“Devil Wears Denim” was penned by Emily Ann Roberts with her producer Trent Willmon along with Autumn McEntire. The music video can be seen starting today on television networks CMT and CMT Music, Pluto TV’s CMT Equal Play, CMT.com and a special debut on Paramount’s Times Square Billboard. Roberts’ critically-acclaimed debut full-length album Can’t Hide Country came out in September 2023. Blake Shelton asked her to join him as the opener of his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour Presented by Kubota which kicks off in arenas in 17 cities on February 22.
“I’ve always been captivated by country music’s way of telling a story. When I wrote this song with Autumn and Trent I could see the video playing out in my mind. Working with Leah Steiger to capture the love, betrayal, heartbreak and confession was so inspiring. I hope it takes people on the journey I go on every time I sing the song,” said Emily Ann Roberts.
No one has seen that cowboy since he disappeared,
Maybe he just up and rode away,
And they won’t find a shovel for a million years,
Daddy taught me how to get rid of a snake…
“This album rules. Emily’s voice just has PERSONALITY. She can belt or deliver a line with a giggle, or she’ll move note-to-note in half steps that are SO damn country over the most tasteful 90’s production and so much fiddle and steel (and horns! and harmonies!).” – Grady Smith
“[Can’t Hide Country is] undoubtedly country, heartfelt, and delightfully simple and true. In an ideal world, this would be what popular country sounds like.” – Saving Country Music
“This debut collection is equal parts fun and evocative, pulling in all of the traditional country bells and whistles without feeling like heavily trodden territory.” – Holler
About Emily Ann Roberts
They say the path to the grandest stage is paved with relentless practice, and Emily Ann Roberts embodies this mantra. From humble performances on small Knoxville stages to gracing the illustrious Grand Ole Opry platform almost 20 times, Roberts has diligently earned her place in the spotlight. Her journey began on Blake Shelton’s team on The Voice, a remarkable feat achieved even before completing high school. Roberts has accumulated a wealth of performing, songwriting and recording experiences. This dedication has translated into over 35 million streams, solidifying her status as a prominent artist. Nine years later, her growth and hard-work prompted an invitation from her former coach Shelton to join his 2024 17-date arena Back to the Honky Tonk Tour. Notably, CMT, Country Now, Music Mayhem Magazine, All Country News, and others have earmarked her as a significant artist to watch in 2024. Rooted in East Tennessee, Roberts draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Smoky Mountain music, bluegrass virtuosos, and country legends spanning generations—from Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to Miranda Lambert and Cody Johnson. This diverse upbringing uniquely positions her to reintroduce authenticity to country music, a mission evident in her debut full-length record, Can’t Hide Country, released on September 22. Recorded at Starstruck Studios in Nashville and produced by GRAMMY-winning maestro Trent Willmon, Emily Ann’s lyrics, brimming with honesty, coupled with her exceptional vocal prowess, have garnered widespread acclaim from both the media and her devoted fanbase. Country music stalwarts, Grady Smith and Saving Country Music’s Trigger, each bestowed her album with a top-three ranking on their 2023 Best Albums lists. It is undeniably evident that country music is in capable hands with Emily Ann Roberts steering the ship.
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