Chase Rice shared his brand new single “Circa 1943” and released his new studio album ‘Eldora’, with the Diamond certified songwriter proving once again he’s not chasing anything but the truth. The follow up to 2024’s ‘Go Down Singin’,’ his first release since stepping away from the major label system, doubles down on the grit, heart and unfiltered storytelling that’s always been at the core of Rice’s songwriting. Written primarily in the quiet solitude of Eldora, Colorado in the days following his recent performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the 12 song album is as much a reflection of place as it is of person, with that mountain stillness providing a creative reset rooted not in chasing hits or chart positions but in chasing moments that matter and songs that leave a mark.
Rice reflects that this is the kind of music he’s always loved and the kind of stories he’s always wanted to tell, hoping the past few years have helped fans see this is the real him, not the person who was chasing trends or afraid to do something different. ‘Eldora’ isn’t about proving anything, it’s about making something that’s real and letting it speak for itself, an intention clear in today’s offering “Circa 1943.” Written by Rice alongside Wyatt McCubbin and producer Oscar Charles, the song tells a bittersweet love story set against the backdrop of World War II, paying quiet tribute to the courage and heart of the Greatest Generation. Rice shares that Harold and Berniece were his mom’s parents, and while they didn’t meet around 1943 and the story takes creative liberties, their names are the only true parts about this story, but he hopes it honors them and anybody from the Greatest Generation who fought or died for the country.
Today’s release joins “Two Tone Trippin'” in previewing the forthcoming project, with the jangly guitar picking joyride capturing the heart of summer and the spirit of a classic American truck, revving up a well worn symbol of country storytelling with fresh detail and classic country flair. Rice is operating at full creative power right now, completely independent and completely uncompromising, making music on his own terms that connects with listeners who value authenticity over algorithm friendly formulas. ‘Eldora’ promises to be another statement from an artist who’s never been afraid to chart his own course, even when it meant walking away from the security of the major label world to find the freedom to create exactly what he wants without anyone telling him what songs should sound like or what stories are worth telling.