Tyler Farr brings ‘Quit Bein’ Country’ tour back to Flint’s Machine Shop

FLINT, Michigan – With his latest EP, Quit Bein’ Country, country musician Tyler Farr is reminding fans of who he is. With music full of grit and raw emotion, Farr, considered to be “One of the best male vocalists in Country music” by Taste of Country, with three No.1 hits, “Redneck Crazy,” “Whiskey in My Water,” and the multi-platinum “A Guy Walks Into a Bar,” is as authentic as they come. 

Quit Bein’ Country features six songs and has already racked up over a million streams. The EP was co-produced with GRAMMY Award-winning Julian King and veteran producer and executive Jim Cantino. It features song contributions from Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, and Will Bundy. 

Farr’s current tour for Quit Bein’ Country, starting in Nashville and ending in Indianapolis, only stops in one state twice: here in Michigan. Most importantly, though, Farr jumped at the opportunity to perform at the famous Machine Shop like he has many times in the past. 

Flintside was able to have a quick chat with him about Quit Bein’ Country and his performance at The Machine Shop on Friday, March 13, at 7 P.M.  

Flintside: The first song on your new EP, Quit Bein Country, “Wait For It,” is about waiting and how good things come to those who wait. How does that relate to your career, or maybe other aspects of your life?

T. Farr: “I’m a big outdoorsman and a big hunter, so…it goes in deer hunting and other stuff like that. My career didn’t happen overnight…it took a minute, came at the right time, so it’s definitely relatable in that aspect, for sure.” 

Flintside: “My Town Too” talks about the backfire of a small-town love, and seeing the memories you have with that person everywhere. How has your own experience from small-town Garden City, Missouri, all the way to Nashville, impacted your career?

T. Farr: “It’s always scary, I think…It’s one of the hardest things about making it in the music industry, you know, that big leap of faith. The big jump, the big move to Nashville…a lot of uncertainty there. You never know if you’re gonna make it. It’s definitely…you don’t have many options – you have to go. Especially for a country music singer, if you want to make it, you gotta go all in, and that’s what I had to do.” 

Flintside: The EP’s focus track is “Love Me Back;” it’s vulnerable and emotional, yet still carries that power and grit. What was your inspiration behind this?

T. Farr: “I cut that song because…it’s got all the characteristics and qualities that I look for in a great song. There’s been times, you know, when you fall on your butt and mess up, and do it again. It’s just kind of that heartbreaking, sad ol’ country stuff that I grew up on.” 

Flintside: The title track of the EP, “Quit Bein’ Country,” takes pieces of your story and roots from every song — family, small town country living, faith, hard work, and smashes it all into one. Through this EP and this song, what was your goal? What did you want fans to understand about yourself?

T. Farr: “It’s not so much about understanding me, but it’s just…I record, and I write country music. That’s the only thing I really know. I’ve always been a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of guy, and that’s…what I’ve built this EP around.” 

Flintside: The EP ends with a cover of “Simple Man” by the Charlie Daniels Band. This song wraps up the EP perfectly and ties everything back to what country is about. What went into the decision to end the EP with this?

T. Farr: “As far as ‘Simple Man’ goes, my buddy Jason Aldean — he was the producer on that — that one was his idea, and I’m a big Charlie Daniels fan. It felt like a really appropriate time to release that cover of Charlie Daniels “Simple Man” just because of where we are as a country…it’s kind of a statement.” 

Flintside: The Machine Shop has seen many famous country musicians — Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, and Eric Church, to name a few. What does it mean to you to be able to perform at that same venue?

T. Farr: “The Machine Shop is one of my favorite venues, it’s…a Midwest staple. It’s one of my favorite places to play. I’ve played there…Since I was 20, probably 24, so it’s a special place. Great place; the crowds always…receptive and responsive, it’s just an awesome experience.” 

Flintside: The Flint music scene is often very overlooked. Flint has a lot of soul, and its people produce a lot of music, but not much country. What made you want to bring country to us?

T. Farr: “Every show I play up there, it’s always been packed…just the fans, is why I come up there. It’s just an awesome experience. I feed off the crowd, and it’s just always a great crowd there. It fires me up to be there and play.” 

The entirety of Farr’s career, from his first album, Redneck Crazy, to now, as he finishes off his Quit Bein’ Country tour, brings the world’s attention back to the heart and soul of what country is – family, faith, hard work, and a good ol’ classic heartbreak ballad. 

Tickets can be purchased at The Machine Shop’s website. You can follow Tyler Farr on Instagram. Quit Bein’ Country is available on all major streaming platforms.