Country Music Star, 40, Takes a Step Back From Music For Major Career Move

Chase Rice: career at a crossroads

Chase Rice has built a large and loyal fan base as a modern country music artist. Known for energetic live shows and emotionally driven songs, he has become a recognizable name in contemporary country.

Touring success and signature hit

Rice has spent significant time on the road, touring extensively and performing for large audiences across the United States and abroad. His track “Eyes On You” became a breakthrough moment, turning into his most-streamed song and a multi-platinum, chart-topping single.

“Eyes On You” was his first No. 1 as an artist and has become the biggest song of his career in terms of streams and certifications.

Artistic shift and new priorities

After years of chasing mainstream trends, Rice has recently focused more on authenticity and storytelling in his music, stepping away from a purely trend-driven approach. He describes this phase as more personal and stripped-down, emphasizing songs that feel honest to his life and values.

“I was done with mainstream country music and chasing trends. I wanted to write stories… It’s just me and a guitar. It’s very raw and real in that way.”

Evolving relationship with the industry

Rice has spoken openly about periods when success did not equal personal happiness, reflecting on times he felt unfulfilled despite a strong position in the industry. These reflections influenced his decision to adjust his career path, choosing creative independence and a more grounded lifestyle over constant commercial pressure.

He notes that he is now “making my records,” focusing on work that represents him fully rather than fitting into a set formula.

Personal reinvention and next chapter

Spending more time on his Tennessee farm and away from the nonstop grind of touring has given Rice space to reconsider what he wants from his career. This step back from the traditional music machine appears less like quitting and more like redesigning his role as an artist on his own terms.

His current mindset centers on freedom, independence, and doing “whatever I want now” creatively while still respecting the fans who supported his earlier hits.

Author’s summary

A seasoned country star, Rice is trading trend-chasing for honest, stripped-down storytelling, stepping back from the grind to reinvent his career around creative freedom and personal meaning.

Yardbarker — 2025-11-29