Multi-platinum, award-winning independent artist Cody Jinks will serve as Grand Marshal for the Focused Health 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race this Saturday, March 23 at Circuit of The Americas outside Austin, TX. Additionally, the #15 Ford car, driven by Hailie Deegan, will feature Cody Jinks graphics.
Of the event, Jinks shares, “I‘ve always been a fan, and I‘ve gotten to know several of the NASCAR folks over the years. I‘m told they even play our music in the garages. I‘m excited for this opportunity and looking forward to the race.”
The appearance adds to a landmark year for Jinks, who will release his highly anticipated new album, Change The Game, this Friday, March 22 via his own label, Late August Records, in partnership with The Orchard (pre-order/pre-save here). In celebration of the release, Jinks will also perform on Fox & Friends this Saturday, March 23.
Produced by Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Top) and Jinks‘ longtime bassist, Joshua Thompson, Change The Game consists of 12 songs including the title track, “Sober Thing” and “Outlaws & Mustangs,” of which Billboard praises, “Jinks‘ new song glories in the enlightenment-seeking rebel journeys of the free spirits. A glimmering gospel choir ushers the song to its closing zenith moments,” while Whiskey Riff asserts, “Cody is incredibly talented and has done everything completely on his own, proving that hard work and great music are all you really need to make it in this business.” The official music video for “Outlaws & Mustangs” also recently debuted, which is deeply personal to Jinks as it features his father (Steve Jinks) and daughter (Meredith Jinks). Watch/share HERE.
Recorded mainly at MOXE outside of Nashville, TN, Change The Game marks a new chapter for Jinks both personally and professionally, as he is now self-managed with a completely independent team. Across the record, Jinks puts forth his signature outlaw country spirit with a new level of artistic maturity, as he delves into raw topics such as his journey with sobriety, the realities of life on the road and the need for redemption and accountability.
Reflecting on the project, Jinks shares, “This is the most open and honest record I‘ve ever recorded, I laid everything out.”
Known for his electric live performances, Jinks will continue to tour through this fall including upcoming headline shows at Nashville‘s Ascend Amphitheater, Los Angeles‘ Greek Theater, Dallas‘ Dos Equis Pavilion, Minneapolis‘ The Armory and San Diego‘s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. He will also join Luke Combs as part of his “Growin‘ Up and Gettin‘ Old” stadium tour, which starts next month. See below for complete tour itinerary. Full details can be found at www.codyjinks.com.
In addition to Jinks (vocals, acoustic guitar), Change The Game features Chris Claridy (acoustic guitar, electric guitar), David Colvin (drums, percussion), Drew Harakal (B3, piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Jake Lentner (acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Joshua Thompson (bass) and Austin “Hotrod” Tripp (pedal steel, dobro). The record also includes a new version of Faith No More‘s “Take This Bottle,” featuring special guest Pearl Aday.
Jinks has always built his career on his own terms. Drawing on his unique musical background—growing up near Fort Worth, TX, where he cut his teeth in bars and honky-tonks as well as the influential local metal scene—Jinks learned to disrupt the status quo with an industrious, do-it-yourself approach.
“One of the most beloved and successful independent voices in country music” (Wide Open Country), Jinks has amassed a loyal fanbase throughout his career, having sold over 2 million tickets to date. He‘s also released ten full-length albums that regularly chart near the top of Billboard Country and Independent Albums charts, garnered over 4 billion streams across platforms and had eight songs certified RIAA Platinum or Gold, led by the double-platinum success of “Loud and Heavy.” In recognition of this hard work, Jinks was named Music Row‘s 2023 Independent Artist of the Year—the second time he‘s received this honor.
— Circuit of The Americas —