Meet ‘raw and honest’ singer Kashus Culpepper

Country music could have a new star in the making. He’s a 26-year-old Navy veteran who grew up in Alabama. His husky growl is complimented by raw and honest lyrics, which hit you like a truck in his song “After Me?” The artist I’m talking about is Kashus Culpepper.

“After Me?” is a beautiful song that really showcases Culpepper’s incredible voice. He has this croon you don’t often hear in country music, mixed with other elements of R&B, soul, folk, and blues. His lyrics are honest – you feel it when you hear it. This is an artist singing who’s from his heart.

“Lord if you ever gave a damn about me
Please take me to your promise land
Maybe I’ll get over her when I
Get over Jordan’s River
‘Cause down here I’m a tortured man”

Kashus Culpepper found his voice while growing up singing in church. His influences include Stevie Wonder, Ray LaMontagne, Howlin Wolf and Chris Stapleton. You can hear it in his music, but his style still feels so new and refreshing. A great voice and raw lyrics can go a long way in creating a unique sound.

“I was never that dude in church to be like, ‘Look at me, I can sing. Look at me,'” Culpepper told People. “Everybody could sing. And I never thought that I could go anywhere with it because no one said, ‘Oh, Kash can sing so well in church.'”

Though he started singing in church as a kid, Culpepper further channeled his energy into music during his time in the Navy. He and his friend would make music together while deployed, and it snowballed from there.

“My buddy found a guitar for me and I just started learning,” he recalls of his humble beginnings. “I started learning songs and we threw these parties on [the base where we were stationed]. We couldn’t leave, man. We couldn’t do nothing. I mean, we couldn’t leave base, we couldn’t work. So we just sat in our rooms, played games, and drank. And then I was like, while I’m doing this, might as well pick up something I want to do.”

There’s something about “After Me?” that just feels right. It’s emotional, but it puts you in a good mood. The lyrics are harsh, but you’ll be smiling while singing along. You may also try to mimic Culpepper’s growl…and if you’re like me, fail miserably.

Kashus Culpepper plays Globe Hall in Denver on Sat., May 24.