Eric Church on pushing boundaries and how music brings people together

Country music singer-songwriter Eric Church sat down with 'CBS Mornings' in Nashville this week to discuss his ambitious 'Free the Machine Tour' and the power of art to bridge cultural divides during a period of heightened national polarization. The multi-platinum artist spoke candidly about his decision to take a creative risk by performing his classic hits and newer tracks alongside a 20-person orchestra, a departure from the traditional country-rock ensemble. Church emphasized that his primary goal for this tour is to foster a sense of unity among his diverse fanbase, proving that music remains a unique vehicle for collective healing and human connection. The 'Free the Machine Tour' represents a significant evolution in Church’s career, as he seeks to disrupt the standard expectations of the country genre. By incorporating orchestral arrangements, he is reimagining his discography to create a more immersive and cinematic experience for concertgoers. During the interview, Church explained that the inclusion of strings and brass allows for a new emotional depth in his storytelling, which has always been a hallmark of his songwriting. This creative pivot comes at a time when the music industry is increasingly focused on high-energy, digitally-driven performances, contrasting with Church's focus on organic, instrumental grandeur. Beyond the technical aspects of the performance, Church addressed the broader social climate, noting that the current era is defined by significant division and digital silos. He argued that the live concert environment is one of the few remaining spaces where people of all political and social backgrounds can stand together and share a singular experience. By 'freeing the machine,' a phrase that serves as both his tour title and a personal mantra, Church is encouraging his audience to step away from the divisive algorithms of modern life and reconnect with the raw, communal energy of live performance.