Rita Wilson has shared her poignant new song, “Where’s My Country Song?” released today via Sing It Loud Records/The Orchard. Stream/download the track here and watch the lyric video here. Co-written by Rita and Lee DeWyze (American Idol), and co-produced by Rita and Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat, OneRepublic), the single is the latest musical offering from the multi-talented Wilson, further demonstrating her authenticity and grace as an accomplished singer/songwriter. On Air With Ryan Seacrest gave listeners an exclusive preview of the track on May 4 when Rita joined Ryan for a chat about music and more (watch it here).
“Where’s My Country Song?” features Rita’s delicate vocals and subtle arrangements, accompanied by a moving narrative and aching vulnerability. With its memorable melody and striking simplicity, the title is a nod to the genre Rita loves, but also penned as a love letter to women everywhere. She explains, “I love country music and writing songs in Nashville. I was thinking about all the women in our country, doing their jobs, and how they have always helped our country run efficiently. Women have always been pillars of strength, but now with coronavirus, millions of women comprise the essential workers who are on the front lines, and so critical to our nation.”
The song also drew inspiration from Rita’s own mother, which she proudly recalls; “My mom was a homemaker. She worked hard and sacrificed, never complaining. She showed me there was honor in her work, whether it was cooking, cleaning, sewing, or caring for her children. Women understand the experience of taking pride in what they do. ‘Where’s My Country Song?’ is about women who are single parents, who work more than one job, who care for aging parents, or go to school to get a degree, all while balancing the challenges of their daily lives. We see them everywhere, going about their lives with quiet dignity. This song is for them.”
The moving lyric video is directed by Luke Eisner; the musician, actor, model, and director is well known for his role in Netflix’s original film “Tall Girl”, and half of the LA-based pop-rock band, VOILÀ. Eisner also produced and directed John Legend’s lyric video for “Conversations in the Dark.” He carries on the charitable legacy of his father who won the Silver Medal Award from the United Nations for his work against domestic violence. His father also served as director of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, which provides a safe environment for women and their familes who are victims of domestic violence. All of Eisner’s proceeds from the video will be donated towards the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.
The last several months have been notable for Wilson. While in quarantine and recovering from COVID-19, she posted a clip of herself on Instagram rapping along perfectly to the multi-platinum 1992 hit “Hip Hop Hooray,” which she had learned for her role in the film, Boy Genius. Intended to bring hope and a smile, the clip went viral and ultimately resulted in Wilson and Naughty By Nature teaming up for, “Hip Hop Hooray (Remix),” listen here .The single was released via Tommy Boy Music on April 10, with net profits donated to the MusiCares® Foundation Inc. COVID-19 ReliefFund to help those in the music community affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.