On September 28, 2024, the Rick Lee Vinson Group released their groundbreaking single “We’re Winning and Winning Big,” a track that introduces a radical new movement in music: country music cubism. Inspired by the revolutionary cubist works of Picasso and Braque, the group fuses country with hip-hop, creating a multi-dimensional sound that challenges conventional genre boundaries. This visionary approach not only sets the Rick Lee Vinson Group apart as innovators but also redefines what is possible within country music.
The idea of country music cubism, championed by Rick Lee Vinson, is rooted in the principles of cubist art—namely, the fragmentation and reassembly of objects from multiple perspectives. Just as Picasso and Braque deconstructed subjects to show them from different angles simultaneously, Rick Lee Vinson deconstructs the very structure of music, weaving together country’s storytelling and hip-hop’s beats into a complex, multi-layered auditory experience.
In “We’re Winning and Winning Big,” listeners are guided through an unpredictable sonic journey, as the song transitions between various grooves and moods. In a stroke of brilliance, Vinson even uses the lyrics to announce changes in the music—lines like “here comes the lo-fi part of the song” blend seamlessly into the composition itself, giving the audience a feeling of being both inside and outside the song at once. This creative decision pushes the boundaries of traditional song structure and reflects the group’s daring, experimental ethos.
Formed in 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee, the Rick Lee Vinson Group features Chris on keys, Jonah on guitars, and Mike on vocals. These three musicians, alongside Vinson, have cultivated a sound influenced by a wide range of artists—Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Family of the Year, and even Pablo Picasso himself. This eclectic combination of inspirations shines through in the music, blending country, hip-hop, rock, and folk into an unmistakably original sound.
The group’s creativity has a spontaneous, almost surrealist edge. According to the band, when they realized that parts of the song’s verses could be sung or read backward, they had a reaction that can only be described as astonishment, “like dogs hearing a sound no one else could hear.” This playful, boundary-pushing spirit is at the core of their music, ensuring that each new release is as surprising and thought-provoking as the last.
“We’re Winning and Winning Big” was recorded in two iconic musical hubs—Las Vegas and Nashville. These locations are significant not just for their vibrant music scenes but also for their influence on the song’s sound. Nashville, the cradle of country music, lends the track its grounding in the genre’s tradition, while Las Vegas brings an edge of showmanship and audacity, a perfect backdrop for Vinson’s experimental inclinations.
Rick Lee Vinson, who oversees all aspects of production, has ensured that every note of the track is meticulously crafted. His visionary leadership is evident in the fusion of these two vastly different genres and in the seamless transitions between different musical moods and rhythms.
Lyrically, “We’re Winning and Winning Big” is as innovative as its sound. The song explores the idea of time and space, the primal elements of life, and the evolution of existence, reflecting Vinson’s philosophical and creative depth. While its abstract lyrics may leave listeners contemplating their meaning, it’s clear that the song is about more than just the literal words—it’s about experiencing music in a new, multi-dimensional way.
Fans who experience the song for the first time are often struck by its complexity. The layered production, the unexpected shifts in rhythm, and the playful lyricism all combine to create a track that is as much a puzzle as it is a song. As one of the band members quipped upon hearing the track for the first time, “Dude, you are out there”—a sentiment that perfectly captures the out-of-the-box thinking that defines the Rick Lee Vinson Group’s music.
Drawing from icons such as Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Family of the Year, the Rick Lee Vinson Group also channels the revolutionary spirit of cubist artists like Picasso. This blending of musical and artistic influences gives the group a distinctive voice in the industry, one that resists easy categorization.
With “We’re Winning and Winning Big,” the band is making a statement: they are here to push the limits of country music and challenge what listeners expect from the genre. Their innovative spirit promises that this is just the beginning of their journey, with more genre-defying tracks likely to follow.
The release of “We’re Winning and Winning Big” is more than just the introduction of a new song—it’s the birth of a new movement within country music. By blending hip-hop’s rhythmic complexity with country’s emotional storytelling, and infusing the whole thing with the fragmented, multi-perspective approach of cubism, Rick Lee Vinson is pioneering a sound that defies traditional boundaries.
The Rick Lee Vinson Group may not yet have performed at major festivals or graced television screens, but their impact on the music industry is already being felt. As they continue to develop their unique sound and challenge the conventions of country music, it’s clear that the Rick Lee Vinson Group is carving out a space all their own. With their originality, artistic vision, and commitment to innovation, they are poised to be at the forefront of country music’s next big transformation.
Rick Lee Vinson and his band are not just creating songs—they are crafting an entirely new genre, one that melds music and art, sound and philosophy. With “We’re Winning and Winning Big,” they have set the stage for the future of country music cubism, inviting listeners to experience music from new and unexpected angles.
As this new genre continues to evolve, fans of Rick Lee Vinson and the Underground Treehouse Band can expect more visionary work that challenges and redefines the boundaries of what music can be. In a world where genres often feel rigid and formulaic, the Rick Lee Vinson Group offers a refreshing, boundary-breaking alternative. And in their words: “We’re Winning and Winning Big.”
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