Brett Eldredge loves to 'spin around' at South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset

With his latest studio album, “Songs About You,” singer-songwriter Brett Eldredge takes a step that’s rare in country music today – performing songs that get close to the bone.

Indeed, while not wishing to offend any of his legion of fans with the new release, Eldredge, 36, consciously eschews clever country anthems to explore not only the themes of love and heartache, but also his own public struggle with anxiety.

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That candor is part of what separates Eldredge – who will play the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset on Sept. 3 and the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis on Sept. 4 – from the pack.

A voice that’s widely respected as one of the biggest in contemporary country music doesn’t hurt either.

Written by Eldredge, with help from Heather Morgan, Nathan Chapman, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jordan Reynolds, Mark Trussell and Ben West, and released in June on Warner Music Nashville, the new album was recorded fireside at a Montana writing retreat.

Inspired by the music of some Eldredge's favorite singers including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Nat King Cole, the album features 12 songs including the title track, which was released as its first single in February.

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A Paris, Illinois, native, Eldredge – who was named the Country Music Association’s New Artist of the Year in 2014 – has had seven  No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country airplay chart and 11 RIAA gold and platinum certifications, with hits  including “Wanna Be That Song,” “Don’t Ya,” “Beat of the Music,” “Mean to Me,” “Lose My Mind” and “Drunk on Love.”

By telephone recently from a North Carolina tour stop, the performer spoke about his new music and more.

Q:  Tell me about your new album, “Songs About You”?

A:  Going in, I knew I didn’t want to make something I’d already made. I found new confidence with this album, so I knew I could either half-ass it and speak just a little about my life or I could go all in, unapologetically, and be who I am. And that’s what I decided to do.

I’m trying to open up the layers a bit and allow everybody to see and feel it as well. With it being called “Songs About You,” I want the listener to know that these songs were originally written about my life, but they’re also about “you.”

Q: What was the process of preparing this album like?

A: I kind of spent the whole pandemic writing, so I had a strong record ready to go. Then I went on tour for Christmas. When I came back, I asked my label for two more months and completed the album, and the arrangements with horns, etc., after re-experiencing the connection with fans.

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Q: What part did therapy play in helping you write and perform the music on the album?

A: Through therapy, I’ve learned that it’s OK to say how I feel. And I’m better now at articulating those feelings in my music. Being able to express the full range of human emotion is allowing me to emote better and unleash vocally in the studio and onstage.

Q: Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?

A: Most of my ideas come when I feel the greatest connection with myself as a creator. I hike a lot and that’s when I’m the most mindful, away from distractions. I give myself permission to be by myself and it allows me to go to a deeper, more emotional place. That’s been a beautiful lesson for me, both as a creator and as an individual.

Q: When are you happiest – when you’re writing and recording music, or performing for an audience?

A: I love the whole process, from the birth of a song the day you get the idea for it, to the moment where you figure out how to piece it together, to recording it, and then to presenting it to a live audience.

I put pressure on myself because I want my music to mean a lot. And I love it when I can feel from an audience that it does.

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Q: You’ve had seven  No. 1 hits on country radio. Does that make you feel added pressure when you’re writing new material?

A: I used to feel that, but you can’t define success by  No. 1 hits. You have to define it by the impact the music has on audiences. I definitely define success this way, not on whether I have another No. 1.

Q: That said, what are your favorites of your songs?

A: I like the feel-good love songs like “The Long Way” and “Mean to Me” that really tell a story acoustically – just me and my guitar. That’s how I got my start, playing songwriter and open-mic nights at small clubs. To this day, I love storytelling songs best.

Q: What’s it like performing in front of a live audience again?

A: The first show back, I realized how much I had missed it. Now I’m just playing, having fun and doing what I was born to do. I’m in a groove where I can be more vulnerable and the most authentic version of myself.

Q: You’re back on tour, but what happened to your dog, Edgar, who was a big hit on your Instagram and even had a major role in your “Love Someone – The Edgar Cut” music video?

A: Edgar’s good. He retired from the spotlight, but he still comes out on the road with me, especially when we play dates near Nashville, where we live. How it all happened was that I took a break and Edgar was a big part of that.

I realized that I didn’t want Edgar to be an influencer dog anymore. I just wanted him to be my dog. It’s been the best decision for both of us.

Q:  You’ve performed regularly at both the Music Circus and the Melody Tent and you’re back again this year, even though most of your other tour stops are at larger venues. What keeps you coming back to Cohasset and Hyannis?

A:  I played the Music Circus and the Melody Tent early in my career and I remember thinking then, “No matter how big I get, I want to keep playing these venues.” I love singing my songs and telling my stories as I spin around on those stages. The crowds are terrific in both places. They get a little crazy and just have a great time.

See Brett Eldredge

When: 8 p.m. Sept. 3

Where: South Shore Music Circus, 130 Sohier St., Cohasset

Price: $77 and $103

Info: 781-383-9850, themusiccircus.org

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Country favorite Brett Eldredge to perform at South Shore Music Circus