Brandon Lay Brings Moody Vibe to ‘Heads Carolina, Tails California’ Cover [Watch]
Brandon Lay has released a very unique new cover of one of Jo Dee Messina's biggest hits, "Heads Carolina, Tails California," putting his own moody spin on the song.
The 2017 Taste of Country RISERS artist turned Messina's hit from 1996 on its ear, completely re-arranging the up-tempo vibe into a bluesy rendition that features him strumming subdued electric guitar chords while a keyboardist provides a somber bed track of organ.
Written by Tim Nichols and Mark D. Sanders, "Heads Carolina, Tails California" was the lead single from Messina's self-titled debut album, and it reached No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. The song suggests that two lovers simply flip a coin to decide where they're headed on their next adventure together.
Brandon Lay's ToC RISERS Interview
"Heads Carolina, tails California / Somewhere greener, somewhere warmer / Up in the mountains, down by the ocean / Where don't matter long as we're goin' / Somewhere together, I got a quarter / Heads Carolina, tails California," Lay sings, lowering the key for a vocal performance that brings a completely different mood to the classic song.
Lay shared an exclusive performance of "Back on the Wagon" at the RISERS shoot in February, and he also participated in an interview and photo shoot for the program, which showcases the biggest rising stars of the year in country music.
He recently released a mini-EP titled Speakers, featuring “Let It” and his debut single, "Speakers, Bleachers and Preachers." Lay also has a cut titled "Home Game" on Cole Swindell’s You Should Be Here album, and he's serving as a support act for Old Dominion on tour through the fall.
Watch Brandon Lay Sing "Back on the Wagon"
Brandon Lay on Set at the 2017 RISERS Shoot