Behind The Scenes Of Jason Aldean's "Lights Come On": The Story Of Collaboration And Inspiration

Jason Aldean's "Lights Come On" has captivated audiences at country music concerts, but the inspiration behind its lyrics goes beyond just his fans. This song emerged from a unique collaboration involving several prominent songwriters, including Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley from Florida Georgia Line, along with Jimmy Robbins, Jordan Schmidt, and the Warren Brothers. What makes this collaboration particularly interesting is that it was largely unplanned—an accidental meeting that turned into a creative powerhouse.

The process began when Hubbard sent a text to his fellow songwriters, explaining a scheduling conflict with the Warren Brothers, which led to a gathering at Kelley’s tree house studio. Schmidt recalls that the Warren Brothers brought in a catchy title and a fantastic riff, which sparked the creativity needed to craft the song. Despite the potential for chaos with so many writers in one room, the camaraderie and comfort among them allowed the writing process to flow smoothly.

It’s intriguing to think about how a song can evolve. The group ended up not only completing "Lights Come On" but also two other songs in a single session. Their initial focus was on creating a show-opener that would resonate with enthusiastic crowds, and their chemistry helped bring that vision to life. As Schmidt noted, the entire experience felt fast-tracked, leaving him in awe of how quickly everything came together.

Collaborative Spirit in Nashville's Songwriting Scene

Nashville is known for its vibrant songwriting community, and collaborations like this one highlight the spirit of creativity that thrives within it. The fact that multiple songwriters could come together and produce a hit song illustrates the strength of teamwork in the industry. They were not just writing for themselves; they were crafting a piece that would elevate a performance by Jason Aldean.

As they worked, the energy in the room was palpable, filled with excitement and inspiration. Schmidt emphasized that working with familiar faces eased the potential for conflicting ideas. Instead of a chaotic environment, it turned into a productive session where everyone contributed their strengths. This is a testament to the power of collaboration in music, where diverse ideas can merge into something extraordinary.

The Journey from Demo to Release

The journey of "Lights Come On" from its initial demo to its release as a lead single for Aldean's upcoming album is a fascinating one. Initially, there was some hesitation about the quality of the demo, with Schmidt expressing doubt about whether a more polished version was necessary. However, encouragement from his co-writers pushed him to finalize the track. The final product captured the essence of what they aimed to convey during live performances—an electrifying experience that fans could connect with.

After a serendipitous encounter with Aldean’s A&R director, the song found its way into the hands of the country star himself. The timing was perfect, as Aldean was wrapping up his recording session and was eager to include "Lights Come On" in his album. This last-minute addition was not just a stroke of luck; it was a culmination of hard work, talented collaboration, and the right circumstances aligning.

Impact and Reception of "Lights Come On"

Upon its release, "Lights Come On" resonated with fans, perfectly capturing the high-energy atmosphere of Aldean's concerts. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of celebration, connection, and the electrifying moments that happen when the lights come on at a show. This song encapsulates not only the excitement of country music concerts but also the collaborative spirit that defines Nashville's songwriting community.

In the end, the success of "Lights Come On" serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen when creative minds come together. The song's journey—from a spontaneous writing session to becoming a hit single—highlights the unpredictability of the music industry and the importance of collaboration. It's a story that inspires aspiring songwriters and artists to embrace teamwork and seize opportunities that come their way.

Final Thoughts

"Lights Come On" is more than just a song; it's a testament to the power of collaboration and the vibrant culture of songwriting in Nashville. As fans sing along to its infectious chorus, they are also celebrating the behind-the-scenes efforts of a talented group of songwriters who turned a simple idea into a powerful anthem. This journey reaffirms that great music often stems from unexpected moments and shared creativity.