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HangupsMusic.com – Nashville, TN – In a candid and revealing conversation on Rolling Stone‘s Nashville Now podcast, country music luminary Kimberly Perry delved into the complex journey of her career, offering unprecedented insight into the past, present, and future of The Band Perry, now reimagined without her brothers. Her "open-book" interview painted a vivid picture of artistic evolution, industry challenges, and personal growth, marking a pivotal moment for a group whose trajectory has been one of the most thoroughly scrutinized in modern country music.
The Band Perry burst onto the scene in 2010, capturing hearts and airwaves with their self-titled debut album and the ubiquitous, Grammy-winning crossover hit, "If I Die Young." The sibling trio, composed of Kimberly, Reid, and Neil Perry, quickly established themselves as a formidable force, celebrated for their tight harmonies, compelling storytelling, and a distinct sound that resonated with both traditionalists and a burgeoning pop audience. Their follow-up, 2013’s Pioneer, arrived amidst the seismic shift of the "bro-country" phenomenon, a period that tested the boundaries of country music’s identity. Despite the changing landscape, tracks like the defiant "Better Dig Two" and the anthemic "Done" solidified their reputation as a dynamic live act and steadfast champions of a more classic country aesthetic. They were, for many, the torchbearers of a genre facing an identity crisis.
However, the narrative took an unexpected turn. The band embarked on a bold sonic exploration, venturing into pop-infused territories and even experimenting with electronic elements. This creative pivot coincided with their departure from Republic Nashville, an imprint under the powerful Big Machine Label Group. For a significant portion of their fanbase and the wider music industry, The Band Perry seemed to recede from public view, prompting widespread speculation about their fate.
Kimberly Perry, reflecting on this period, admitted to a ritual that speaks volumes about her self-awareness and enduring connection to the band’s public perception. "I have at least a half bottle of wine just about every night. It is my guilty pleasure," she shared, "And when I’m brave enough, I love to google ‘the Band Perry.’" The most frequent query, she noted, was "Why did the Band Perry disappear?" — a question she finds "kind of cool," perhaps because it acknowledges their impact even in their absence.
The truth, as Kimberly explained, was far more nuanced than a simple disappearance. It was a period of intense creative experimentation and introspection. The trio collaborated with legendary producer Rick Rubin, known for his genre-defying work, and later with Texas-based producer Beau Bedford. Many of these ambitious projects, however, ultimately remained unreleased, shelved as the band grappled with their evolving sound and direction. This phase culminated in an official hiatus, during which Kimberly embarked on a solo career, found love again, remarried, and welcomed a child. In a prior 2023 interview with Rolling Stone contributor Marissa R. Moss, Kimberly had openly questioned whether the band proactively exited the entrenched Music Row system or were, in effect, pushed out. Today, she views it as a blend of both, a mutual parting born from diverging visions.
"I think we were all after the same thing, and the same vision for a band, we just thought there were different ways of getting there," Kimberly articulated, shedding light on the underlying tensions with Big Machine. She described the label as "a very powerful force of people" and expressed feeling "not supported in that season." Yet, she also acknowledged the necessity of that period of detachment, likening it to "college years" where they needed to "step away and follow the creative muse." This perspective underscores the perennial struggle artists face in balancing commercial demands with artistic integrity, especially within the high-stakes environment of Nashville’s music industry. The Band Perry’s journey through genre exploration and label transitions serves as a cautionary tale and an inspiring testament to the pursuit of artistic authenticity.
The impetus for a new iteration of The Band Perry arose from an unexpected and tragic event. In 2025, Hurricane Helene unleashed devastating destruction upon East Tennessee, including their home region. In the wake of the disaster, a benefit concert was organized in Greeneville, Tennessee, where a version of The Band Perry reunited to perform. This lineup featured Kimberly, her brother Reid, and Kimberly’s husband, the Texas musician Johnny Costello. The emotional weight of the occasion, combined with the shared musical experience, hinted at a potential new chapter.
This rekindled spark led to a surprising return to their former home, Big Machine, with the new lineup signing with the label’s Nashville Harbor imprint last July. Plans were set in motion for new music, signaling a potential comeback. However, the path remained anything but straightforward. Reid Perry subsequently decided to depart from the group to pursue a career in artist management, leaving Kimberly and Johnny Costello to carry the torch forward as The Band Perry.
With the release of their new single, "Psychological," Kimberly and Costello are now defining what it means to be The Band Perry in this new era. Kimberly emphatically stated, "We’ve always been a family band," asserting that the wife-and-husband duo maintains the core spirit of the group. She describes this current phase as "a season of rebuilding and redemption," a testament to her unwavering commitment to the band’s legacy and a deeply personal journey of artistic and personal renewal. This new configuration challenges conventional notions of what constitutes a "band" and underscores Kimberly’s resilience in adapting and evolving.
The Nashville Now podcast provided an invaluable platform for Kimberly to articulate these profound shifts. The conversation explored the intricacies of reforming the group, offered tantalizing glimpses into their forthcoming music, and clarified the current whereabouts and endeavors of her brothers. Listeners eager to delve deeper into Kimberly Perry’s compelling narrative and the evolving saga of The Band Perry are encouraged to access the full episode.
Rolling Stone‘s weekly country-music podcast, Nashville Now, hosted by senior music editor Joseph Hudak, continues to be a crucial voice in the genre, offering in-depth interviews with a diverse array of artists and personalities. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, new episodes drop every Wednesday. The podcast has featured luminaries such as Lainey Wilson, Hardy, Charley Crockett, Kings of Leon, Breland, Bryan Andrews, Gavin Adcock, Amanda Shires, Shooter Jennings, Margo Price, Ink, Halestorm, Dusty Slay, Lukas Nelson, Ashley Monroe, Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor, songwriter Laura Veltz, Clever, and esteemed journalists Marissa R. Moss and Josh Crutchmer, consistently providing listeners with unparalleled access to the heart of country music. Kimberly Perry’s episode stands as a significant addition to this rich tapestry of conversations, offering not just an update on a beloved artist, but a profound meditation on the enduring power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.