Zach Bryan says he wants to be known as more than just a country artist

A musician who has garnered significant honors within the country music genre has made a shock announcement about his vision for the remainder of his career.

Zach Bryan, a 28-year-old songwriting phenom frequently associated with country tunes, made it clear in a sit-down with Bruce Springsteen that he has no desire to be pigeonholed in that manner going forward, as Rolling Stone reports.

Don't fence him in

Speaking to Springsteen about a range of topics, Bryan held forth on how he views his life's work in the broader context of the music scene.

Referencing the “Born to Run” star's own catalogue of mega hits, Bryan said, “When I listen to your music, I'm like, 'If you put different production to this, it's a country song.

“That's why I don't want to be a country musician,” Bryan added.

He elaborated on the theme, noting, “I don't want to be a country musician. Everyone calls me it. I want to be a songwriter, and you're quintessentially a songwriter.”

Speaking directly to industry esteem enjoyed by “The Boss,” Bryan said, “No one calls Bruce Springsteen -- hate to use your name in front of you -- but no one calls Bruce Springsteen a freaking rock musician, which you are one, but you're also an indie musician, you're also a country musician. You're all these things encapsulated in one man. And that's what songwriting is.”

Undeniable bona fides

While it is clear that Bryan does not wish to be confined to narrow definitions of his craft, much of his success to date has come in the realm of country music, receiving four Grammy nominations in the genre, three Academy of Country Music nominations, and more.

With that said, however, he has also garnered notice among the denizens of folk, pop, and rock music, as Taste of Country explains.

Bryan decided against submitting any of his music for 2025 Grammy Award consideration, an outgrowth of his previously declared distaste for the competitive aspect of such shows.

Currently in the process of completing his “Quttin Time Tour,” Bryan clearly has his sights set on a long and varied career in music, hoping to break free from stereotypes and rigid categorization.

Given the fervor with which his fans have always received his work, it seems likely that Bryan will be granted the freedom to pursue a career on his own terms, defying the labels that might otherwise limit his creative expression.