Sugarland, the celebrated country duo comprising Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, is gearing up for an exciting autumn as they commemorate the 20th anniversary of their album *Enjoy the Ride*. This milestone coincides with their *Ride or Die Tour*, set to traverse North America this fall, bringing forth a blend of nostalgia and celebration for avid fans.
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Released in 2004, *Enjoy the Ride* marked a significant turning point in Sugarland’s career, leading to their first two No. 1 country singles: “Want To” and “Settlin’,” as well as earning them Grammy accolades that cemented their status in the music industry. Reflecting on the successes of the past, both Nettles and Bush cherish the memories attached to this pivotal project. Nettles, now 52, remarked on the bittersweet nature of the timelines they traverse, saying, “On one hand, it feels like just yesterday, yet there’s been so much music, life, and so many children in between.”
The origin of Sugarland can be traced back to the vibrant music scene in Atlanta during the late 1990s, where Nettles and Bush first crossed paths. The duo shared many memories of their early performances at local bars and college events, regularly earning modest pay. Bush, now 44, recalled the necessity of captivating their audience early on: “We had to learn how to write songs that you could learn really quickly… We had to perform in such a way to get your attention.” That experience of capturing a tough crowd, he asserted, contributed greatly to their artistry and performance skills.
Bush also shared a humorous warning he gave Nettles regarding the challenges of the music industry. “I said to her, ‘We’re going to cry in a pillow, and you’ve got to get used to that,’” he recounted. However, Nettles was quick to interject with a laugh, stating, “I never cried in a pillow,” highlighting their camaraderie and playful rapport.
The duo soon ascended to prominence, breaking through with their first album, *Twice the Speed of Life*, which boasted hits like “Something More” and “Baby Girl.” However, as they began crafting *Enjoy the Ride*, they faced a significant change with the departure of their former bandmate Kristen Hall. Nettles described the process of this album as crucial, revealing, “This was our first record as a duo, so we had something to prove… the songs were so good. And we knew it.”
Their confidence was validated when *Enjoy the Ride* debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and included their initial foray into chart-topping with “Want To” and “Settlin’.” “To have an official number one, of course, is how delicious, how rewarding, how validating?” commented Nettles, reflecting on the achievement. This victory was soon followed by their Grammy wins in 2007, further establishing them in country music.
In the years that followed, Sugarland’s journey intermingled with other major artists, such as a memorable duet with Beyoncé at the American Music Awards. This collaboration not only showcased their versatility beyond country but also allowed them to mingle with music legends. “You’re just like, ‘Oh, well, there’s Paul McCartney, and there’s Coldplay,'” Nettles reminisced about the star-studded Grammy occasion.
Despite the passage of time and an ever-changing music landscape, Sugarland has continued to evolve while staying true to their roots. They have released several successful albums and numerous hits, including “All I Want to Do” and “Babe.” Although they have explored distinct projects individually—Bush producing for emerging artists and Nettles performing in an off-Broadway show—they have maintained a supportive and creatively stimulating partnership.
The *Ride or Die Tour*, which runs throughout October and November, is set to ignite the energies around *Enjoy the Ride*, while also featuring other beloved tracks from their extensive catalogue. “You’ll get to hear all the other stuff you love too,” Nettles teased, building anticipation among fans eager for live performances.
With their latest EP, *There Goes the Neighborhood*, released just over two years ago, both Nettles and Bush are excited about potentially creating new music, inspired by the nostalgia of their anniversary. Bush enthused about the possibility, saying, “New music is something we would do in a heartbeat… Creativity just follows right in the path of that heat.”
As Sugarland gears up for this special anniversary tour, they are not only celebrating their past successes but also looking forward to igniting fresh inspirations and connections with their fans. Their remarkable journey continues as they embody the essence of country music, enriching the genre with each note.