In wake of Jason Aldean controversy, Adeem the Artist's new song has a message: 'You are loved'

Since parodying Jason Aldean's controversial "Try That In A Small Town," Knoxville native Adeem the Artist has experienced firsthand "two sides of a coin" as the lyrics go.

"Two sides of a coin implies there ain't no better side," they sing on "Heritage of Arrogance," a fan-favorite track from their 2022 album "White Trash Revelry" still garnering critical acclaim. "It says racism and justice are equally justified."

On one hand, Adeem the Artist's social media has been flooded with hate toward the singer-songwriter and their identity, which includes using they/them pronouns. On the other hand, fans have stood alongside the queer country artist, just as a full band will support them during a hometown show this weekend.

But before Adeem the Artist − whose real name is Adeem Bingham − takes the Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria stage July 28, you can hear their new single "I C U" on major streaming platforms.

Adeem the Artist single 'I C U' now streaming

The song itself explores two sides of a coin − or, rather, two sides of country music (truth be told, there are many more).

Aldean's song tells the story of "good ol' boys" taking matters in their own hands in response to actions that include cussing out cops or stomping on the American flag − both expressions of free speech, Bingham noted, and certainly not acts that should be punishable by violence.

Before Aldean's song came out, Adeem's "I C U" was telling a different kind of story − one of identity, acceptance and reminding those who are struggling that "you're not alone." It's Bingham's first studio release since their critically acclaimed album "White Trash Revelry" came out late last year.

"Now I’m alonе with thoughts of you, and there’s not a lot I can do. But I can sing a song for you if it makes you feel bеtter," Bingham sings. "Like a magic spell in melody, or all the kids like you and me, who don’t know what they’re supposed to be: You are loved. You are treasured."

In a January conversation on "The Scruffy Stuff" podcast, Bingham spoke with Knox News about the importance of accepting others' identities.

"My actualization is totally unimpeded by people’s thoughts about my gender," they told Knox News. "But these kids who, like me, don’t have language for their own identity ... are going to hear that stuff. And it’s the kind of stuff that − you can lose your relationships with your kids. And that’s it. That’s what we got. That’s our legacy."

Since the release of "I C U," Bingham has shared a music video for a fresh version of "Fervent For The Hunger." The track originally appeared on their 2021 album "Cast Iron Pansexual."

Rolling Stone: 'Country Music Has Never Been More Gay'

Last month, before the Aldean parody, Rolling Stone featured Bingham in an article titled, "Country Music Has Never Been More Gay." The story details some of the historical hostility spewed toward LGBTQ artists in Nashville's scene.

"When I ruminated on coming out and then came out, especially when I changed my pronouns, I remember thinking, ‘There’s no way I’m going to get any press whatsoever now. I think I just tanked my career,’” Bingham told Rolling Stone. “And then I experienced this wealth of support, perhaps at the risk of some tokenization, that catapulted me forward.”

Bingham's trailblazing efforts recently earned them a spot on the Grand Ole Opry stage amidst all the acclaim. They also have been invited to open for the likes of Jason Isbell, Josh Ritter, American Aquarium and the Mountain Goats.

Want to see Adeem the Artist in Knoxville this weekend?

This fall, Adeem the Artist will embark on their headlining "White Trash Revelry" tour.

But first, they will perform a hometown show at Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria in the Old City on July 28. The concert, sponsored by WUTK, will feature fellow queer singer-songwriter Jessye DeSilva as the opener.

The show starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are available for $15 in advance. The price increases to $20 the day of the show.

In March, Bingham performed two hometown solo sets during Big Ears Festival. The Barley's show, however, will feature a full band: Adeem & the Means, they told Knox News.

Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Instagram @knoxscruff. 

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Adeem the Artist song 'I C U' streaming ahead of Knoxville concert