Justin Timberlake started his journey towards the country music genre in November when he gave an incredible performance with the help of Chris Stapleton during the CMA Awards. One of country music’s most talented bands, Little Big Town, was in the audience that night and is now teaming up with the pop star for a songwriting and studio session for his forthcoming album.
Over the weekend, Timberlake took to his official Instagram account and posted a picture of himself with Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman. (Little Big Town also features musicians Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet.)
“NBD... Just writing with @littlebigtown,” Timberlake captioned the photo of himself with the ladies. “This band is the truth!! So good!!!!”
While Timberlake is working with the country band, that does not necessarily mean he will stray away from his usual R&B and pop sound. He also posted a picture of himself with frequent collaborator Pharrell Williams talking to each other in the studio with the caption: “Currently…” Timberlake even uploaded a picture of himself with his longtime musical partner and producer Timbaland - to wish him a happy birthday.
"Happy Born-Day, my brother,” Timberlake wrote in the caption of the two pictures. “We’ve done so many special things together through music but, your friendship and brotherhood away from the spotlight goes way beyond that!! Love you for life, man!!!! Enjoy your day! –JT.”
While Timberlake is back in the studio with producers he has worked with in the past, the collaboration with Little Big Town could mean he is heading in a different direction for his upcoming album. While JT may not be known as a country artist, the Memphis-born singer is a longtime fan of the genre. After Timberlake and Stapleton’s performance of the classic George Jones song “Tennessee Whisky” and his own song “Drink You Away,” Timberlake released a country version of the second song to country radio. The song originally appeared on Timberlake’s last full-length album, “The 20/20 Experience,” which was released in 2013.
In addition to his new solo effort, the former *NSYNC member is also committed to recording new music for the DeamWorks animated film “Trolls,” which is due out in November.