In an unexpected revelation, rising star Zach Bryan made it clear that he’s not interested in being labeled a “Country musician.” During a candid interview with his idol, Bruce Springsteen, Zach opened up about his feelings toward the genre he’s often associated with.

While discussing their careers, Zach expressed his admiration for Bruce’s music but noted a key difference: “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,” Zach tells Bruce in Rolling Stones’ “Musicians on Musicians” conversation. “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.”

Zach’s desire to avoid being “boxed in” speaks volumes about his approach to music. He wants to focus on storytelling and songwriting, rather than being defined by one genre. And his actions align with his words—he tends to stay away from mainstream country award shows and forges his own path, maintaining a bit of distance from the country music scene.

For Zach Bryan, it’s all about the music, not the label. And for his fans, that’s what matters most. Get the full interview here.