See Cody Jinks’ Brooding Live Performance of ‘I’m Not the Devil’

With the release of his album I’m Not the Devil, Cody Jinks has helped fill the void of the outlaw in country music. A former thrash-metal singer, Jinks looks the part: long beard, tattoos and a voice that calls to mind Jamey Johnson, another bonadfide outlaw. But it’s not about image for Jinks — he’s fully committed to country music.

In a recent episode of the Ray Benson-hosted series Texas Music Scene, Jinks performed the title track to his album and retells the story about the song’s origin that he shared with Rolling Stone Country in June. 

“The album was pretty much done. The album title had been decided. On a hunch, I flew my buddy Ward Davis out to the studio to take a stab at writing together. A few hours after he arrived and an incredible amount of beer consumed, we were recording ‘I’m Not the Devil’ and in turn renaming the album,” says Jinks, who hails from Texas.

I’m Not the Devil was recorded at the Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, where contemporary country artists like Frankie Ballard and Midland recently cut albums. Released August 12th, I’m Not the Devil also includes a cover of Merle Haggard’s “The Way I Am.” On September 1st, Jinks will link up with Whitey Morgan for a co-headlining tour that runs from Texas to New York.