Channing Wilson: Dead Man
Photo by David McClister
One day prior to standing in the hallowed circle of his Grand Ole Opry debut, emerging singer, songwriter and musician Channing Wilson will release his highly anticipated album, Dead Man, on February 24.
As a self-professed “student of this world,” let Channing Wilson and this record guide you through a few of life’s trials and tribulations: loneliness, pain and perseverance. Wilson lays himself bare; sharing his experience with heartbreak and disappointment. This album wrestles with these themes along with frustration with the cost of staying the course. Somehow, Wilson manages to pull you along and most likely himself to the other side determined and wiser, no matter the price.
Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, John Prine, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson), the record marks a new chapter for Wilson as he steps forward as an artist after two decades as a successful songwriter. Since his first foray to Nashville in 2009, Wilson has written songs such as Luke Combs’ #1 hit, “She Got the Best of Me,” as well as numerous tracks for The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Robert Randolph & The Family, Dirty Heads, Jerry Jeff Walker and more.
Ahead of the release, Wilson has shared two album tracks: "Drink That Strong" and "Sunday Morning Blues," of which Music Row praises, "he sings in a resonant baritone with a touch of tremolo and a whole lot of heart. While a steel sighs, he delivers a masterful performance of a classic country weeper." Whiskey Riff declares, “This guy is country-er than all get up, and with his powerful, gritty vocals and incredibly vivid songwriting, the Lafayette, Georgia native knows how to hit you where it hurts in his songs.”
Wilson packs a big, bold, booming, and soulful voice which artfully weaves pain, loss and raw emotion throughout 10 solid tracks of nostalgic outlaw country. So, grab yourself a glass of your favorite whiskey and cozy up for an album that seems to depict a deeply honest self-portrait of Wilson’s fight to come out of the shadows and succeed in ways he’s always imagined.
Songs about running low on faith, still chasing dreams and being unsure how long one should be expected to manifest the strength to pull themselves out of bed in the morning. Despite this uncertainty, prevailing long enough to realize success. His love of fishing, songwriting, faith and determination to continue the daunting journey the right way instead of taking the easy way out, provides the much-needed fuel to continue.
Track 1: “Drink That Strong”
If you’re going to be in pain either way, might as well go fishing!
“So if I’m gonna hurt either way / I’d rather spend my days /
Down on a creek bank hooked on a bluegill / Trading neon for the shade
Track 2: “Running Down A Song”
May have been heavily influenced by Wilson’s 316 mile weekly round trip commute to Nashville from his home in Lafayette, Georgia. A commute he made every week for more than a decade - writing, singing, and grinding. A song about being determined to succeed no matter the struggle.
“I’m a long way from home just running down a song /
I’m hellbent to write and it’s putting up a fight”
“Some folks call it paying dues /
I call it having nothing to lose but time”
Track 6: “Ol’ Dog”
A song about a man who, despite holding up his end of the bargain, desperately wants to discuss things with management (God) who is seemingly refusing to answer his calls. Not necessarily to complain but to gain clarity, boost his faith, or maybe gain reassurance that all his hard work is not for naught. He is desperately grasping for something, anything to let him know everything is going to work out.
Track 10: “Trying To Write A Song”
A song about grappling with the realization that despite trying to write something more upbeat, mainstream or positive, all he has left to offer is misery and pain. He recognizes he is clouded by years of heartbreak, pain and struggling to realize success on his terms.
“Every line I think is right sounds like I’m living in hell”
“There’s nothing left inside, nothing clever, nothing cool /
I try and make it up / I try and bend the rule /
But I’m blinded by the years spent looking for the light /
But there’s no refrain when there’s no end in sight”
Overall this is a solid album and deserving of an A+. “The only 100 proof is the cold hard truth!” Channing Wilson delivers on providing a deeply honest album.
Terms/themes throughout the album: heartbreak, heartache, despair, loneliness, God, Devil, fishing
Find out more about Channing Wilson below:
