Lovin' Lyrics Music Promotions: Colin Stough

Friday, May 10, 2024

COLIN STOUGH CAN'T GET AN EX OFF HIS MIND IN THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR "MAKES TWO OF US"

“The music video for ‘Makes Two of Us’ is about how your mind keeps wandering to your ex after a breakup. So, in the clip, you see these two characters living their daily lives while constant flashes of memories between them keep happening,” shares Stough. “It shows how often you’re just doing whatever, yet you find yourself completely lost in thought – thinking about the other person. It starts happening so often that you get to a point where you’re just kind of like, ‘Well, if I can’t get ‘em off my mind, what could it hurt to just go there again?’”

Directed by David Dutton with DP Alan Fisher, the Mississippi native stepped back into a real-life job he had during high school as a welder for the footage shot at Glenn Machine Works in Columbus, MS. The strong visuals add to the explosive temptation of the on-again-off-again romance as depicted in the roller-coaster lyrics penned by Stough with Alex Maxwell and Cole Taylor. Intrusive thoughts capture a conflicted heart caught in a feedback loop of heartbreak and loneliness, and about to give in just one more time.

Showcasing a complex artist-writer who continues to hone his lyrical craftsmanship, the pitch-black production from Maxwell further helps put the growing urge in sonic terms – while also eclipsing the power of Stough’s Promiseland EP debut. With a heavy-handed Rock foundation, distorted guitars thunder alongside pounding drums and streaks of steel guitar lightning, but Stough weaves in tender moments to explore the emotional conflict as well – all while his volcanic Southern vocal fights confusing signals. On the one hand, he should resist what’s surely the start of another toxic cycle. But on the other, the craving for connection is real, and, hopefully, coming from both sides. Listen here.

With more new music promised soon, Stough’s stacking music festival appearances this summer like CMA Fest 2024 on June 8 on the Hard Rock Stage in Nashville, TN. The same day, the Season 21 finalist on American Idol will also join a program at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center on the CMA Close Up Stage for “Idol Hour with Chayce Beckham, HunterGirl, Colin Stough and ‘American Idol’ ‘24 Winner and Runner-Up.” Find additional details here. 

KEEP UP WITH COLIN STOUGH

Friday, January 5, 2024

COLIN STOUGH KEEPS THE FAITH WITH “I STILL TALK TO JESUS (ACOUSTIC)”

STRIPPED-DOWN RENDITION OF A FAN-FAVORITE IS OUT NOW!

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NEXT SET TO HIT THE ROAD WITH CHASE MATTHEW

Available across all streaming platforms and digital retailers, listen here.

19 Recordings/BMG artist Colin Stough starts the new year off with a powerful message of resilience, as he offers up a fresh rendition of one of his biggest hits with “I Still Talk To Jesus (Acoustic).”

A Country-Rock ballad of unshakable hope, “I Still Talk To Jesus” was originally part of Stough’s standout time on ABC’s American Idol in 2022. Eventually finishing third on Season 21, Stough released the aching anthem alongside his fellow Top 5 finalists, showing fans a moving example of inner toughness – and one heart’s weary-yet-determined refusal to give up on love.

Produced by Sean Rogers, Stough’s new acoustic take of the track further highlights that message. Using only guitar to back his dynamic Mississippi vocal, the rising star dials down his million-watt intensity for a captivating blend of wounded soul and falsetto grit, cutting straight to heart of one of his most popular songs. Meanwhile, a raw performance of the all-natural track – penned by Stough, Sean Thomas Rogers, and Francisco Martin – was captured and edited by Mike Rodway.

“I wanted to share this track to start the new year off right!” Stough says. “This was one of my biggest songs last year and a fan-favorite, so I hope everyone enjoys this acoustic take. It’s just one of them records where the words cut deep, and I think this version really lets ‘em shine.”

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR "I STILL TALK TO JESUS (ACOUSTIC)" BELOW

“I Still Talk To Jesus (Acoustic)” follows the recent release of “Sleep Tonight (Acoustic)” – another reimagined favorite revealing Stough’s heartfelt lyricism – and a gravelly rendition of the Elvis Presley holiday classic, “Blue Christmas.”

In October 2023, the emerging artist released his six-track debut EP, Promiseland, and has since captured the attention of both critics and fans alike. Country Now praises, “Promiseland showcases a deep level of honesty and authenticity,” as they further named him among their Country Next: Artists To Watch In 2024 list. Likewise, Stough made Holler’s New and Upcoming Country and Americana Artists You Need to Know roundup, hailing that he’s a “singer who was born to do this,” with a voice that’s “equally at home singing grungy Southern rock as it is twangy old school country.”

Spending last year headlining while also supporting artists like Kidd G and Drake White, he’s next on deck with Chase Matthew starting in February. Find upcoming show dates here.