21-year-old Colby T. Helms threw down on his debut album.
The Boones Mill, Virginia, native transports listeners back in time to the roots of Appalachian music with a flare of Western swing throughout the eight tracks on Tales of Misfortune.
The tracks tell a talk of Helms coming of age and how the hills and valleys of his Appalachian home shaped him into the person and musician he is. Helms grew up in an “underground home” that his late father built on land in his family for generations, half a mile from their nearest neighbors. As he spent his younger years teaching himself to play guitar, banjo, and mandolin through YouTube videos, Helms embodies the spirit of his region by taking dreams into your hands and making them come to life. By eighteen, he was a seasoned musician fronting his band, The Virginia Creepers.
Helms noted that his father, whom he lost at twelve, heavily inspired his sound and music. By keeping the old-time sound of the rural area, he hopes to keep the traditional bluegrass picking alive while intertwining the sound with lyrics that will tickle your brain, telling stories drawn from his life and the people who heavily influenced him.
“This album delves into my teenage years growing up in rural Southwest Virginia. I hope that listeners can feel the magic of the sounds, scenery, and culture of my region when spinning this album.”
Accompanying the album release, Helms dropped the official music video for “Mountain Brandy.”
The moonshiner anthem highlights the tale of a sick loved one and how “Mountain Brandy” is seen as the pain reliever in his town.
“Mama got sick last year, she was laid out in the bed
Doctor came to her side said she got the
Fever in her head
There was only one thing that could ease
Her through the night
Sit back mama take a sip, everything’s gonna be all right…”
Directed and produced by M7 Productions’ Michael Mazza, the video’s imagery perfectly matches the lyrics detailing the faces and personalities that Helms grew up around.
Helms has already been hailed as the next big thing in country music, and this debut album supports those claims. The authenticity of his storytelling combined with his traditional but still unique sound is a combo destined for success.
Each song hits on a different emotion, whether grief, love, or reflection on those who heavily impacted his life. Each track tells a complete and moving story.
Check out some early favorites.
“LeAnne”
“Daddy’s Pocket Knife”
Tales of Misfortune Tracklist:
“First Snow”
“Dreaming Again”
“Higher Ground”
“Mountain Brandy”
“Dove Song”
“Leanne”
“Smoke and Flames”
“Daddy’s Pocket Knife”
Coby T. Helms is turning the heads of today’s stars, being asked to join Tanner Usrey on stops on his Crossing Lines tour. He has an extensive 2024 touring schedule, which I am sure will grow as the year progresses. Check out the dates he has lined up:
Colby T. Helms Tour Dates:
Jan. 19 – Barley’s Taproom – Knoxville, TN
Jan. 23 – AmericanaFest UK – London, UK
Jan. 26 – The Orpheum – Tampa, FL*
Jan. 27 – Tuffy’s Music Box – Sanford, FL*
Jan. 28 – Heartwood Soundstage – Gainesville, FL*
Jan. 29 – Jack Rabbits – Jacksonville, FL*
Feb. 10 – 5 Points Music Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA
Feb. 16 – Savannah Bluegrass Festival – Savannah, GA
Feb. 17 – The Fiddle and Bow Music Hall & Southern Folk Art Gallery – Honea Path, SC
Mar. 22 – Suwanee Spring Reunion – Live Oak, FL
Apr. 26 – MerleFest – Wilkesboro, NC
May 23 – Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival 2024 – Martinsville, VA
Jun. 27 – Blue Ox Music Festival – Eau Claire, WI
Jul. 11 – Pickin’ On Picknic – Saint Clair, MO
Jul. 24 – Floydfest – Floyd, VA
*denotes show supporting Tanner Usrey
