We’ve known it for a while here at Whiskey Riff, but following the release of one of the best albums of 2023 with Family Ties, it’s become obvious that Charles Wesley Godwin is one of country music’s next superstars.
Just five years ago, the Morgantown, WV native laid the foundation with his debut album Seneca at 25 years old, and the rest is history. He followed that up with his sophomore record How the Mighty Fall in 2021, and has gained serious traction in the years since. From playing sold out shows to growing crowds all across the country and tours with Zach Bryan, to signing with Big Loud Records where he is label mates with the likes of Morgan Wallen, and finding himself in the national spotlight with appearances on late night TV shows and the Joe Rogan Experience, the last five years have been eventful for Godwin, to say the least.
And as both a culmination of all of his hard work in the past, and a premonition of the greatness that is yet to come, Godwin released his third and most recent record Family Ties in September 2023 to critical acclaim. Inspired by his wife Samantha and two young children, Family Ties is full of stories and sentiments relating to his family and those surrounding him, and with 19 tracks, is a masterful exhibit of Godwin’s songwriting prowess and storytelling expertise.
Though Godwin was fairly prolific in 2023, between his incredible Live from the Church EP and the Family Ties album, he’s laid low as far as releasing new streaming content goes since the album release. That is until now, at least. In his first official release since Family Ties in September 2023, Godwin has heeded the call of his fans and released the Live from Echo Mountain album, featuring live recordings of eight spectacular tunes off of his biggest album yet.
For those who are not familiar, Echo Mountain is a recording studio built in 2003 by Steve Williams in an old church on the edge of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Since it’s inception, Echo Mountain has achieved a legendary status due to the spectacular artists who have utilized their facilities, and the amazing projects that have been released as a result. Providing Godwin with exceptional company, Turnpike Troubadours, Zac Brown Band, Widespread Panic, Dawes, American Aquarium, Band of Horses, Justin Townes Earle, Watchhouse, Greensky Bluegrass, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Godwin’s favorite, The Avett Brothers, have all recorded at Echo Mountain over the years.
Perhaps in an effort to capture the magic that was transpiring during the album’s recording process, Godwin and his team captured several live video recordings from the sessions, and shortly following Family Ties‘ release, the majority of these videos were made available to fans through his YouTube. His fans enjoyed them so much that they began to call for Godwin to release them as a live album, and as a true man of the people, Godwin has done just that.
So whether you’ve already seen these videos or not, I highly recommend you check out Godwin’s latest project Live at Echo Mountain.
“All Again”
“Miner Imperfections”
“Willing and Able”
“The Flood”
