Prepare to be swept away into the soulful melodies of Caleb Montgomery as you listen to his recently released debut single, “Whiskey Talks”. Released late last year, this track is more than just music; it’s a narrative woven from the threads of Montgomery’s experiences within the rodeo community.
Imagine a world where the spirit of horses, the thrill of rodeos, and the complexity of relationships spring to life through Montgomery’s troubadour-style songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the slow and swinging styles of country legends like Conway Twitty and Sturgill Simpson, his debut single promises a raw and honesty akin to Tyler Childers. “Whiskey Talks” is an incredible narrative of a bunch of young adults relaxing after a long hard day of work, telling stories and drinking whiskey.
String instruments start the song off, with a gentle acoustic guitar creating a steady rhythm combined with the occasional violin chord, and then Montgomery’s voice jumps in. Storytelling from the get-go, his naturally soulful voice carries such emotion and integrity that it has a sense of importance to it—making sure that everyone who is listening to this, stops what they’re doing and truly listens. His voice is beyond mesmerising and has an infectious quality to it that easily makes the listeners play this song on repeat.
His old-style quality voice mixes fluidly with the modern essence of the track, akin to someone like George Ezra but in the genre of country rather than soul-folk-pop. As the song unfolds, he showcases remarkable vocal runs and effortlessly slips into a falsetto, at times. Building towards the end, a surge of added power enhances the conviction of the final chorus, leaving a lasting impact deep within. The rich but subtle drums add progression to the track as more instruments come to the table for that final chorus before petering out to make one lasting impression with a reminiscing quality to him singing “Whiskey Talks”.
Probably one of the best storytelling country songs you’ve heard in the last few months, Montgomery transports his listeners right into his rodeo world—enlightening global listeners to the country rodeo community. Like an outsider looking in, we become one of the kids hanging around, listening to the tall tales as the whiskey gets everyone talking, but in fact, we’re listening to Montgomery’s own tale, right now, about the very situation he’s transported us into.
Talking about this song in the press release, Montgomery expressed his motivation, “I craft music that mirrors real life, capturing both its highs and lows. I aim to reassure people—particularly young adults and the working class facing heartbreak, loss, and challenges—that they are not alone in their struggles. I want young men to embrace their emotions, forging a connection with the music and its message, rather than succumbing to societal pressures to bottle up their feelings. In a world marked by division, I aspire to be a source of healing.”
Montgomery recently signed with the Nashville-based recording and management company, Label22 Records, which is a significant milestone in his music career, cementing his presence in the industry. This strategic partnership injects an additional layer of excitement into an already eagerly anticipated musical journey, propelling Montgomery into the spotlight and making sure that we all know him as a name to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of country music. The alliance with Label22 Records not only underscores the label’s acknowledgement of Montgomery’s unique talent but also provides a robust platform to amplify his distinctive voice within the dynamic realm of country music.
The CEO of Label22 Records and award-winning singer-songwriter, Stephen Cohran, said in the press release, “I met Caleb roughly six years ago while playing a concert in his hometown. His dad, Chris, and I became fast friends and remained in contact over the years. Once I heard what Caleb had been working on, I knew we had to be involved! Signing Caleb to Label22 Records was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made! If you think ‘Whiskey Talks’ is great, which we all do… stay tuned! We got a lot more where that came from!”
Hailing from Susanville, California, Montgomery’s musical roots run deep, with a family history steeped in the rich tradition of country tunes. Guided by his father, Chris Montgomery—a collaborator with luminaries such as Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Tanya Tucker—Caleb’s journey with the guitar began at age five. Now, armed with a captivating story and a unique musical style, Caleb Montgomery is set to make his mark on the country music scene.
The single serves as a prelude to his debut album, “Food Stamps Don’t Buy Flowers”, slated for release in the spring of 2024. The album, featuring over ten original songs, showcases Montgomery’s depth as a songwriter and his ability to craft music that resonates with authenticity.
Beyond the studio, Montgomery is gearing up for a series of performances in 2024, with a notable return to Nashville where he will be performing at the CRS Showcase Cocktail Hour at the Omni Hotel on February 28, 2024, followed by the CRS Label22 Artist Showcase at the Whiskey Bent Saloon on February 29, 2024. He is also set to play at the fairground and festival circuit in his home state of California, including shows at the Lassen County Cowboy Festival on March 22, 2024, and at the Lassen College Rodeo LCCF on April 13, 2024, both in Susanville. You can find out more information about these events at Caleb Montgomery’s official website.
As “Whiskey Talks” marks the beginning of Caleb Montgomery’s musical path, listeners can anticipate an infusion of raw storytelling, evocative melodies, and a journey into the heart of country music. Stay tuned as Caleb Montgomery soars as a rising star, inviting audiences to join him on this exciting ride through the landscapes of real-life stories and soulful tunes, that certainly make him one to watch. We can’t wait to see him conquer 2024 and make a huge impact on country music as a whole.
“Whiskey Talks”, the debut single by Caleb Montgomery, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms. Look out for his forthcoming debut album, “Food Stamps Don’t Buy Flowers”, which is set to be released in the next few months.
