Notoriously independent-minded and Texas-born singer-songwriter Charley Crockett has decided on a radical shift for 2025.
On Jan. 24, he announced his signing to Universal Music Group’s Island Records for the release of his March-expected 15th studio album, “The Lonesome Drifter.”
In a message to his mailing list, Crockett offered the following statement:
“I’m writing to say thank you for keeping up with me over the years. It’s a short story that keeps getting longer. I’m releasing my debut album with Island Records in March. I wanted you to be the first to know. It’s album #15 if we’re keeping score. I fell into this troubadour life, looking for a way to live on my own terms. I didn’t like the idea of being fenced in, sold off, or played out. That’s why I started riding trains in the first place. Some say time is money. I say time is a train, and I’m running alongside of it on the only highway. It’s my great pleasure to introduce to you “The Lonesome Drifter.”
Crockett’s 2024 success
The Americana Honors & Awards-winning artist made his announcement after closing 2024 with the release of “Hey Mr. Nashville,” an anthemic song that entrenches him more profoundly in his artistic and personal truth.
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This followed a year that yielded him his first Grammy nomination (for “Best Americana Album”) after 14 independently released albums for 2024’s “$10 Cowboy,” one of two full-length albums he released in 2024. That release was a continuation of his notion that, given he’s released an album every six months for the past decade, 18 to 24-month release cycles are obsolete.
It’s uncertain if his signing to Island will show the performer’s willingness to align with label traditions.
Crockett’s history with mainstream American record labels
In a Sept. 2022 Tennessean feature, Crockett recalled the following about a meeting with a New York-based Sony Records executive a decade ago.
“You’re believable, but stop trying to be Woody Guthrie,” he says an executive told him before he lost his deal.
It spawned a deeper conversation in which the performer noted he believed that the music industry’s musical IQ had reached its lowest point, creating a “metaphorical bridge too far and high” for many label executives to cross to engage with him or his art.
In 2025, that bridge is one he’s again decided to be willing to cross.
For more information on Charley Crockett, visit https://charleycrockett.com.
This story has been updated to add video.
Charley Crockett, the rising Americana star, has just signed with Island Records and has announced that he will be releasing a new album soon.
The Texas-born singer-songwriter has been making waves in the music industry with his unique blend of country, blues, and soul. His soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have captivated audiences around the world, earning him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
With his signing to Island Records, Crockett is poised to reach even greater heights in his career. The label, home to artists like Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, and Shawn Mendes, is known for its commitment to supporting and developing talented artists across a variety of genres.
In addition to the exciting news of signing with Island Records, Crockett has also revealed that he will be releasing a new album in the near future. Fans can expect more of Crockett’s signature sound, with heartfelt songs that showcase his incredible storytelling ability and soulful vocals.
Stay tuned for more updates on Charley Crockett’s upcoming album and be sure to catch him on tour as he continues to make a name for himself in the music industry. This is definitely an exciting time for Crockett and his fans alike.
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