Standout Track Serves as the Final Preview of Long-Anticipated Debut Album SMOKY MOUNTAINS, Arriving January 26
Chart-Climbing Single “Creek Will Rise” Nears Top 10 as Smith Joins the CRS New Faces Class of 2024
The “Future Entertainer of the Year” (Morning Hangover) is Currently Headlining His CREEK WILL RISE TOUR in the U.S. Before Heading Across the Pond for C2C Festival in the U.K. & Europe
NASHVILLE, TN (January 12, 2024) – As rising singer/songwriter CONNER SMITH readies the January 26 release of his long-anticipated full-length debut SMOKY MOUNTAINS (The Valory Music Co.), he’s offering fans a final preview today with standout track “Meanwhile In Carolina.” A masterstroke of intertwined Country storytelling, “Meanwhile In Carolina” connects the dots of two hearts destined for each other, who just don’t know it yet. Penned by Smith alongside Blake Pendergrass, the sweethearts ballad feels like leafing through a sonic photo album and reveals the genesis of Smith’s real life romance with fiancé Leah Thompson – one expertly-laid lyrical breadcrumb at a time.
“Meanwhile in Carolina’ shows the heart of my debut album and is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written,” Smith shares. “You always imagine that person, you always think about ’em, wonder where they are, wonder what they’re doing. I was so proud of this song after we wrote it, because I knew it was one that mattered – it was a song that meant something.”
WATCH THE “MEANWHILE IN CAROLINA” LYRIC VIDEO HERE
Just 23 years old and already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community, Conner Smith has emerged as one of Country’s most hotly-anticipated new artists – one knows the past can still inspire the present, and good things come to those who wait. Moving Country forward while remembering its all-natural roots, SMOKY MOUNTAINS is meant to stand the test of time. Featuring GOLD-certified “Take It Slow,” viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” Top-15-and-climbing single “Creek Will Rise” and forthcoming duet with Hailey Whitters on “Roulette On The Heart,” Smith’s deeply personal 12-song project is one of classic style and contemporary spirit, and a reflection of the artist himself.
“It very much took 23 years to make these 12 songs,” Smith says. “I felt like I found my own lane I was able to drive down, and I’m really proud of what it has become. There’s not a wasted second on the record – every song matters. And I think it really shows all the different things that make me ‘me’ – as a songwriter, a vocalist and as a performer.”
PRE-ORDER SMOKY MOUNTAINS ALBUM HERE
Deemed “an unstoppable force to be reckoned with” by CMT, Smith’s authentic storytelling and rich, soulful voice has resonated with audiences nationwide, earning him a dedicated and passionate following. Recently touring alongside some of Country’s biggest artists including Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Chase Rice and Jordan Davis, the “future entertainer of the year” (Morning Hangover) continues to put on his signature “high energy fan forward show” (All Country News) while headlining his CREEK WILL RISE TOUR in the U.S. before traveling across the pond for C2C Festival in March, joining CMA’s Introducing Nashville Line Up for performances throughout the U.K. and Europe. For a full list of tour dates and more, visit ConnerSmithMusic.com.
SMOKY MOUNTAINS Track List
1. “Smoky Mountains” | Written by Conner Smith, Zach Crowell
2. “Creek Will Rise” | Written by Conner Smith, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Parker Welling
3. “Roulette On The Heart (featuring Hailey Whitters)” | Written by Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
4. “Heatin’ Up” | Written by Conner Smith, Chase McGill, Daniel Ross
5. “Baby, I” | Written by Conner Smith, Devin Dawson, Mark Trussell, Parker Welling
6. “Meanwhile In Carolina” | Written by Conner Smith, Blake Pendergrass
7. “Boots In The Bleachers” | Written by Conner Smith, Ben Hayslip, Jordan Walker
8. “Take It Slow” | Written by Conner Smith, Ryan Hurd, Mark Trussell
9. “Trouble” | Written by Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
10. “I Hate Alabama” | Written by Nick Columbia, Drew Green, Hunter Phelps, Lee Starr
11. “Regret In The Morning” | Written by Conner Smith, Hunter Phelps, Daniel Ross
12. “God Moments” | Written by Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Blake Pendergrass
CREEK WILL RISE TOUR DATES
January 12 | Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s^
January 13 | Greenville, SC – Bling Horse Saloon^
January 18 | Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club^
January 19 | Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE^
January 20 | Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy^
January 25 | Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre^
January 26 | Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville^
January 27 | Tuscaloosa, AL – Druid City Music Hall^
February 13 | Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
February 22 | Omaha, NE – Barnato#
February 23 | West Peoria, IL – Crusens Farmington Road#
February 24 | Bloomington, IN – Bluebird#
March 15 | North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
^ Lauren Watkins
# Eli Winders
