Colter Wall: A deep affinity for the songs of the Old West
Traditional country music fans will want to get to know Canadian singer-songwriter Colter Wall.
From Swift Current, Saskatchewan, 27-year-old Wall started playing guitar when he was just a boy, and would spend hours listening to the old-school greats like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. One of the first things that country music traditionalists will notice is Wall’s voice seems to come from another time, cemented with his deep, molasses-rich baritone that makes you feel like you are sitting around a campfire in the Old West.
Wall uses his voice to the task of timeless, heartfelt and sometimes painful storytelling attributing musical influences to Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. “ If you were to get it real simple, I would say I am a folk singer … nothing real complex … it is real simple music inspired and derived mostly from traditional folk songs and the North American songbook … My work is pretty minimalistic and my records too and there is not alot of production or instrumentation but we are lucky to have some really amazing players …,” Walter told me.
In the last several years, Wall has made his debut at the Ryman Auditorium, performed at a pre-Grammy party honoring Rick Rubin’s achievements, received a standing ovation from Steve Earle (his biggest fan) at Nashville’s Skyville Live and found the distinction of being featured as one of Rolling Stone magazine’s, “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know,” while being hailed as a “honky-tonk troubadour with a soaring Orbison voice.”
Moving forward, Wall says, “I would really love to play Austin City Limits too, that is obviously a legendary gig to book. And I do not know if the place is still standing but there was a little dive in Houston called The Old Quarter and one of my biggest heroes, Townes Van Zandt recorded Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas and it is one of my favorite albums… For now, I am just happy that finally there are people that are out there today putting the hours in and putting the work in for people who are craving more from that realm of country music and I am happy to say I am one of those people as both a listener and also as a songwriter.”
With his latest album Little Songs (to be released July 2023), Colter's music continues to carry on the traditional sounds of his prairie homelands, while connecting a contemporary world to the values, hardships, and celebrations of rural life. He sings, “You might not see a soul for days on them high and lonesome plains. You got to fill the big empty with little songs.” Looking for some soulful, authentic folk music? Look no further than Colter Wall! This talented singer-songwriter quickly gained a loyal following with his raw, honest lyrics and distinctive voice. From his haunting ballads to foot-stomping tunes, Colter's music is a must-listen for any folk fan. Check out his latest album and be sure to catch him on tour! 🎶🎸 Little Songs can be preordered by visiting www.colterwall.com.
