Country music has always had its fair share of singers who sing about cowboys without actually living the cowboy life. But not Chancey Williams. He’s the real deal. Williams, a genuine cowboy himself, can’t help but shake his head when he hears these songs. “You can tell they’re not real,” he says in an interview. “But we don’t have to fake anything in our songs. We are the genuine article.”
Authenticity is what sets Williams and his colleagues apart from the rest, especially during the “bro-country” era when country music seemed to lose its way. “If we had tried to do that stuff, our fans would have [killed] us,” says Williams. They stayed true to themselves and their music, even when it wasn’t the popular trend. “We’re wearing blinders,” Williams admits, urging the band to focus on their own path.
But now, the timing couldn’t be better. Williams’ heartfelt music not only fits into the contemporary country music scene but also resonates with American culture. TV shows like Yellowstone and 1883 have brought the cowboy lifestyle back into the spotlight, making cowboys cool again. “It’s a new fad to be this authentic cowboy,” Williams says. But for him, it’s not a fad. It’s his life. “I’ve only done it my entire life,” he states proudly.
Williams’ music reflects the realities of a hard life, always lingering in the back of his mind. “You could run out of one of these days, right?” he wonders. In the face of mortality, Williams believes in seizing the day. His new song, “One of These Days,” transforms the theme of loss into a love ballad. “Never take those opportunities for granted,” he advises. Life is short, so make the most of every chance to connect with someone or make important decisions.
It’s quite remarkable how far Williams has come from his small hometown of only 800 people. Growing up on a ranch in Wyoming, he never imagined himself as one of country music’s rising stars. “Regarding a career, I chose something I knew nothing about,” he recalls. “I probably know more about ranch and rodeo than music,” he jokes. But he followed his passion for music and realized his talent along the way.
His climb to success in the country music industry may have taken a little longer, but it has been well worth it. Williams has earned every inch of his progress. As he prepares to release his new album, “One of These Days,” he reflects on the journey. “When we first started playing music, we had nothing to measure ourselves to,” he explains. They took their time to understand the business, honed their craft of writing beautiful songs, and perfected their live performances.
And now, one of the highlights of Williams’ career will be performing on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage on April 22. Standing on that stage, he can’t help but feel incredible. He knows that they weren’t just handpicked out of a crowd and made into stars. They earned their place through hard work, dedication, and staying true to themselves.
So, if you’re looking for authentic country music that speaks to the heart of the cowboy way of life, look no further than Chancey Williams. He’s the real deal, and his music is a testament to his genuine cowboy spirit.
