Charlie Worsham Talks Collaborating with Country Stars, Confirms New Album Is on the Way [Exclusive]

Charlie Worsham has had an interesting career. The singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist gained early acclaim after his home state of Mississippi’s senate recognized him for his musical prowess at the age of 14. Since then, he has played on records for some of the biggest names in country music. Additionally, he’s a member of Dierks Bentley’s tour band and a former member of Old Crow Medicine Show. Worsham also has a successful solo career with two albums and an EP under his belt to date.

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During last month’s Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival, Worsham spoke to Chris Killian as part of the American Songwriter Interview Sessions presented by George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey. During their conversation, he discussed collaborating with other artists, shared advice for aspiring artists, and confirmed that new music is on the way.

[RELATED: Charlie Worsham Talks ‘Compadres,’ Songwriting Advice, and More]

Charlie Worsham on Collaborating with Other Artists

Charlie Worsham released Compadres in 2023. The EP saw him teaming up with Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Elle King, Dierks Bentley, and Kip Moore. Chris Killian wanted to know how it felt to work with those big names on the EP.

“What’s crazy is it felt like being at home because, for so many years now, collaboration is the name of the game for me,” Worsham said. “Like, I spend my summers playing in Dierks Bentley’s band, I play on records for Lainey Wilson who’s on Compadres, and Kip Moore and Luke Combs. So, it was just kind of flipping the coin over, really. Instead of me being a part of their story I made my friends a part of mine,” he added.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

Charlie Worsham shared some valuable advice for aspiring artists during his conversation with American Songwriter. “The two most important things are to hold on to a student/growth mindset. Always be practicing. Always be freaking out on a new record. And if there’s something about the writing, chase that and find out what it is about the writing that intersects with who you are,” he said. “The other most important thing is that if you don’t reveal your true self to others, they may create a persona for you and you may not like who they create. So, stick to being you. Even if it feels like you’re going against the grain, that could be your secret weapon. Nobody else can do what you do,” Worhsam explained.

Charlie Worsham Confirms a New Album is Coming

It has been quite some time since Charlie Worsham released a full-length album. His last one was Beginning of Things in 2017. The wait is almost over. During his conversation with Killian, he revealed that he’s working on his next album.

“I’m in the middle of making what will be my first independent record in all my 18 years in Nashville. I’m so excited about it,” Worsham excitedly announced. “My buddy, Jaren Johnston, who worked with me on Compadres, we’re making it together. It’s a small band, Jerry Roland on drums, Kris Donegan on guitar, Rich Brinsfield on bass, and myself,” he added. Then, he talked about the content of the new project.”[There’s a] lot of bluegrass influence, a lot of Southern rock influence. There’s some great songs on there that I have written but more importantly, some great songs that I was given the opportunity to record written by other people,” he explained.

He doesn’t have many more details about the album. However, he was able to share a rough timetable. “The big goal is to be able to put a bow on the record by the end of this year and then release it at some point in 2025. Beyond that, I have no idea,” he said.

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