The Deep, Dark Magic of Colter Wall 

You guys have been asking for this for like a full year, and I've been getting better-acquainted with Colter's music for the past couple months to prep for this! I totally get the hype.

Now the reason why I like him is because he is bringing back that old style of country, from murder ballads to storytelling. Today's country is just about drinking beer on a Friday night and Luke Bryan in tight jeans. Plus I'm from North Dakota so I can kinda relate to the stories of the plains.

I once heard someone describe his voice as whiskey, leather and tabacco. I've never been this jealous of another man's voice 😂

As a cowboy I can say that even my horse loves colter wall. When we’re trailing along the steep hills of eastern Montana I turn on colter wall and hear a soundtrack to my life. I look down at my horses ears and they are pushed forward with enjoyment, even my old swayback buckskin enjoys this old soul of colter wall and his sound.

He hits all the stereotypical trademarks for a classic American Icon. I had no idea that he was Canadian. But he is such an inspirational artist and he's very expressive.

Idk about anyone else, but his cover of "Big Iron" and "Cowpoke" being officially recorded and released has me so excited

His voice is like worn leather. He has the ability to transport you to a dark night, coyotes and crickets in the background, crackling fire going, whiskey in your cup while old stories are being told... I’m mesmerized by him and wish him nothing but continued success.

Great video! His voice will be part of history. There's comfort listening to him 👍

I've always said Colter can fit a whole man's life in a single song.

Colter Wall, Cody Jinks, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Whiskey Myers these are the guys that that should be on the radio instead you have scour you tube and the internet in order to find the real talent.

When I first heard Colter Wall on a Spotify shuffle my first thought was “wow this old man has been through some shit.” ...whoops

ive been a fan of his for a while, hes a great artist. Aswell as good camping music.

I'm a Canadian prairie boy, who was born a few days after he was. I love what Colter Wall is doing for country and for Western Canadian music, thanks for doing this video.

I feel like the weirdest guy in Moscow and the whole country of Russia, even my +10 American friends find it weird that I’m a country fan, I mean I drive for days sometimes crossing half of Europe’s Scandinavia and Russia to work, and nothing is better than country music and the road when you’re by yourself, all the stories and passion in the music, things that I personally can relate to from my poor but great childhood and teen years.

I discovered him when “sleeping on the blacktop” was in the movie Hell or High Water a few years back. Great movie.

I found him through the Dead South! He's got a place in my heart now, very sweet baritone drawl. Kate McCannon is my favorite.

I'm a fan because of his storytelling amongst other obvious things. "Kate Mckannon" felt so real it was almost like it was a true story that happened to me. Not completely but much more than any other song I've ever heard.

Colter Wall is barely into his twenties and his voice sounds like he came out of the womb with a lit cigarette in his mouth. Edit: I also love seeing celebrities you’d never expect come out as fans of real country!

He's a perfect storyteller, really sucks you into a specific time, place, situation. And he sings it like he really means it, so we as audience care about the characters and what's going on.

Another thing to note about Colter's storytelling is his ability to use instrumentals to build suspense - knowing when to break a story up between instrumental breaks to keep you hooked. I notice it most in Kate McCannon and The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie, but even in Thirteen Silver Dollars the beats between "I bet you don't own a damn thing to your name" and the chorus adds some suspense to what the narrator is going to say next.

I been on to Colter since I first heard him on the "Hell or High Water" Soundtrack a few years ago. He really is in my personal opinion the next big thing in Country Music. Nevermind the Nashville Pop-Country scene, he's got true raw talent, and harkens back to a time in the genre when actual 'art' was being made. I love his voice, songwriting AND his guitar style. Also, when he covers 'Cowpoke' on Western AF... it just don't get much better n' that.

I think the best thing Colter has going for himself is the fact that he’s so young. He has so much more time to expand & grow. I’ll be absolutely flabbergasted if Colter Wall isn’t a household name by the time he’s in his 30s.

He came to my hometown in Nevada for a big weeklong cowboy poetry festival in 2019. He was headlining as the big name on the bill for the week. I’d just heard of him weeks before he was announced as an act, and I was really hoping I’d get to meet him, but when I went to buy tickets, they were sold out both nights. the night after his first set and just a couple hours before his next, I was playing at a little venue off the beaten path (small town-about 15-20,000 people), and as I’m going out to my car to get my gear-boom, Colter walks past with his Martin in his hands. Couldn’t believe he was just walking around seeing the sights of my small town. Got to talk to him, smoked a cigarette with him, and hung out for about 15 minutes, then he went into the venue and sat through half a set before he had to leave. He was the nicest guy imaginable, incredibly humble (especially for a guy on a national tour who had played for a full house of 1,200 people the night before), and knows a whole lot about acoustic guitars. I couldn’t believe the fact that I was the only person in the area who recognized him. He’s true blue. No act being put on for no one. Then, this past year, Corb Lund was the main headliner and Colter wasn’t on the bill at all-the guy came back to this little town in middle-of-nowhere-Nevada as a visitor because he enjoyed the festival so much the year before. Spent 3 whole days there. He was really accommodating to all the folks our age taking pictures with him, and was happy to answer questions and talk shop with the local pickers. He’s a real nice guy, he’s genuine, and he’s talented as it gets as a songwriter and vocalist. He’s also very under-ranked as a guitar picker-the guy can really play.

Gave Colter a listen after Joe Rogan gave him a shoutout a few days ago and literally haven’t listened to anything else since! He feels like the artist that’s been missing, love everything about him and can’t wait for the new album to drop. Sending big love from Wales.

I love Colter because you believe him when he talks. Something about the way he sings, the words he uses, it just draws you in, and makes you listen, like how you listen to your grandpa telling stories about things that happened before you were born. You just believe him. And in a time when you're trying to be sold things left and right, when it seems everyone is trying to force things on you, guys like Colter bring a much needed shot of integrity.

i’ve always thought he sounds like Johnny Cash, but has like a Marty Robbins style

I love Colter for 3 main reasons. 1- I am a fellow Saskatchewanian. 2- his voice is so powerful. 3- the stories that he tells in his songs, my favourites being “bob fudge” and “Kate McCannon”

Colter Wall is a beast singer songwriter. His deep voice isn't super acrobatic...that is why it is charming. I'm a baritone with sometimes limited range so I feel less limited and cornered when I hear Colter's voice. It also takes up so much sonic space you need a slightly more sparse arrangement to make room for it. That can create its own interesting puzzle from a producer/arranger standpoint.The poetry and stories are brilliant. I love that his songs teleport you to another time and place.

Im proud to say i own all of Colters records on vinyl.

As a Texan I couldn't love his music more. His voice, storytelling, and old guitar sounds just make me feel like the cowboy I always wanted to be as a kid!

I am a huge Colter fan, and was lucky enough to see him last year in Montana. You named some very good reasons why CW is so amazing, but to me one thing that sticks out that nobody mentions is the words he chooses for his lyrics. One of my favorites is on Wild Bill Hickok, “When who should come upon him, but a bear whom he awoke, Wild Bill produced his Bowie knife and fashioned a new coat.” He’s so eloquent with his lyrics, and chooses the perfect words or phrases in every song.

I love Colter's music because of the storytelling power of his songwriting, and the images that storytelling conjures. It doesn't matter what song I'm listening to, I'm always whisked away to some lonesome prairie in Saskatchewan in November watching the fields of wheat blow in the wind under a grey, overcast sky. That's just the imagery his music paints for me. Love it! Can't wait for his new album!!

I love colter bc he’s bringing back old country storytelling and his songs provoke emotion through the stories unlike many other artists you hear on the radio. His music seems authentic to his life style and that’s not represented by other artists. As you listen, you walk through the story while he’s telling it. He represents a nostalgic genre that the original artists can’t sing anymore

Grady: He’s collabed with Tyler Childers. Me: Wait for it. Editing Grady: THICKET

I stumbled upon a video of Colter Wall by chance, he was singing "The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie" and that song hit me like a truck; coming from a country where that genre of music is only heard in movies I never was too inmerse in it but since then I started to grew my taste into country music and Colter Wall was the door that opened to other amazing artist.

It's the old-school country vibe, the serious storytelling, the stark realities pain bare, and that voice, that voice that pistol whips you out of a stupor.

I know nothing about this Man’s music but I know that the Canadian fans of this channel are CRAZY about him. Congratulations my friends from the north. Y’all got your wish

The first song I ever heard by Colter Wall was “ sleeping on the blacktop” and I just remember I loved it right away because something about it just reached down deep into my soul and demanded that I listen and songs that do that are always my favorite. I looked into him because of that song and that voice of his was more than enough to make me stay. (coincidentally it was because of my interest in Colter Wall that I found this channel)

I went into a record store in Oslo, asking if the guy behind the counter could suggest some good country to me. He gave me the first album - and I tool it without checking it out. I went straight home; cried for an hour - and the next day I went back and gave the guy a hug and thanked him. Awesome-sauce🎅🏿

Colter is one of my lockdown finds, his voice hypnotised me...I keep spreading the word about him in the UK, where i am from....not a single person has disliked it, this pleases me..

Colter Wall is definitely one of my favorite folk/Americana artists

I immediately looked up the Tyler Childers collab. I wasn’t disappointed

He's bringing back something that has been lost in country music for 30 years. Real country fans have been begging for this to return.....it's so good it's coming from someone who is so genuine.

That guitar is one reason, but when his voice kicks in. It just slaps.

Either you love him or you haven't checked out his music

Another Canadian country artist that is worth checking out is Corb Lund.

My older brother turned my attention to him a few years ago, been a fan of his ever since

Colters music always make my heart ache for home

I’ve seen him live once so far. His stage presence and ability to capture a room is the best I’ve seen. It’s insane. Colter is going to go down in history as one of the best of all time, in a few years. From Canada. The kid is a monster songwriter and performer.

I found Colter last year and I love everyone of his songs. He’s absolutely amazing in concert and I’m glad I got to see him before quarantine. To me he’s real country, it’s mostly just him and his guitar singing songs that actually tell a story that you can sometimes relate too.

I was shown Colter Wall from one of my buddies. After hearing him I went through all of his songs and the one that gets me the most is Bald Butte. That song captures true life as a man living in that time. The rampant death and theft. The vulnerability the song portrays is so real.

there's something about how his music is country for sure but also some indie vibes too. his unpolished sound is actually very interesting and cool

The way you pronounced "Brock Lesnar" made me laugh.

I feel like his guitar playing needs more love. Not flashy at all but hes actually a great player with his own style.

As a young fan of Colter wall and being from Swift current Saskatchewan it makes me very happy to see video's like this and to see that artists from sask are getting more recognition especially Colter here

It’s that voice! His music soothes my soul.

Man i like the man bc you listen to him and he teleports you to the place he sings about.. He uses his poetic lyrics paired with his resonating voice backed by perfectly with the raw acoustic guitar twang.

Before Colter Wall I was one of those people who would say, "I listen to everything except country,". After listening to Colter Wall he quickly became my favorite artist ever.

Just another awesome Canadian musician showing their talent to the world

I'm a 74 year old who just discovered Colter when he was brought to my attention by my son. Colter would have fit in very nicely in the 60s music scene! A very unique voice and phrasing that makes you listen up. A fantastic discovery!

Beside the voice, style and storytelling...he has his own style of playing guitar as well. He plays a hybrid of lead and rhythm (and some bass elements) seamlessly. I have watched a ton of his content (live work) and he is always spot on with all aspects of his performance. An old soul?? He is also in his dedication to a great live show that sounds identical to his records. One of the great young artists in quite some time!.

i've seen Colter Wall live twice (both with Cody Jinks) and he's always great. If you're a guitar player, his songs are also quite tough to learn, yet very rewarding and fun to play!

His voice is supernatural in its sound. Almost uncanny, it takes a hold of you and touches your soul. Beautifully dark. I think that’s why folks think he spent some time at the crossroads.

Great video! Good coverage!

As a Canadian with most of my family from Sask I’m gonna try my best to explain how we pronounce it: Ssse-skatch-ewwann the e and a in the last part aren’t overly emphasized, hope this helps 😂 butchered Saskatchewan pronunciations never fail to make me laugh though :)

All hail Grady Smith!

When I first heard his voice, I thought yuck, but before I could hit the switch, something about his unique style started growing on me. And now he's really a breath of fresh air.

Wow that’s funny, I had the same reaction when I first heard his murder ballad. I went to ask my grandpa if he’s ever heard of him because I assumed he was way older, went to look him up and saw he was younger than me! 😂 Been listening to his music at least once a day since then. Love his sound and hopefully he inspires more folk to start playing that outlawish sound again!

Heard about him when the Brewery Sessions came out

I don’t want to have to wait any longer for Colter’s cover of “Big Iron”. If there’s another pre-release single off his new album, that better be it. We’ve all seen that live performance he did of the song. We all know how great it was. I need that shit NOW.

So glad you covered Colter. I've loved his music over the years

Been a fan of him for couple of years now. What really got me attached to him was the fact that his music reminded me of the "true west", not the pop culture stuff coming out of Nashville. I felt like he really knew what it was like to be out on the ranch on a bitter cold night, getting warm by the campfire after hard work. I was instantly transported back to my family's old ranch in my memories. Working the cows then relaxing by the fire. My uncle cleaning his buck after a hunt. The smell of mesquite wood burning. His music fits that perfectly. I got to see him live at our rodeo and I'm so glad I got to!

Colter has long been one of my favorites. Picked up on him back when Imaginary Appalachia was his only release. First saw him live back in 2017. His voice is like no one else. I also love how he's smoothed it out a bit on his recent stuff.

Colter is amazing. Criminally underrated imo.

Been waiting to see if he would ever get some recognition!

I learned about Colter Wall on a trip to Canada before quarantine and I haven't stopped listening.

I recently moved to Swift Current! I first heard Colter Wall when he opened for Shooter Jennings, and I was shocked that this guy the same age as me, and grew up two hours away, was so talented and had such a deep voice. I wish he was more main stream. Another Canadian gem is Corb Lund. His best albums are Cabin Fever, Horse Soldier, and Hair in my Eyes like a Hyland Steer. You should check him out!

I been listening to him for a while, he just makes you feel like you snap a redwood over your knee

I love the grittiness and emotion in his voice, it’s melancholy but comforting.

Found his work on yt and fell in love with his work. The brewery sessions songs are all amazing

While with other artists you listen to songs, with Colter you listen to stories.

Can't wait for his new album. It is going to be one of the best of 2020 for sure.

I'm so glad to see Colter featured here, I've been listening since is first album was released!

Thanks for giving this guy more spotlight. He is an amazing artist and deserves to have his music out there.

I've been addicted to Colter Wall since about January. He's my favorite country artist. His music is so...idek there's just something so so special about it. It makes me feel some typa wayyy😩

Brad Wall was Premier for longer than 2 years

I found him a few months back and love his EP and Brewery sessions. His sollom voice and heavy songs are just what I was looking for at the time and I have been singing them since.

Makes me really happy that he is getting more recognition, I've been a fan for a long time. I love his unique tone and his story telling is amazing. His deep voice made me think he must be much older but when I saw him I was shocked, imagine his voice in a few more years.

Trevor Wallace sketch insert was great, wish I could say I listen to more Colter but I just go back to Devil Wears a Suit and Tie.

yay, i was hoping you would do a video on him, colter is so cool

Fabulous analysis. This is my new fav artist!

Excellent video, thanks.

I absolutely love Colter Wall's lyrics, tone, and the way both make me feel. His sound always bring me to teo places close to my heart: dirt roads leading up the Rocky Mountains and the plains of Kansas. He has such a unique ability to lead listeners to what he envisions as he sings songs of a time where most of us have never been.

I have 2/3 of colter walls albums. He is probably one of my favorite!

Colters music just absolutely reminds me of classic country. And thats why i keep listening. Takes me back in time.

Colter Wall voice and unique bass drum and delta blues picking along with some deeply dark lyrics blows you away when you hear the devil wears a suit and tie for the first time.

I started learning guitar 2 years ago and he’s been my main influence in playing since then. I’ve learned so much from him and I am really looking forward to his album coming out in August

I’ve been waiting for this video. Colter is one of my favorite artists. Love his story telling and details in his songs. As a Kentuckian I consider him one of the greatest of this independent wave along with Tyler, sturgill, and Jason isbell.

Man, just found my new obsession thanks to you. As a huge fan of Corb Lund, I was so happy to hear him collaborate with Colter! He’s been the only thing I’ve listened to in the last day and a half! Also, I’ve never thought I liked country music, but in the last year or so you’ve helped me find what I like, and this metal head has found a home in western music, so thank you!

Because Colter Wall has as a distinct a voice as any of my country heroes. Merle, Waylon, Willie, Hank, Hank Jr., - they all had a massive, distinct unmistakable voices that cried out for recognition. And his songwriting is top--notch. That makes him a treasure that cannot be ignored.