Colter Wall Addresses Changes in His Voice & Approach
Canadian Cowboy & Western artist Colter Wall continues to set the world on fire, and in the most curious of ways—with archaic old cowboy tunes nobody thought would ever be commercially applicable in 2020. But he’s been one of the hottest names in the independent country ranks, bolstered by viral videos and major endorsements from high-profile celebrities who like many country and Western fans, are blown away by the talent this young man possesses.
But many have noticed the slow, but palpable shift in the 25-year-old Saskatchewan native’s voice and style since releasing his debut EP Imaginary Appalachia in 2015, and recording a live version of “The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie” at Original 16 Brewery that now has over 12 million views (his most popular video). When Colter Wall started out, his voice was even lower than it is today, and his style had more Gothic tinges. He played a bass drum with his boot heel.
Since then, Colter has dried his style out a bit, singing in a way that seems more natural to him, and more natural to the material, which tends to be more in the cowboy poetry vein than the more gritty, underground style he started out with that involved devil tales and murder ballads. Some have wondered if this shift is purposeful, or if they were imagining it. According to Colter who addressed the matter on Twitter recently, it’s a conscious move.
“I’m glad folks still enjoy those brewery sessions from 2015,” Colter says. “I can’t watch them without cringing. The vocals are very forced. I’m grateful for what their popularity has done for me, but I hope folks are able to accept that I simply don’t play/sing that way anymore.”
Colter Wall’s voice continues to remain quite distinct, and is what draws people to his music. But like many artists over their careers, their influences and approach changes, while they’re often turned off by what they did in the past. But don’t worry, if you like the old Colter Wall tunes, he’s not nixing them from his repertoire anytime soon.
“As per live shows, I always make a point to play at least a few songs from every record I’ve put out, along with the new stuff,” Colter says. “I know a lot of folks prefer to older tunes. Honestly, just glad anyone likes any of them!”
When you start out at such a young age like Colter Wall did, there’s bound to be some growing and changing as you go along. For Colter, it has led him to be more true to himself, and find his place as a popular champion of old cowboy tunes that otherwise may have fallen by the wayside. Where he goes in the future, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Colter Wall’s latest record Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs was released in August.
October 15, 2020 @ 10:45 am
between the voice and the improving guitar skills, i’m not sure it’s ever been easier to tell when someone is going to be an important artist.
October 15, 2020 @ 11:07 am
All good. No harm no foul. The direction he’s gone in recently, the old-time cowboy thing, isn’t my favorite though so I find myself less and less interested in him.
Charley Crockett seems to be going in a similar direction but, strangely, I dig him more and more.
October 15, 2020 @ 11:21 am
Ironically, I really didn’t pay any attention to him at all until he started playing the cowboy stuff.
October 15, 2020 @ 12:47 pm
The difference is he’s not being forced/suggested/influenced (whatever the case was with Cobb) to sound like Johnny Cash.
October 15, 2020 @ 2:06 pm
To my ear he hasn’t dramatically changed. Singing well is a process that can take experience to develop. Its about finding the right range for your voice. George Jones went through a major stylistic change between the 50s and mid 60s by example. By the mid 60s he was emphasizing the deepness of his baritone and putting some gyrations and inflections in that hadnt been there before.. (i credit Paychecks influence, but just whispering that could start a fight!) Similarly, Waylon changed a bit from the early 60s Era to the 70s which were his peak. Willie as well.
Colter is a natural baritone. Not a pretty baritone like Josh Turner or Don Williams, and not a nasal baritone like Keith Whitley. Hes more rustic and less refined which is ideal for his style. He is singing plenty deep enough for his sound. The important thing is, he’s found his voice, and its working…well. I also feel like Colter has been listening to Willie a bit and borrowing his phrasing style. Think Red Headed Stranger or Tougher Than Leather. Not in voice mind you but the way he emphasizes words.
October 16, 2020 @ 6:30 pm
I think its mostly the amount of reverb they where adding in production on his early work that accounts for the change in sound, he has self produced his latest stuff and has said he is reducing effects, going for a more natural sound.
October 15, 2020 @ 3:06 pm
Brentt Cobb is another artist who changed his voice from his early recordings.
October 16, 2020 @ 10:26 am
This. He’s admitted in interviews that he was trying to sound like Shooter Jennings on his early stuff, but that it just wasn’t working. Just listen to his debut from 2006 (recently reissued) and his sophomore album from 2016. Night and day. So glad he settled into a more laid back sound. That debut album is super cringe.
October 16, 2020 @ 11:08 am
Oh my god I know! It barely even sounds like him! It’s a solid effort, but I’m so glad he changed things up. He’s one of my absolute favorites now.
October 15, 2020 @ 4:11 pm
I’m 52, never thought I’d hear a voice like his singing songs written as if they’re for Marty Robbins so I’m glad for the change. Get off my lawn.
October 15, 2020 @ 7:27 pm
I like both his early and recent stuff. I’m also impressed by his attitude and humility. You can tell the guy is a true fan and student of the music.
October 15, 2020 @ 4:58 pm
I’m just glad that as he has found his voice, that it has stayed authentically country. He is the best thing going right now. Love the new album.
October 15, 2020 @ 7:44 pm
IMO this transition of his has taken him from a very interesting novelty act for the folk scene to a certified living legend as a cowboy singer.
I would not normally pay any attention to a covers album, but this is so good, and so important, I can’t stop listening to it. Definitely on this old ranch hand’s shortlist for AOTY.
And, yes, I’ve noticed he’s singing a little higher, and no, it’s not a problem at all. Keep doing what you’re doing.
October 15, 2020 @ 8:25 pm
I never really noticed it. The man is a great talent and that’s all that matters to me.
October 16, 2020 @ 4:04 am
I have definitely noticed a change in the way he sings, most notably on his latest video “Summer Wages”. He sings the song with much less of the “tongue in the back of the throat” affectation than in any of his previous material. It is very much an affected style that he uses on purpose because when he speaks, that affectation is not there. The style makes singing certain consonants like “N” much more difficult because they are being done with his tongue placed way back in his mouth instead of the front where an n is made by pressing the tongue against the palate.
I have thought at a few times, that affectation was a bit too much or laid on a bit too strongly, so I am glad to see his use of it toned down to some extent. But it is his trademark sound, so I hope he does not abandon it completely. He is one of the best artists in music right now.
July 10, 2022 @ 6:48 pm
So he got his voice (brewery sessions voice) by pushing his tongue to the back of his throat? I’m just genuinely curious as to how he made his voice sound like that when singing because the way he talks is way different.
July 11, 2022 @ 4:11 pm
He talks normally, so he was doing something to make it sound like that.
October 16, 2020 @ 4:58 am
He’s got a good voice, and I really want to like him, but I just get so bored listening to him.
October 16, 2020 @ 5:50 am
I LIKE his voice (he doesn’t remind me of Johnny Cash btw) more of a manly voiced Michael Martin Murphy- from what I’ve read/seen I like him and his guitar playing is incredible- finger picking and singing! Good lord! I can’t say enough good things about him!
I just hope he doesn’t get burnt out too soon- the kid (and he is just a kid) is awsome!
October 16, 2020 @ 9:52 am
I told y’all his voice was a put on. Props to him for admitting it.
When will you people accept that I don’t say things unless they’re true?
October 16, 2020 @ 11:26 am
I said the same thing to my best friend. This newer stuff seems more natural.
October 16, 2020 @ 12:59 pm
I was hoping you’d say something like that so I could say: Even blind squirrels find nuts- so don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back.
October 16, 2020 @ 3:32 pm
Almost a good roast, Deej. Except …..I didn’t find a nut. I pointed to a nut from 100 miles away, and told you it’s exact location. Then you and your Stan buddies proceeded to cry and call me names while denying the nut was where I told you it was.
If I incur an injury, it’ll be an index finger strain from pointing out how silly and gullible you folks are, in your childlike denial of reality, even when you can hear it with your own ears. That is champion level Stansmanship.
October 17, 2020 @ 6:13 am
The moniker here, is DJ- learn to spell. And absolutely nothing you said changes anything I said- you’re the one calling others names, me specifically a “stan”, and trying to be overly cute with an incorrect moniker- you’re still a blind squirrel who found a nut.
Now, go find a sling for your arm.
October 17, 2020 @ 11:01 am
Okay, Deej.
October 16, 2020 @ 1:35 pm
I’ve lost interest in his new music unfortunately, I really did love his older stuff to an extreme. But I wish him the best regardless and recognize his talent.
October 16, 2020 @ 4:09 pm
Well I’m glad he’s found his natural style and he’s comfortable with it. I like all of his music, but this last record was my favorite. Henry and Sam and Rocky Mountain Rangers are phenomenal tunes.
Keep doing what you’re doing Colter and we’ll keep buying it.
October 16, 2020 @ 7:29 pm
I love that he has found the music that makes him happy. I find it so odd that he says things like “old stuff makes me cringe” and “I’m just glad people like that stuff”. Basically everyone I know, the first time they heard the Brewery recordings has had some version of “hold on. Stop talking. What and who is this??” The first time I described his old stuff to someone, I said “think Johnny Cash singing Steve Earle songs”. It was the only thing I could come up with to describe, even though it’s not completely accurate.
October 16, 2020 @ 7:33 pm
You talk to most any artist, they will tell you their earlier stuff makes them cringe. At least, ones that are any good. They’re always trying to improve, and are harder on themselves than anyone else. It’s makes a critic’s job easy.
October 18, 2020 @ 5:41 pm
He got attention. Mission accomplished. He has an audience. Now he’s in for the long haul. It’s like he’s cleared the decks for himself to be heard, and now we get to hear it. Fine, it wouldn’t have been the first time someone resorted to show business before deepening the page. Go, Colter. Keep writing and doing what you do.
October 19, 2020 @ 1:34 pm
He sounds better.
As he should.
Experience makes the difference.
In the beginning he sounded like he had marbles or cotton balls in his mouth.
I’ve been enjoying his stuff even more now.
Keep it up.
September 29, 2021 @ 12:09 pm
little minds, little pleasures. enjoy
February 4, 2022 @ 7:58 am
I absolutely love the “new” Colter Wall. Everything from “Songs of the Plains” to “Western Swing & Waltzs” is my favorite. I tried to like his early stuff “Imaginary App.” & “Colter Wall” but the style was just too dark for my liking. I suppose that old sound was more popular to the Indy and outlaw country scenes but this western style is his true self. I love his cover of Mike Beck’s “Happy Reunion” I still like Beck’s version better but Colter does a great job. I especially love his truck session video for that song. He’s performed at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko and fits in so well with that culture. This is his home and this is where he belongs. Continue to do more great western music Colter its your calling!
July 10, 2023 @ 11:46 am
Almost all of colters songs give me goosebumps. His voice makes me feel all the feels. As corny as that sounds. Honestly listening to him makes me want to cry sometimes. His old and his new stuff is so beautiful to me. I can’t get enough. I’m not a country music enthusiast, my tastes vary.