19 Recordings/BMG artist Colin Stough bares a wounded soul in the stripped-down “Sleep Tonight (Acoustic),” sharing a new rendition alongside a performance video today (12/8). Available across all streaming platforms and digital retailers, listen here.
Written by Stough with Sean Thomas Rogers and Brian Congdon, the original version was part of his six-track debut EP, Promiseland – a crunchy power-confession full of worry over the fragility of life, which helped introduce the new-school Country rocker with a high-voltage vocal.
“I actually started this one as a poem, so a more raw version felt true to where this song came from. I was really hurting after hearing about another death in my life and I just started writing,” shares Stough. “Once I took that poem into the writing room, we got our guitars and started writing, so it really did begin as a guitar-vocal. Stripping back the production lets these lyrics be the focus and makes it hit even harder since this writing is so personal to me.”
“Sleep Tonight (Acoustic)” reveals the man behind the words, peeling back a rough exterior to showcase a deep-feeling artist within, as Stough tones his raspy vocal down to a soft buzz and sings with just an acoustic guitar in support. Produced by Sean Rogers, the reimagined tune ends up highlighting the relatable agony of the young artist’s lyrics, aching over thoughts that run wild each night. Meanwhile, up close-and-personal acoustic performance footage that was filmed and edited by Mike Rodway captures the internal struggle, as Stough sinks into emotional turmoil – before finding the strength to carry on.
Named among Holler’s New and Upcoming Country and Americana Artists You Need to Know,“Stough’s gravelly rock drawl is equally at home singing grungy Southern rock as it is twangy old school country, and Promiseland is a fitting showcase for every side of a singer who was born to do this.” “Sleep Tonight (Acoustic)” further follows the November release of Stough’s take on “Blue Christmas,” channeling a Rock icon and fellow Mississippi native for a gritty-but-still-tender version of Elvis Presley’s holiday classic.
A series of previous singles have so far racked up more than 9.4 MILLION global on-demand streams, and looking ahead, the promising singer-songwriter will continue to lead his band on stages all around the country. Spending this past year headlining while also supporting artists like Kidd G and Drake White, he’s next on deck with Chase Matthew in 2024. Find upcoming show dates here.
Photo Credit: Mike Rodway
About Colin Stough:
A 19-year-old Country Rock phenom and native of Gattman, Mississippi, Colin Stough has come a long way in a few short years – and with his debut EP Promiseland, the 19 Recordings/BMG artist is still just getting started. After learning to play guitar at 8 years old, Stough first pursued artistic dreams at 10, boldly trading childhood possessions for his first guitar at a local pawn shop – an instrument he still plays to this day. After graduating high school, the naturally gifted singer and self-taught songwriter began working full-time as an HVAC technician, before his mother convinced him to audition for American Idol. Impressing judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, Stough stunned viewers and soon built a thriving fan base, finishing third on Season 21 of the show in 2022. He spent the ensuing months writing and recording original music, while also touring nationwide to put his blowtorch vocal and guitar-slinging edge on full display. After signing with 19 Recordings/BMG, his distinctive mix of Southern Rock distortion and pure-Country style have helped tracks like “I Still Talk To Jesus” and “Bad Day” rack up more than 9.4 MILLION global on-demand streams, and in September 2023, Stough released the single “Promiseland,” along with an official music video. The hard-hitting anthem is the title track to Stough’s debut EP, which is out now and puts the emerging artist on track to reach even more dreams in the future. Stough has headlined across the country and opened for established artists like Kidd G and Drake White. Stay tuned for much more to come.
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