19 Recordings/BMG artist Colin Stough starts the new year off with a powerful message of resilience, as he offers up a fresh rendition of one of his biggest hits with “I Still Talk To Jesus (Acoustic).” Available across all streaming platforms and digital retailers, listen here.
A Country-Rock ballad of unshakable hope, “I Still Talk To Jesus” was originally part of Stough’s standout time on ABC’s American Idol in 2022. Eventually finishing third on Season 21, Stough released the aching anthem alongside his fellow Top 5 finalists, showing fans a moving example of inner toughness – and one heart’s weary-yet-determined refusal to give up on love.
Produced by Sean Rogers, Stough’s new acoustic take of the track further highlights that message. Using only guitar to back his dynamic Mississippi vocal, the rising star dials down his million-watt intensity for a captivating blend of wounded soul and falsetto grit, cutting straight to heart of one of his most popular songs. Meanwhile, a raw performance of the all-natural track – penned by Stough, Sean Thomas Rogers, and Francisco Martin – was captured and edited by Mike Rodway.
“I wanted to share this track to start the new year off right!” Stough says. “This was one of my biggest songs last year and a fan-favorite, so I hope everyone enjoys this acoustic take. It’s just one of them records where the words cut deep, and I think this version really lets ‘em shine.”
“I Still Talk To Jesus (Acoustic)” follows the recent release of “Sleep Tonight (Acoustic)” – another reimagined favorite revealing Stough’s heartfelt lyricism – and a gravelly rendition of the Elvis Presley holiday classic, “Blue Christmas.”
In October 2023, the emerging artist released his six-track debut EP, Promiseland, and has since captured the attention of both critics and fans alike. Country Now praises, “Promiseland showcases a deep level of honesty and authenticity,” as they further named him among their Country Next: Artists To Watch In 2024 list. Likewise, Stough made Holler’s New and Upcoming Country and Americana Artists You Need to Know roundup, hailing that he’s a “singer who was born to do this,” with a voice that’s “equally at home singing grungy Southern rock as it is twangy old school country.”
Spending last year headlining while also supporting artists like Kidd G and Drake White, he’s next on deck with Chase Matthew starting in February. 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. Next supporting Chase Matthew, stay tuned for much more to come.
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