19 Recordings/BMG Nashville artist Colin Stough battles the midnight temptation of an on-again-off-again romance in “Makes Two of Us.” Available across all streaming platforms and digital retailers, listen here.
“‘Makes Two of Us’ is about that after a breakup thing where you keep thinking about your ex. It’s those lonely moments when your brain kicks in and you start thinking about them, then you start debating on whether or not you should reach out just in case they’re thinking of you too,” shares Stough. “You find yourself wondering if they’re thinking of doing the same, even though you know that reaching out never gets you anywhere and is pretty much a horrible idea.”
Co-written by Stough with Alex Maxwell and Cole Taylor, the late-night breakup anthem of intrusive thoughts captures a conflicted heart caught in a feedback loop of heartbreak and loneliness, and about to give in just one more time. Showcasing a complex artist-writer who continues to hone his lyrical craftsmanship, its lyrics pass no judgment on who was right and who was wrong, instead zeroing in on the raw relatability of a wounded soul desperate for relief – consequences be damned.
Feeling like a gathering storm, the pitch-black production from Alex Maxwell helps put the growing urge in sonic terms – while also eclipsing the power of Stough’s Promiseland EP debut. With a heavy-handed Rock foundation, distorted guitars thunder alongside pounding drums and streaks of steel guitar lightning, but Stough weaves in tender moments to explore the emotional conflict as well – all while his volcanic Southern vocal fights confusing signals. On the one hand, he should resist what’s surely the start of another toxic cycle. But on the other, the craving for connection is real, and, hopefully, coming from both sides.
With more new music promised soon, Stough’s stacking music festival appearances this summer after headlining the past year while also supporting artists like Chase Matthew, Kidd G, and Drake White. Find upcoming show dates here.
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVID BRADLEY
ABOUT COLIN STOUGH:
While Country Rock phenom and Gattman, Mississippi, native Colin Stough is only knocking on the door to his twenties, he has traversed a long journey in a few short years – starting with his debut EP Promiseland, released in the fall of 2023. After learning to play guitar at 8 years old, Stough first pursued his 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 Nashville, his distinctive mix of Southern Rock distortion and pure-Country style has helped Stough’s music rack up more than 19.8 MILLION global on-demand streams. Stough has headlined across the country and opened for established artists like Chase Matthew, Kidd G, and Drake White.
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