With his long hair, blonde scruff and dark eyes, southern rocker Preston James certainly looks the part. But it’s his soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics that will convince you he’s come a long way from the clean-cut kid who first plied the boards of Broadway nearly a decade ago.

Since then, the Cheatham County native—who was offered his first publishing deal at 18—has announced himself to the Row, signing with publishers King Pen Music and Warner Chappell Music and inking a booking deal with The Neal Agency.

Brian Carothers and Evan Kantor, both agents with The Neal Agency, are firmly in James’s corner. “Preston is sitting on an unbelievable debut EP,” Carothers says. “I’ll never forget the day he played it for everyone here. The excitement in the room was special, and we’re all thrilled to be working with him.” Adds Kantor, “From the moment we all heard the music, we were sold on Preston’s talent. What’s been even more exciting is seeing how incredible his live show is. We are honored to be a part of bringing that to the masses.”

James has steadily been making a name for himself as a singer, songwriter and guitar player at the local honky-tonks, resulting in the opportunity to open for the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Ryman Auditorium; perform with one of his musical heroes, iconic blues and Americana artist Delbert McClinton; and sit in with the Grammy Award–winning Time Jumpers. He was also invited by John Berry to be a guest on his Songs and Stories television series.

One listen to his latest single “Fences” [Listen Below], a melodic follow-up to his rowdy debut release, “Deal with the Devil,” proves James, 24, has found his footing as a performer. Clay Bradley, VP of Creative at BMI, the performance rights agency who represents James, is a longtime supporter. “I love Preston James. He is a natural born guitar picker, songwriter and a rising star in the industry who shows a maturity and insight far beyond his years.”

Written by James, Steve Moakler (“Riser”/Dierks Bentley) and Logan Wall (“Hard Days”/Brantley Gilbert), who also produced James’s forthcoming EP with distribution through CMDSHFT, “Fences” is a classic boy chases girl tale with cinematic lyrics:

James notes this one is extra special because it is autobiographical. “I first met Charity (Bowden), my fiancée, at age 15 and we became fast friends but reaching where we are now has been quite the journey.” It took some convincing and several years to become more than friends, and when the relationship evolved, Charity’s father had reservations about her dating a long-haired country singer. But, James explains, “I eventually realized what really mattered, persevered and overcame every fence in front of me because I knew without a doubt that she was the one.”

The music video for “Fences,” produced and directed by Jim Cook, Cookhouse Media, is being released today. Both “Fences” and “Deal with the Devil” are featured on White Trash from Way Back, James’s five-song EP set to debut Oct. 25. Next up off the EP is “Heartbreak’s on You,” due out Sept. 20. Each cut showcases James’s passion for storytelling as he moves effortlessly from small-town love song to hillbilly headbanger, narrating the vagaries of rural life.

Kelly King, president of King Pen Music, says, “As soon as I met Preston, I knew there was something special about him. His old soul way intrigued me, and his work ethic blew me away right off the bat. Once I saw him play live, I knew he was going to introduce a new edge to country music. I am so excited to see how country music embraces him the way he has embraced it all his life.”

About The Neal Agency:

In addition to Preston James, TNA’s roster includes Aidan Canfield, Anne Wilson, Ashland Craft, Bailey Zimmerman, Cameron Sacky Band, Chase Rice, Cory Asbury, Ella Langley, Ernest, Hardy, Jake Worthington, John Morgan, Josh Ross, Lauren Watkins, McCoy Moore, Morgan Wallen, Nate Smith, Ole 60, Palmer Anthony, Riley Green, Seaforth, Scott Wolverton, Zach John King, along with the entertainment brand Whiskey Jam.