Channing Wilson Finds Comfort In Honky-Tonk Nights On Road-Worn Ballad “Neon Dreams And Whiskey Wishes”

Today (11.13), singer-songwriter Channing Wilson shares his slow-burning barroom ballad "Neon Dreams And Whiskey Wishes" via 101 Music/Thirty Tigers, the latest offering from his upcoming, Dave Cobb-produced record 'I Ain't No Outlaw,' arriving January 15.

Written by Wilson alongside CMA and ACM Song of the Year Award-winner James Otto(Jamey Johnson's "In Color"), "Neon Dreams And Whiskey Wishes" chronicles a road warrior's lonesome journey and the temporary comfort found at the bottom of a glass or in the arms of a honky-tonk angel when the dream he's chasing feels just out of reach. Wilson's warm baritone and beautifully rugged vocals give way to an aching chorus as he sings, "Neon dreams and whiskey wishes / Shoulda beens and near misses / They fill up my mind / I spend all my time stuck in the blues / Midnight lies and barroom angels / Always there to get me through / When neon dreams and whiskey wishes never come true."

"Without that 'honky tonk merry-go-round,' none of us would have a job," says Wilson. "It's the oldest story in the book. The reason people leave their houses: to feel connected-to the band, to other fans, to the bartender, to some "rando" at Waffle House on the way home. There's amazing people in this world and I want to meet 'em all. There's just not enough lifetimes."

Listen to "Neon Dreams And Whiskey Wishes" here:

30tgrs.ffm.to/neondreams

The new song previews Wilson's forthcoming record 'I Ain't No Outlaw,' recorded live at Nashville's historic RCA Studio A with nine-time GRAMMY winner Dave Cobb. While the title may suggest otherwise, the album feels like a revival of the golden age of outlaw country that was made great by icons including Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson. Across ten songs, the album mirrors the unruly complexity of the human experience, carrying listeners through stories of work, heartbreak, faith and family from a battle-tested lifer, stubborn romantic, devoted father and working musician still chasing the same wild dream that first ignited decades ago.

Pre-save 'I Ain't No Outlaw' here:

30tgrs.ffm.to/iaintnooutlaw

Today, alongside the track release, Wilson, who is currently featured on CBS' Marshalswith an on-camera performance of "Neon Dreams And Whiskey Wishes" confirmed for the episode airing February 21, 2027, makes an appearance in Netflix' new film Heartland starring Jessica Chastain and Garrett Hedlund, performing Roger Miller's "Tall, Tall Trees" as a singer in Buck's Band. Wilson's rendition of the Roger Miller classic is featured in Heartland (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), also out today. Listen/watch here: netflixmusic.ffm.to/heartland

Hailing from LaFayette, Georgia, Wilson is a self-made musician and father who has spent his life in country music, selling his fishing boat to fund his first trips to Nashville, eventually leading him to collaborate with his musical hero Guy Clark, pen tracks for artists including Brent Cobb, Zac Brown Band, Luke Combs and Riley Green, and share stages with Steve Earle and Billy Joe Shaver.

Wilson has toured recently with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Riley Green, and Steve Earle, and is currently on the road with Wheeler Walker, Jr. across the U.S. and Canada. Fans can expect new headline shows to be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit channingwilson.com.

'I Ain't No Outlaw' Track List:

1. "Candle Left To Burn" (Channing Wilson, Charlie Starr)

2. "Get Out Of My Shoes" (Wilson, Davey Smith)

3. "Real Damn Country Song" (Wilson, James Otto)

4. "Come And Take It" (Wilson, Chris Gelbuda)

5. "Neon Dreams And Whiskey Wishes" (Wilson, Otto)

6. "I Met God At A Train Station" (Wilson, Rob Snyder)

7. "Alone At The Bar" (Wilson, Otto)

8. "Keepin' It Real" (Wilson, Jon Decious)

9. "Gone Fishin'" (Wilson, Snyder, Aaron Raitiere)

10. "I Ain't No Outlaw" (Wilson)

* Produced by Dave Cobb