On November 5th, country star Colt Ford continued his tradition of collaborations when he released his latest EP Keys to the Country. The 6-track EP features a who’s who lineup of guest artists, resulting in incredible collaborations on songs written by some of the best in the business.
We recently caught up with Colt and asked him to take us behind the scenes of how each track crossed his path, how each of the guests were brought on board and his When Country Comes Back tour that just wrapped up.
“When Country Comes Back”
It was a perfect song to lead with, considering all that we have all been through. I think Tootsies is one of the best Honky Tonks of all time. Steve Smith, the owner, is a great friend, and when I asked him if we could shoot at the club he was kind enough to let me do it. I just wanted to show the world that Country is Back.
“Hood” featuring Kevin Gates, Jermaine Dupri
I love “Hood,” it fits me perfectly. “Hood” was written by Michael Hardy, Brad Tursi, Jordan Schmidt and Kevin Gates. Hardy is good buddy and so is Brad. I don’t know Jordan well but he is fantastic writer. I had to have this song. I reached out to Kevin Gates through a friend, he loved the song. Jermaine Dupri and I have been making music together since we were kids. He is one of the best producers in all of music. Period. He really liked the song and it just came together and I feel like it bridges some gaps.
“Keys to the Country” featuring RSVHVD, Vince Gill, Dan Tyminski
“Keys to the Country” was written with two of my best friends, Josh Mirenda and Taylor Phillips. They joined me on the road for a few days and we just clicked. I think we wrote seven songs in two days. I reached out to Rvshvd, he is Georgia guy, and I was a fan. Then got the great Vince Gill to play some guitar and Dan Tyminski to sing some harmonies. I love this song.
“If I Didn’t Know Better” featuring Jana Kramer
I got “If I Didn’t Know Better” from Taylor Phillips and it was just a guy song. I had the idea to turn it into a duet. I always wanted to do a song with Jana Kramer. We’ve been friends a while, I love how it turned out.
“Bad Beer” featuring Matt Stell
Once again, another Taylor Phillips song (in case you haven’t noticed, I am a huge fan of Taylor, LOL.) This is just a great country song and I asked my buddy Matt Stell, who I have become great friends with, to jump on. I am a huge fan of Matt and man that song should be on the damn radio.
“My Town” featuring Josh Mirenda
My buddy George Birge, who is one of the co-writers, sent me this song. I just love tempo stuff you can dance to and this thing cooks. I got Josh to do some harmonies and stuff. It’s just a fun banger.
CN: You just wrapped your “When Country Comes Back” tour, which kicked off back in June. How did it feel to get back out on the road?
CF: Well, I love playing live — it’s my favorite — and just being able to be on stage again was fantastic. It really depressed me during the pandemic, and I’m glad things are opening up again.
CN: Do you have a favorite moment from the tour?
CF: So many great moments it’s hard to say.
CN: What can fans expect next?
CF: I have so much music coming in the next 12 months, y’all better buckle up, it’s gonna be fun.
Keys To The Country is available here.
For more information on Colt Ford, visit his website www.ColtFord.com.