Country Next: Will Jones

Will Jones is a powerhouse artist whose music blends the grittiness of outlaw country with the heartfelt traditions of Appalachian bluegrass. Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jones was no stranger to the stage and by the time most kids were learning their ABCs, he was already performing in his family band, The Cana Ramblers, as both a guitarist and lead singer.

With his career now rooted in Nashville, the rising act has cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with while dominating as a songwriter, performer, and musician. He remains authentic by drawing inspiration from his life as a husband and father and tapping into the experiences of his musical upbringing.

Jones is currently setting the stage for his next chapter with his latest collection of releases that capture his ability to force his own path, while staying true to himself. Fans got a small taste of his timeless storytelling and what’s to come in songs like “Lonesome Dove,” “My Country’s Showing,” and “Devil’s Den.”

Now signed with Lady Luck Songs and Blue Harbor Music for publishing and artist development, he has unveiled his latest single, “Come On In.” Both the new song and its accompanying music video capture his fun-loving rebellious spirit with a story that touches on the moments you open the door to something you know you probably shouldn’t have let in.

As more new music and headlining shows approach, Will Jones is ready to continue showcasing a sound that’s unmistakably his own.

Get to know more about the country act in this installment of Country Next.

What was the transition like going from a family band to stepping out on your own? Were you nervous, or just ready?

I wasn’t nervous at all! If anything, the years I spent playing bluegrass music with my family was only preparing me more for stepping out and into the country music scene. So, I was very ready when that time came.

What were the first songs you remember learning, or the ones you felt most connected to as a young performer?

That would definitely be old-school bluegrass… traditional stuff. I remember learning a lot of bluegrass gospel songs early on. Artists like Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, JD Crowe, and Tony Rice… those were the artists I was studying, and learning songs from.

Do you remember the first show you ever played on your own? What sticks with you about that performance?

I do still remember the very first show I played as a solo country artist. It was in my hometown, at this local bar and restaurant I’d booked myself, right after putting my band together for the first time. What stuck with me most was how many people showed up. It was standing room only. That night really reassured me I was on the right path.

In a world that’s often centered around chasing the next viral moment, how do you stay focused on building something lasting and meaningful?

For me, it’s all about being authentic and staying true to who I am — both as a person and as an artist. I want my personality and my craft, whether it’s singing or playing guitar, to speak for itself. That’s what sets me apart. I’m not chasing viral moments; I’m focused on doing what I do consistently and with heart. I’d rather people get to know the real me through the music than go viral for something that doesn’t reflect who I am.

When you play live shows, which songs do you think people seem to resonate most with, or sing along to the most?

I’d say it’s either songs with really honest lyrics or the ones that are super catchy. It’s a tough question because it can go both ways, but I think people connect most with the songs I sing that carry a real, honest message. On the flip side, when it comes to singalongs, it’s all about the fun, feel-good, beer-drinking kind of music. 

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What is a bucket list venue you have, or any artists you hope to share the road with one day?

That’s a great question. My bucket list venue was always the Ryman Auditorium, and I actually got to check that off in January when I played there with Josh Turner. So that was a dream come true. Next up would be the Grand Ole Opry and Red Rocks, for sure. I’d also love to play some of the iconic rock and roll clubs, like the Troubadour in LA.

As for artists I’d love to hit the road with, well that’s tough, because a lot of my musical idols either aren’t touring anymore or have passed on. But if I had to name a couple, I’d say Dierks Bentley and Eric Church. I think touring with those guys would be really fun. 

You’ve said being a husband and father keeps you grounded — how does your family life influence your music and the way you carry yourself as an artist?

That’s another great question because, being a husband and a father IS my why. I am motivated every morning to get up and give them my all. Whether it be writing a song, putting on a show for people and giving them everything I got on stage, I do it for my family, before myself, always. I’d say it really influenced my songwriting and the seriousness with which I approach my work. I take what I do very seriously, because I am doing it all for them. 

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You’ve called yourself a “student of songwriting” — what does that learning process look like for you? Are there any songwriters who have helped you grow in your writing or offered good advice? 

Absolutely. There have definitely been songwriters who’ve helped me grow and offered guidance along the way. The first name that comes to mind is Monty Holmes. He’s known for writing songs like “Troubadour” and “When Did You Stop Loving Me” for George Strait and “Never Again, Again” for Lee Ann Womack. Monty really took me under his wing when I first moved to town. We wrote what felt like a million songs together, and through that, I learned how to really write. Since then, I’ve become friends with other great writers like Brice Long and Brandon Kinney — just to name a couple — and they’ve all played a part in helping me grow. The truth is, there’s no shortcut. Every great writer will tell you: it takes 10,000 hours. The only way to get better is to keep writing, especially with people who challenge and inspire you.

How does your new single “Come On In” fit into the bigger picture of what you’re creating right now — is it a hint of what’s to come?

We figured it was time to drop some upbeat honky-tonk music. We’re writing and recording a lot of country damn music. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!

Have you received any advice from other artists that has helped you on your music journey?

Yeah, I think I’ve learned a lot! Maybe even more than I realized at the time, just from being out on the road with artists like Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, and Josh Turner. These are people I really admire, and getting to tour with them gave me a front-row seat to what excellence looks like on stage. What stood out the most is how the bar can always be raised when it comes to a live performance. Whether it’s the quality of the band, the songs they choose, or the way they connect with a crowd, they all bring something powerful to the stage. I learned how important it is to deliver something real and memorable for the fans — because at the end of the day, it’s not about us, it’s about them. That’s something those artists live by, and just getting to watch them work taught me a lot.

What’s next for you?

Fans can look forward to a lot of new music pouring out, and way more fun, interactive content on social media. We’re capturing a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff because I want people to really get to know me beyond the stage. Whether I’m grilling steaks with my family, working on my old truck, fishing or hunting, or just hanging out on the road — dancing around small towns in America — they’ll get a glimpse of the real day-to-day me. So, they can look forward to all of that, but most importantly, a bunch of new songs that I think they’re going to be really excited to hear. 

Fans can keep up with Will Jones on Instagram.