Colton O'Neill Band

The Red Dirt Music Journal often receives information about a young performer who is supposed to be the next "really big thing.” Most often, however, let's just say, they fall a bit short of the hype.... that certainly isn't the case this time.

Not long ago, we were introduced to a Texas Country singer, songwriter, and guitar player named, Colton O'Neill who is soon to release his debut album "Too Far Gone". After listening to his music and experiencing his live set, there is no doubt in our opinion, he very well could be … well, you know...the next really....

Lone Oak, Texas native Colton O'Neill is 24 years old. As Colton performs, it seems to us as though he might actually be challenging other guitarists to a 'Devil Went Down to Georgia', winner-takes-all style of guitar dual.

The Colton O’Neill Band looks exactly like what you'd expect a young southern garage band to be: three friends, who between them rustled up just enough gas money to make it to the show. The difference between this band and countless others that look just like it, is O’Neill’s elegantly crafted songs, his soulful vocals, and scorching guitar work.

Unassuming between songs, O’Neill takes complete command of the stage when he begins to perform. When he plays, he and his guitar seem to become one inseparable entity. Vocally, he has a mastery of his instrument and maturity well beyond his limited years.

Despite his youth, he banters with the audience like a seasoned veteran. During one lengthy pause, while setting a difficult tuning on his guitar for the next song, he told the audience, “I have been told that Guy Clark always found the one string out of tune and then tuned the other five to that...maybe we should give that a try.”

As we watched him perform, we witnessed him transcend to heights very few veteran performers would be capable of reaching.

O’Neill’s talent may be otherworldly, but there's no doubt it's homegrown. “Back in the day, my pops was one of the top Texas country guitarists on the circuit” Colton explained after the show. And, although it was just a few short years ago when Colton decided to pickup the guitar, his dad must already be wondering if it is time to pass on the crown.

So, what’s next for the electric troubadour? “Play as many shows we can. Be the best musicians as we can be. Make as many friends as we can. Make the best music and may it touch the people that need it.”

No doubt we will hear a lot more about Colton O’Neill in the very near future. At his age, to have that level of preordained talent and an unbridled ambition to explore the undiscovered, he might just be the next... really big thing