Justin Wells with Jack Blocker

Justin Wells

With Justin Wells’ latest album, Cynthiana, the Kentucky singer-songwriter once again stokes the fiery depths of his pure intent, the core elements of the record revolving around things that matter most in life — steadfast family, genuine friends, and creative fulfillment.

“This album’s just coming from the place where my heart is right now,” Wells says. “It feels gentler, especially when you put it in the context of the work that I did 10 or 15 years ago.”

Captured by Grammy-nominated producer Duane Lundy at his legendary studio in Lexington, Kentucky, Cynthiana came about as an ode to Wells’ wife, Andrea, with whom he first crossed paths with in their high school gymnasium when they were teenagers. That was exactly 25 years ago. “Cynthiana is the small central Kentucky town where we met,” the 42-year- old Wells says. “This album is inspired by Andrea — her femininity and her grace and her power,” Wells says. “There’s little pieces of her in all of these songs.”

The 10-song LP harnesses the raw power and lyrical honesty that’s made Wells a stoic figure in the rich, vibrant tapestry of Americana, alt-country and folk bubbling up over the last decade or so from The Bluegrass State — with Wells’ tone and talent quickly spilling out to the rest of the country. For Wells, it’s the endless open road and cultivating his audience gig by gig, whether it be some middle of nowhere neon-lit roadhouse or jumping onstage at major American festivals each year.

“Cranking up the amps and gliding down the fretboard of his Fender Telecaster, singer-songwriter Justin Wells — in a similar tone to the late, great George Jones — rumbled across the Outpost stage, the sweat of a humid mid-summer afternoon dripping from his forehead,” Rolling Stone wrote of his recent AVLFest appearance.

It doesn’t matter to Wells the portals by which he’s able to reach the listener. What counts is this internal mission to connect with whoever’s in the room — folks in search of compassion and something real in a sometimes lonely and confusing world.
“I don’t make country music. I don’t make Americana music. It’s blue-collar music,” Wells told Rolling Stone. “It’s for people who struggle day-to-day in this world. Ultimately, it’s about the human condition — distilling your story down to the common thread.”
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Jack Blocker is an Americana artist whose vivid, honest storytelling is inspired by his Texan roots and the miles he’s traveled. His debut single, “Big Jefe,” released in August 2023, showcases his knack for blending tradition with modern narratives. Jack gained national attention as a finalist on the most recent season of American Idol, where he placed third. His journey began with a standout performance of his original song, “I Was Wrong,” captivating audiences week after week. Years of performing for small crowds and church congregations prepared him to thrive on a national stage. Now in Nashville, Jack is writing and recording his debut LP, set to release in 2025. Once completed, he’s eager to share his music with audiences across the country.
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