Here’s the video for ‘Traveling Man’s Blues’, the recent single from Cole Gallagher. With a strong rhythm, rolling instrumentation and flowing melody, the song itself feels like a journey. As ever, Gallagher’s vocal performance is excellent – full of character, he finds a balance between warm, smooth tones and a touch of grit at times. Once again, Gallagher is supported by Vance Powell’s confident production and an outstanding group of musicians, including current and previous members of the 400 Unit: Chad Gamble (drums), Jimbo Hart (bass) and Sadler Vaden (guitar). With such technical quality and Gallagher’s fine song-craft, the end result is another impressive song from the up-and-coming artist.
Gallagher’s lyrics are full of details about specific locations on his travels; however, the theme is universal and, wherever we’re travelling, we can appreciate his feelings: “How many nights, must I spend alone // To get from where I’m going, to where I’ll go.” The song is ultimately hopeful as he explains: “There is certainly an element of loneliness within this song, however; I believe that the overarching theme of this song is one of hope and finding my place in the world.”
The accompanying video was created by Gallagher on the road, shot over three three-day drives when he moved from California to Nashville. Over the course of these journeys, he covered more than six thousand miles, which is some undertaking even without making a music video along the way. It features incredible natural landscapes, isolated motels and petrol stations and landmarks he passed on his travels. Cole’s sense of humour is in evidence, particularly in the end-credits. Gallagher shares his experience of making the video: “It was an absolute blast to shoot this music video, and it gave me more artistic liberties and tools to express myself than any of my other projects because it was just me, the open road and a camera.”
This is the third single Gallagher has released since his critically-acclaimed 2023 EP ‘The Confluence’. With the strength of his voice, songs and collaborations, Cole Gallagher remains one to watch.
