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Vincent Neil Emerson Honors Long-Haul Truckers With New Single, “Big Wheels”
Vincent Neil Emerson is one of country music's hidden gems.
If you're not listening to VNE, you're doing yourself a significant disservice. The Texas native is not only a songwriting mastermind but is also rooted in tradition. He keeps the traditional sound of guys like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark alive, while still carving out his own sound.
"I think I've always gravitated towards artists that are honest about what they're doing. It's the most important thing because people have a chance to connect to a little more if you're telling the truth."
VNE once said regarding what inspires his songwriting, and he' carried that truth-telling musical spirit throughout his career.
Last year, Emerson released his third record, The Golden Crystal Kingdom, pushing the boundaries of his authentic sound with honest songwriting and storytelling. While I highly, and I mean HIGHLY, recommend listening to the album in its entirety, we are here today to talk about his next chapter of music as Emerson released a new single, "Big Wheels."
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCpCsFjvBw4/
In the eighteen-wheeler big rig anthem, VNE tips his hat to those who spend their lives on the road. While this track literally speaks to the nation's long-haul truck drivers, it metaphorically also speaks to musicians who are faithful road dogs like Emerson. The wheels keep turning from one city to the next.
"Big wheels keep on turning
Turning all around
Down every highway, across every town
Passing by on the turnpike
I ain't slowing down
Everybody's gonna stop and wave
When big wheels come around..."
Emerson means it when he says he's drawn to artists who tell the truth in their songs because he's bringing truths from his own life into these lyrics. VNE dedicates the second verse of the single to his grandfather, who drove a big rig, disclosing how he ran the highway back in '85.
"Paw Paw drove a big rig
Back in '85,
Two tours in Vietnam
One hand left to drive
Always had a cigarette
Hangin' from his mouth
Said 'I can't to get back home
I'll be headed South
Big wheels keep on turnin'..."
The whine of the still guitar on this track, combined with the upbeat tempo, makes it feel like you are trucking along down the road. VNE captivates listeners from the first note on "Big Wheels" and keeps you engaged through the very last.
Turn this one all the way up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH0-A0A8qxI
Vincent is also one of the few acts that will be touring to the bitter end this year so make sure you check him out:
Vincent Neil Emerson Tour Date:
Dec 8, 2024 Dolby Live, Las Vegas, NV
Colter Wall, Kade Hoffman
Dec 12, 2024 Township Auditorium, Columbia, SC
Colter Wall, Kade Hoffman
Dec 13, 2024 Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta, GA
Colter Wall, Kade Hoffman
Dec 14, 2024 Harrah's Cherokee Events Center (Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort), Cherokee, NC
Colter Wall, Kade Hoffman
Dec 16, 2024 Saenger Theatre, Mobile, AL
Colter Wall, Kade Hoffman
Dec 17, 2024 Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Montgomery, AL
Colter Wall, Kade Hoffman
Dec 19, 2024 The Filmore, New Orleans, LA
Colter Wall, Kade Hofffman
Dec 20, 2024 Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport, LA
Colter Wall, Kade Hoffman
Dec 21, 2024 Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie, TX
Colter Wall, Kade Hoffman
Dec 30, 2024 Wild Horses Fest, Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Post Malone, Paul Cauthen, Zach Top