NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Emerging country neo-traditionalist Charlie McNeal (Charlie McNeal Music, LLC) is set to release his fifth single, “Belly Up,"* a cheerful tune with nuances of "I Love This Bar,"
"'I Think I'll Just Sit Here And Drink" and "Cold One." The original track will be available Friday, May 30, 2025 via all digital retail and streaming platforms. (Presale/pre-save event begins May 16; Distribution by Ed Gertler, Digital Retail Services.)
Penned by the young California country boy alongside Mike Todd, and produced by We The People Productions (Jason Wyatt), the light-hearted tune is a Friday night go-to anthem. Seeking refuge at a local watering hole, with every intent to drink cares away, the fun-loving, tongue-in-cheek storyline serves good reason to "belly-up" to the bar.
Plunking piano sets the pace for the old-timey, saloon-style honky-tonker; pedal steel and twangy guitar exchanges open the floor in Texas Swing style. The spirited melody, bubbly vocals and "Chug-a-Lug" lyrics sway the listener to make no mind the ditty is a sad country song–appropriately influenced by a booze-induced hiccup at closing time.
"'The idea came from my buddy, whose only mission was to go out and drink," said Charlie McNeal now a Nashville resident and member of the Music Row songwriting community. "I took the idea to one of my favorite writers in town, Mike Todd, and we channeled a little Roger Miller, and a lot of Merle Haggard into this fun song!"
The new single, "Belly Up," is the second track from McNeal's new, and third, recording project SONGS FROM THE BAR (anticipated in mid-September) and continues the thematic momentum of the lead single, "Bar Friend," showcasing the young country buck's knack to deliver a good-timin' dance hall tune.
TRACK INFO
Written By Charlie McNeal/Mike Todd
Produced By We The People Productions (Jason Wyatt)
Label: Charlie McNeal Music, LLC
Pre-sale/Presave Event: May 16, 2025
Digital Retail & Streaming Distribution: May 30, 2025
Distribution: Ed Gertler/Digital Retail Services
Run Time: 2:31
If You Like: Hank Williams/Joe Diffie/Brooks & Dunn/Alan Jackson/Roger Miller
# # #