Austin-based singer/songwriter Jesse Daniel and Lost Dog Street Band frontman Benjamin Tod have released two powerful collaborative tracks: the reflective original “Turn The Devil Away” and a heartfelt cover of Randy Travis and George Jones’ classic, “A Few Ole Country Boys.”
The pair’s musical chemistry shines through in these songs, which are accompanied by a slate of tour dates next month in cities including Louisville, Cincinnati, Knoxville, and Nashville.
Behind the Songs: A Tale of Brotherhood and Shared Struggles
On their collaboration, “Turn The Devil Away,” Daniel reflects:
“Ben sent me the early half-written version of this song one night as a scratchy voice memo. He asked me if I wanted to finish it, so I pulled out my guitar and wrote the second verse and changed a few things around chord-wise. When it all came together, we were both very proud of this song. To me, it’s cautionary advice from somebody who has seen it all. Ben and I have that in common—we’ve both been through hell and back. When we recorded it, I had the intro lick already in my mind, and that’s exactly how it came out. It sort of drones and adds to the melancholy of this tune.”
Tod adds his perspective on the collaboration:
“I had never formally co-wrote and laid down a song with someone before this, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Jesse Daniel and I had a flawless experience. Jesse and I are cut from the same cloth of the old-world punk scene with the scars and kicked habits to prove it. We understand things about ourselves and about the world that no one else can because we had to escape our personal hells around the same time and culture in American society. All that to say, there are no two other writers on the planet that COULD have written this song, much less in their spare time both in the middle of major tours. I am proud to call Jesse Daniel a brother and I look forward to many more songs together on the horizon.”
What’s Next for Jesse Daniel and Benjamin Tod?
This collaboration follows a big year for both artists. Daniel’s 2024 album, Countin’ The Miles (Lightning Rod Records), has garnered widespread acclaim. Known for his high-energy live performances and traditional country sound, Daniel tours nearly 200 days a year and has been praised as a country music traditionalist.
As the frontman of the Lost Dog Street Band and a solo artist, Tod has captivated audiences with his raw, honky-tonk-inspired music. Earlier this year, Tod released his solo LP, Shooting Star, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Both artists have exciting plans on the horizon, including additional new music and live performances.
Catch Them Live
Don’t miss Jesse Daniel and Benjamin Tod on tour this December. Dates include:
December 5 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
December 6 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
December 7 – Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
December 8 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
