Saddle bronc rider-turned-country star Chancey Williams continues to carve his path in country music with his latest single, “Miles on Me.” The song, which blends smooth melodies with a steady drum-driven beat, showcases a weathered cowboy’s journey through life’s trials, finding solace in the love of his companion. I sat down with him in Nashville to discuss the song, the inspiration behind the video, and his rising career.
“We were looking for some stuff that was pushin’ the envelope a bit,” Williams said. “I write a lot of cowboy stuff and a lot of ranchin’ western stuff.”
His producer brought the song to him from Sony, penned by the acclaimed songwriter Tom Douglas, known for hits like “The House That Built Me.” For Williams, it was an instant connection.
“This song just kinda had a cool feel to it. It pushed the envelope of what we had done, but also stayed true to our brand,” he said. “I remember when I heard the demo, I just knew I had to cut it.”
Balancing radio appeal with authenticity is always a challenge, but “Miles on Me” struck the right chord. Williams admitted that taking creative risks can be nerve-wracking, unsure how his core fans would respond to something slightly different.
“I can’t go out and do a hip-hop song. They might string me up,” he joked. “I’m kind of more of a melody guy, so if it’s got a great melody, it really grabs me.”
The concept of “Miles on Me” resonated deeply with him. The song’s message about how time and experience leave their mark is something everyone can relate to.
A Music Video with Miles of Meaning
To bring the song to life visually, Williams incorporated a piece of his own history—his old rodeo van. Given the song’s theme, he thought it was only fitting to feature a vehicle that had racked up plenty of miles itself.
Shot as an art piece rather than a traditional narrative video, the nighttime shoot added an edgier feel. Williams even went the extra mile—literally—to sell the aesthetic.
“I smoked a cigarette in it and I don’t really smoke,” he laughed. “I coughed the whole time.”
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A Career on the Rise
Williams’ career continues to gain traction, marked by major milestones, including his induction into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame—the world’s biggest outdoor rodeo.
“We’re lucky to have it in our state. Growing up, Cheyenne was just special,” he said. “My dad won Cheyenne in 1971 in the bronc riding. I was able to ride there and my brothers rode there. As a rodeo family, it was just neat to ride at Cheyenne. And later in life I started playin’ music there.”
The induction placed him alongside legends like George Strait, Garth Brooks, Chris LeDoux, and Reba McEntire.
“It’s cool to be in that same list of people at Cheyenne,” he reflected. He also contributed personal items, including a saddle and guitars, to the museum’s permanent display. “It’s neat that it’ll be there forever.”
What’s Next for Chancey Williams?
Williams has seen major success with his music videos, especially “The Ballad of Uncle Don,” which held the number one spot on CMT’s 12 Pack for multiple weeks. The video, featuring real footage of his uncle’s rodeo days in the 1950s and 60s, was a fan favorite.
“The fan-voted things for us are super special,” Williams said. “We do have the best fans.”
As for a full-length album, Williams is uncertain. With the shift in the industry toward singles, he’s weighing his options. “I don’t think anybody really knows what the magic sauce is,” he admitted.
For now, Williams remains focused on making music that resonates, whether it’s a high-energy rodeo anthem or a thoughtful track like “Miles on Me.” One thing is certain—he’s putting plenty of miles into his journey, and fans are along for the ride.
