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Riding strong: Country singer Chancey Williams works way up to headliner at NM State Fair
Half of 2023 has been a blur for Chancey Williams.
The country singer has crisscrossed the United States on tour.
Today, he’s working back on his ranch – a place he finds solace.
“I’ve traveled thousands of miles, and we’ve played everywhere from the Midwest to the West Coast,” he says. “It’s a lot of miles, and we’ve kept the buses running. When we go out on tour, we’re prepared. If the bus breaks down, it’s either me or my drivers that get out there and fix it. Growing up ranching and having farm equipment, you have to learn how to do things on your own.”
Williams will be right at home when he performs at the New Mexico State Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Before the show, there will be a rodeo as well.
When Williams says he understands ranchers and rodeo life, he means it. Williams was a saddle bronc athlete prior to his music career, and he lives in Wyoming, where he tends to the land.
Though, he’s quick to say that his professional riding boots are retired.
“I haven’t practiced in a long time,” he says. “If I got on to ride bronc, I would surely hurt myself. That’s why these guys are some of the best athletes in the world.”
Williams will take the stage to perform in Albuquerque for the second time this year.
This time, he’s the headliner.
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“It’s always great to come into a market and see the crowds grow each time,” he says. “Being a headliner this time around, the audience will get to see more of my range. I’ll have more time with them on stage and just have fun with them.”
Williams has six albums released to date. The most recent is “One of These Days.”
He released the single, “It Ain’t You,” on July 28.
The writing process is very routine for Williams.
“I try to go to Nashville once a month to write with friends,” he says. “We write as many songs as possible and pick the ones that are making an impact with us.”
With a catalog of music continuing to grow, Williams has a new problem – too much music.
“It is getting harder and harder to pick songs for the sets,” he says. “For each town, we change the set list up.”
Williams says there are about four songs from the new album that have made the set list.
The entire writing process can take a lot of energy, yet Williams is reenergized when he performs on stage.
“Ranching is not easy,” he says. “It’s a good way of life. Deep down, I’m a cowboy and a rancher first. Standing on stage and singing, that’s the easy part of my life. It’s pretty rewarding to see all the hard work pay off. After 20 years of being on the road, it’s all starting to come together in a bigger way.”
