The Red Dirt Music Journal often receives information about a young performer who is supposed to be the next "really big thing.” Most often, however, let's just say, they fall a bit short of the hype.... that certainly isn't the case this time.

 

Not long ago, we were introduced to a Texas Country singer, songwriter, and guitar player named, Colton O'Neill who is soon to release his debut album. After listening to his music and experiencing his live set, there is no doubt in our opinion, he very well could be … well, you know...the next really....

 

Colton O’Neill is only 22 years old, but if you close your eyes during his performance, you'd never know it. He recently played a venue where the walls were covered by paintings of the great guitar playing legends that have come before him. 

 

As Colton performed, it seemed to us as though he might actually be challenging them all to a 'Devil Goes Down to Georgia', winner-takes-all style guitar dual...and if that was the case, we aren't so sure he didn't actually win.

 

The Colton O’Neill Band looks exactly like what you'd expect a young southern garage band to be: three friends, who between them rustled up just enough gas money to make it to the show. The difference between this band and countless others that look just like it, is O’Neill’s elegantly crafted songs, his soulful vocals, and scorching guitar work. 

 

Unassuming between songs, O’Neill takes complete command of the stage when he begins to perform. When he plays, he and his guitar seem to become one inseparable entity. Vocally, he has a mastery of his instrument and maturity well beyond his limited years.

 

Despite his youth, he banters with the audience like a seasoned veteran. During one lengthy pause, while setting a difficult tuning on his guitar for the next song, he told the audience, “I have been told that Guy Clark always found the one string out of tune and then tuned the other five to that...maybe we should give that a try.”

 

As we watched him perform, we witnessed him transcend to heights very few veteran performers would be capable of reaching. 

 

O’Neill’s talent may be otherworldly, but there's no doubt it's homegrown. “Back in the day, my father was one of the top Texas country guitarists on the circuit” Colton explained after the show. And, although it was just a few short years ago when Colton decided to pickup the guitar, his dad must already be wondering if it is time to pass on the crown.

 

So, what’s next for the electric troubadour? “Well, my dad has tried to convince me to stay in school; but the call of the wild is just too strong...I think it's time to hit the road and see what's waiting for me out there.”

 

No doubt we will hear a lot more about Colton O’Neill in the very near future. At his age, to have that level of preordained talent and an unbridled ambition to explore the undiscovered, he might just be the next... really big thing.