 Chris Johnson & The Hollywood Hillbillies Launch 'Tales From The Cowboy Palace' with first official single “Better Days Ahead” Release date: November 11, 2026 Country rock outfit Chris Johnson & The Hollywood Hillbillies have released “Better Days Ahead,” the first official single from the newly launched Rustbelt Electric record label and creative platform. The track serves as the lead single from the band’s forthcoming album, Tales From The Cowboy Palace, due out November 11, 2026. Blending country rock with unmistakable Southern rock influences, “Better Days Ahead” is an uplifting anthem about resilience, perseverance and the challenges of everyday working-class life. Drawing inspiration from the heartfelt songwriting of artists such as Chris Stapleton, The Eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd, the song combines timeless melodies with honest storytelling and a message of hope for anyone striving for a brighter future. The single captures Chris Johnson & The Hollywood Hillbillies at their most authentic, pairing powerful musicianship with Johnson’s gritty, soulful vocals. It’s a feel-good track that remains grounded in real-life struggles, celebrating determination without losing sight of the band’s roots. A Southern California native, Chris Johnson has spent decades building a reputation as one of the West Coast country rock scene’s most respected performers. Raised in a family of professional musicians, he honed his skills at Hollywood’s renowned Musicians Institute before embarking on a career that has taken him through rock, blues and country. Johnson has fronted a number of successful projects throughout the years, including the nationally touring pop-rock act Rumor Haz-It, before leading The Big Johnson Band and later serving as lead vocalist and co-writer for Blues Train. Along the way, he has shared the stage with acclaimed musicians including Gregg Bissonette, Matt Bissonette, T Lavitz, Mike Thompson and Denny Freeman. Today, Johnson leads The Hollywood Hillbillies, a hard-driving country rock band performing throughout California and Texas. Their upcoming album, Tales From The Cowboy Palace, features guitarist Jordan Ziff (Ratt, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) alongside bassist Federico Delfino, whose credits include Sebastian Bach, Madman Theory and Mercury Riots. Away from performing, Johnson is widely respected as a guitar and studio technician, vintage gear specialist and tone expert. His work has brought him into the orbit of artists such as Rick Rubin, Eddie Van Halen, Warren Haynes, John Fogerty, Steve Stevens, Steve Lukather and Tommy Shaw. Johnson is also the owner of Hollywood Studio Rentals, Drum Paradise Los Angeles, and The Cowboy Palace Saloon, the legendary San Fernando Valley honky-tonk he acquired in 2010. The iconic venue has appeared in numerous films and music videos, including Terminator, La Bamba and Thelma & Louise. The release of “Better Days Ahead” also marks the official launch of Rustbelt Electric, a new label dedicated to rock, blues, glam and hard rock. Inspired by the industrial heritage of America’s Rust Belt, the label embraces the values of hard work, resilience and authenticity, while its “Electric” identity reflects the energy and impact of live music. Rustbelt Electric aims to bridge classic musical traditions with a modern, international vision, offering artist development, production, marketing, distribution and branding services. By signing artists with distinctive voices and long-term creative ambitions, the label hopes to build a catalog rooted in craftsmanship and originality. With Chris Johnson & The Hollywood Hillbillies leading the way, Rustbelt Electric makes a confident debut, championing music built on strong roots, honest songwriting and enduring rock and roll spirit. TALES FROM THE COWBOY PALACETRACKLIST: 1. Six Feet Under 2. Come Back To Me 3. Better Days Ahead 4. Till The End Of Time 5. Make You Mine 6. Live ToRide 7. I Release You 8. Hollywood Angel 9. I Dream Of You 10. By My Side 11. Days Like These CHRIS JOHNSON & THE HOLLYWOOD HILLBILLIESIS: Chris Johnson-Lead and backing Vocals & Guitar Jordan Ziff-Lead Guitar Fede Delfino-Bass Guitar Stephen Haaker-Drums Skip Edwards-Keyboards Miles Napier-Keyboards Aubrey Richmond-Fiddle & backing vocals Randall Hess-Pedal Steel Additional musicians: Kenny Aronoff (John Fogarty, John Mellacamp, Sammy Hagar)-Drums Skip Edwards (Dwight Yoakham, Johnny Rivers, Flying Burritos)-Keyboards Dean Parks,Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, LeAnn Rymes, Clint Black-Guitar CHRIS JOHNSON & THE HOLLYWOOD HILLBILLIESCONTACTS: www.instagram.com/hollywoodhillbilliesband www.facebook.com/HollywoodHillbillies Opmerkingen zijn gesloten.
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