ACM Guitarist of the Year Rob McNelley Talks Collaborating with Icons and His Solo Career

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Rob McNelley, the acclaimed Nashville guitarist known for his work with legends like Bob Seger, Dolly Parton, and Luke Combs, has just released his latest single, “The Other Side.” This slow-burning track, anchored by a gritty bass line and showcasing McNelley’s signature guitar mastery, is the newest in a series of Americana-infused singles he's been releasing throughout the year. “The Other Side” follows his previous releases, “Circus Is Leaving Town” and “Right Back To You,” each highlighting the range and depth of his songwriting and musicianship.

“The Other Side” is a reflection on seeing things from a different perspective and opening yourself up to new possibilities," McNelley explains. "It’s about accepting that you might be wrong about long-held beliefs—and being okay with that. The song is about evolving in your thinking and setting aside ego to truly understand another point of view. Plus, it brings a stronger focus on the guitar work that I love to do."

McNelley’s career is defined by his dedication to finely crafted songs, making him one of the most in-demand guitarists in country music. Renowned for his distinctive tone, feel, and melodic sensibility, he has contributed to numerous chart-topping hits and has earned multiple ACM “Guitar Player of The Year” awards and CMA “Musician of The Year” nominations. His playing spans albums by a diverse range of iconic artists, including Lainey Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams, Jr., Lady A, Joe Bonamassa, Buddy Guy, and Delbert McClinton.

As a solo artist, McNelley draws on his extensive experience to create rootsy, denim-clad rock, blending the concise storytelling of country, the urgency of blues, and the anthemic hooks of ’70s and ’80s rock. His previous single, “Right Back To You,” demonstrated his ability to fuse Americana and pop-rock, featuring his soulfully expressive vocals and expert guitar playing. Produced with Justin Francis and multi-instrumentalist Russ Pahl, the song struck a chord with listeners, offering a fresh yet nostalgic sound that balances modern production with classic rock grit. The follow-up single, “Circus Is Leaving Town,” further expanded McNelley’s artistic palette with its driving acoustic guitar, evocative Hammond organ, and lyrics exploring themes of manipulation and deceit. “The Other Side” continues this journey with a more introspective take, blending McNelley’s thought-provoking lyrics with a focus on personal growth.

As he rolls out new singles throughout 2024, McNelley is building anticipation for an upcoming EP set for release later this year. Balancing his roles as both a world-class sideman and a solo artist, he continues to perform regionally, sharing his unique musical voice with an ever-growing audience. Reflecting on his career, McNelley says, “I’ve been lucky to play with artists who’ve written songs that are like Mount Rushmore. Every time I play one of their tracks, I ask myself, ‘How do I write a song that good?!’ That’s what keeps me inspired.”
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