Kashus Culpepper Gives Fans One Final Preview Of Upcoming Debut Album With Heartfelt New Single, “Cherry Rose”

Never fails to impress.

Without a doubt, the alternative country scene is the most exciting it’s ever been. You truly don’t have to look far to find someone to latch on to. From the folk stylings of Zach Bryan and Dylan Gossett, to the southern rock-inspired sound from Whiskey Myers and The Red Clay Strays, to the heavy grunge influences on Treaty Oak Revival and Koe Wetzel, there’s a lot to love lately.

With that being said, however, one of the most underrated and talented artists in the new batch of young stars is none other than Kashus Culpepper.

Since breaking out upon the release of his debut single, “After Me?,” back in June of 2024. Culpepper has been one of the hottest young stars in the alt. country scene. Mixing in a beautiful blend of country, blues and soul, the Navy veteran has already flexed his versatility, collaborating with the likes of Marcus King on the rockin’ “Southern Man,” Chase Rice on his track from ELDORA, “Tall Grass,” and 4x Grammy-winner, Sierra Ferrell on the tender, Willie Nelson-inspired “Broken Wing Bird” back in June.

And, of course, he’s backed that up with a plethora of stellar solo releases over the past year, including the likes of “Who Hurt You,” “Jenni” and his cover of Tom Jones’ “Sexbomb” for the soundtrack of the Netflix film, The Wrong Paris.

Signing with Big Loud Records and joining the likes of Charles Wesley Godwin, Morgan Wallen, Gavin Adcock, Dylan Gossett, ERNEST and more, it feels as if the “Jenni” singer is on the verge of breaking out in a big way. And it looks like that day may be coming incredibly soon.

After releasing the stellar, “Mean to Me,” back on October 24th, Culpepper turned heads by announcing that his highly-anticipated debut album, Act I, will be releasing on Friday, January 23rd, featuring 18 tracks such as the aforementioned collaborations with Ferrell and King, “Broken Wing Bird” and “Southern Man” as well as “After Me?”

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Discussing the album in his Instagram caption, Culpepper noted that Act I has a little bit of everything in it, focusing on the wide range of emotions captured throughout. He’d also hope that listeners find a piece of themselves in the record.

“This record has so many emotions in it. Love. Heartbreak. Joy. Anger. Hope. Everything that makes us human. It’s been a journey creating these songs. At times it even feels like a movie, looking back on the moments that shaped it.  Lord knows I’m grateful for every moment. I hope you can find a piece of yourself in these songs, and in this album.”

With Act I due in just two weeks, you would have assumed that Culpepper would have closed the door on releases leading up to the record. However, on Tuesday, he announced that he was giving fans one final preview of the project with one last single, “Cherry Rose,” which was released today.

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Right off the bat, “Cherry Rose” once again proves how versatile an artist Culpepper is. Coming right off the heels of his most recent release, the sultry “In Her Eyes” that evolves into quite the rocking track in the back-half, “Cherry Rose” strips it all the way back with a jazzy, piano-led ballad.

At its core, the track is a fairly straightforward love song, penned by Culpepper himself along with Brian Elmquist and Mikky Ekko. With that being said, the beautiful piano and the inclusion of a string section, a new addition in the Alabama native’s discography. elevate the song tenfold. And it should go without saying that his soulful vocals simply feel like butter on this song.

I’d argue this is the best Culpepper has ever sounded in his early career. In particular, he hits some truly impressive high notes in the chorus when he sings:

“Cherry Rose
I know you get caught up
Twirlin’ around in circles
Spinnin’ moonlight into gold
Cherry Rose
It’s midnight in your garden
When all the rest have fallen
Tell me who you got to hold
‘Cause it goes on and on and on and on
Cherry Rose”

Ultimately, “Cherry Rose” is yet another stunner from Culpepper. If there’s one thing that’s certain about his discography, you’re not going to hear the same song twice. That’s accomplished once again here, following the rockin’ “In Her Eyes” with today’s tender ballad. Given both the quality and diversity of all the pre-released tracks, Act I is shaping out to be one of the most exciting album releases heading into the new year. I can confidently say that you will not want to miss this one when it releases on January 23rd.

Act I Tracklist

1. “Intro”
2. “Southern Man” feat. Marcus King
3. “Alabama Beauty Queen”
4. “Woman”
5. “Break Like Me”
6. “Believe”
7. “Stay”
8. “Mean To Me”
9. “Broken Wing Bird” w/ Sierra Fierra
10. “Better Weather”
11. “That’s The Feeling”
12. “Man Of His Word”
13. “In Her Eyes”
14. “Is It True”
15. “After Me?”
16. “Out Of My Mind”
17. “House On A Hill”
18. “Cherry Rose”

“Cherry Rose”

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