Sam Barber And Chance Peña Team Up On Stellar New Song, “Better Than The Floor”

Since breaking out with the viral hit, “Straight and Narrow,” back in 2022, Sam Barber has been one of the premier artists in the ever-growing country-folk scene over the past few years. With one of the most unique, raspy voices in the genre, a knack for penning some moving, self-critical tracks and a style that sounds like a mix between early Zach Bryan and folk bands like The Lumineers, Barber has continued to impress from release to release.

After dropping his debut album, Restless Mind, last year, which contained the certified-platinum smash hit with Avery Anna, “Indigo,” Barber followed that up with another stellar EP earlier in the month, Music for the Soul. Released on August 1st, the EP contained seven songs, including the buzzy, pre-released track, “Man of the Year,” which has already racked up an impressive 27 million streams on Spotify alone.

With the EP dropping just two weeks ago, you’d think that Barber would have taken a break. Yesterday, however, the “Thought of You” singer announced that an additional song was being added to Music for the Soul, featuring none other than folk star, Chance Peña.

Taking to Instagram, Barber said, “Adding another track to the EP with Chance Peña. I’ve been a genuine fan for a long time and it’s an honor to have him on the record.” He’d also share an Instagram DM he sent to Peña back in November, praising him and asking to write together.

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In case you’re unfamiliar with Peña, he’s arguably one of the biggest up-and-coming alternative folk singers out there today. After placing 9th on Season 9 of The Voice back in 2015, the Texas native broke out with viral hits like the certified-gold “i am not who i was” and “In My Room” as well as other stellar tracks from his 2024 debut album, “Is What It Is” and “Montana.” With one of the most distinct, poweful voices in any genre today, Peña has quickly risen the ranks in the alternative folk community and is about to join The Lumineers on their current tour.

As for the song itself, “Better on the Floor” it’s an absolute stunner for the pair. It’s hard to imagine a better pairing of both voices and sonic styles than Barber and Peña, and it’s showcased brilliantly here. Penned by the two, the track takes an interesting look at what can only be described as a codependent relationship between two people who are clearly damaged in their own ways.

“And I believe that you always shelter
And I need saving from the storm
You and me, we weren’t made for each other
That’s just something we’ll ignore”

Joining forces together on the chorus, the pair reinforce this theme of codependency when they sing:

“Maybe someday I’ll bleed on my own
But for now, you’re where I’ll go
I know, I know that you’re better off alone
But for me, your arms are better than the floor”

Overall, “Better on the Floor” is exactly what you’d want from a collaboration between Barber and Peña. From the modern folk production that blends the pair’s styles together to the stellar vocal performances, the track is nothing short of a standout on an already solid EP.

Listen here:

Sam Barber Tour Dates:

August 15 – Forest Grove, OR
August 16 – Eugene, OR
August 18 – Sacramento, CA
August 20 – San Francisco, CA
August 22 – Los Angeles, CA
August 23 – San Diego, CA
August 27 – Flagstaff, AZ
August 28 – Santa Fe, NM
August 29 – Denver, COThe post Sam Barber And Chance Peña Team Up On Stellar New Song, “Better Than The Floor” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.