For over two decades, Casey Donahew has remained a steadfast figure in the Texas country music scene, and his enduring appeal boils down to one core element: the song. His dedication to crafting authentic and relatable music has resonated deeply with fans, establishing him as a prominent voice in the genre. From small-town honky-tonks to large music festivals, the power of Casey Donahew Songs to connect with audiences is undeniable.
Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, a city that proudly recognizes his contributions with “Casey Donahew Day” on October 22nd and has embraced his track “Stockyards” as its official song, Donahew’s journey is a testament to genuine artistry. He has cultivated a devoted fanbase by staying true to his musical vision and consistently delivering songs that speak to real-life experiences. This unwavering authenticity is what keeps fans coming back for more, eager to hear the latest chapters in his musical story. His recent album, NEVER NOT LOVE YOU, exemplifies this commitment, offering a rich collection of 17 tracks that delve into the familiar territories of cowboy life, love’s complexities, heartbreak, and the quirks of everyday existence – all meticulously observed and vividly portrayed in his signature songwriting style.
Alt text: Casey Donahew captivating the crowd with a live performance of his country songs.
Lyrics are the cornerstone of Casey Donahew songs. Whether he’s depicting colorful local characters or confronting profound themes like addiction, his storytelling through music is what captivates listeners. Fans at his concerts enthusiastically embrace the spectrum of his repertoire, from the lighthearted narratives of unconventional characters to the poignant explorations of heartbreak and redemption. Donahew’s ability to draw from the highs and lows of real life provides a continuous source of inspiration, allowing his songwriting to mature and deepen over his impressive 22-year career. This journey has solidified his position as a consistent hitmaker, achieving remarkable success on both radio charts and the live performance circuit, with an impressive 27 singles reaching the top of the Texas charts. His finger is firmly on the pulse of what his audience wants, and NEVER NOT LOVE YOU is further evidence of his keen understanding of his fans’ musical tastes.
Donahew personally penned almost three-quarters of the songs on NEVER NOT LOVE YOU, a testament to his preferred solitary writing process. He emphasizes that his approach to songwriting has remained largely consistent throughout his extensive discography, spanning over a dozen albums. “I don’t write with specific themes in mind when I start an album,” Donahew explains, “I simply write what I feel, at my own pace, and I don’t believe in rushing creativity.” He elaborates on his independent creative process, “When I complete a song to my satisfaction, I record it. While I still consider outside songs, I prefer writing alone because it allows me to maintain complete control over my voice and message. My goal is always to create quality songs, whether they are about cowboy life, love, heartbreak, rock and roll, or any emotion in between. Ultimately, it’s about writing good songs.”
Alt text: Casey Donahew meticulously crafting his signature sound during a recording session for his new album songs.
His impressive track record of 27 chart-topping singles in Texas underscores his innate understanding of what constitutes a compelling song for his listeners. For Casey Donahew, the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” holds true. He stays grounded in the sound that his dedicated fans have come to love, although he demonstrates subtle growth and exploration on his latest album, venturing slightly outside his established sonic boundaries in several new tracks. NEVER NOT LOVE YOU highlights his strength in crafting tender love ballads, such as “Hideaway,” which portrays a yearning for refuge in love amidst life’s chaos; “When She Kissed Me,” capturing the exhilarating and vulnerable moment of falling in love; and “Whiskey Talking,” a captivating duet with rising artist Kylie Frey, marking Donahew’s first official duet.
“I believe this is my first true duet,” Donahew acknowledges. “While I’ve had female vocalists on tracks before, this is a genuine duet. Kylie possesses incredible vocal talent, and she’s been a part of our Boots On The Beach festival for several years. We developed a connection, reached out, and she was enthusiastic about collaborating. I always felt ‘Whiskey Talking’ was a special song with powerful lyrics, and after holding onto it for a couple of years, I believe it stands out as one of the album’s most remarkable tracks.”
Donahew’s Boots On The Beach festival has become a highly anticipated event for enthusiasts of authentic Texas music, growing annually since its inception seven years ago. This Cabo San Lucas festival, a brainchild of Donahew and his wife Melinda, showcases top-tier Texas music talent including Josh Abbott, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers, and Pat Green, alongside national acts like Rhett Akins, Chase Rice, Koe Wetzel, and Ella Langley. Spanning three weeks, the festival is a hub of music and entertainment, and naturally, an inspiration for songwriting. “Running Out Of Time,” a collaboration featuring Casey with Texas music peers Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers, and Pat Green, captures the essence of the touring musician’s life and the countless miles traveled performing for enthusiastic crowds, and has already topped the Texas charts.
Alt text: Enthusiastic fans at Casey Donahew’s Boots On The Beach Festival immersed in the vibrant Texas country music atmosphere.
The Boots On The Beach setting has also inspired more introspective, heart-wrenching songs, a thematic area that Donahew seems to find particular resonance in, perhaps even a little too much. “It seems my strengths lie in cowboy songs and also songs of heartbreak and despair. These are probably my more popular songs, and perhaps I feel most at ease writing them… I’m not sure why, maybe I am a tortured soul,” he reflects.
This introspective side is evident in tracks like “Another Beach,” with its poignant farewell message written in the sand as waves crash and a relationship ends; the cleverly crafted “Other Side Of A Love Song”; and the album’s title track, “Never Not Love You,” conveying a sense of unwavering devotion despite potential heartbreak. In classic Donahew style, he injects high-energy fun with tracks like “Chasing A Dream,” reminiscent of 90s country cowboy anthems, and even explores new sonic territory with the rock-infused “Messed Up Alone,” drawing influences from Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
And no Casey Donahew album would be complete without a dose of good-time, redneck humor, akin to the fan-favorite “Double Wide Dream,” exemplified in “Luckiest Guy.” “That song is pure me,” Donahew says about the lighthearted track. “I feel obligated to write one of those songs every so often. I enjoy creating a white trash, redneck anthem… you know, for my people! Everyone loves them, and I find it fun to write these songs, trying to be witty and introduce new twists and turns, always aiming to write them better each time I get into that anthem-style groove. There are only so many ways to express these themes, so creating a fresh story or idea within the trailer park context is always a fun challenge,” he adds with a laugh.
He also pays homage to his loyal cowboy fanbase with the narrative-driven song “Tommy Barrett,” which has already connected with fans, similar to “Josie Escalido” from his ALL NIGHT PARTY album. This track highlights Donahew’s talent for crafting compelling, concise three-minute stories, a form he believes is becoming less common in today’s genre-bending, pop-country landscape.
“’Tommy Barrett’ is probably the most requested and talked-about song since we teased the album,” Donahew shares. “It’s a cowboy story, and I’ve written several, but this one is almost like a ‘Red Headed Stranger’ type of song. In my mind, these songs play out like movies. It’s one of those tracks that resonates deeply with cowboys and the cowboy community. People love and miss these kinds of songs, and there aren’t enough cowboys writing them anymore. So, it feels good to release them and take listeners back to a time when these songs were more prevalent. While there might not be as many people living that lifestyle now, and radio might not play songs like this today, if it had been released in 1975, it would likely have been a No. 1 hit and possibly even made into a movie.”
Indeed, the film and television industry has recognized Donahew’s musical talent. His songs have been featured in the popular “Yellowstone” TV series, as well as Taylor Sheridan’s “Tulsa King,” and the 2022 B.J. Novak/Ashton Kutcher film “Vengeance.” These placements provide additional avenues for the hardworking singer-songwriter, who continues to tour extensively, performing to sold-out venues. After more than 20 years in the music industry, Donahew emphasizes that his enduring success is rooted in the same principles that launched his career: hard work and dedication to his craft.
“I believe my songwriting has evolved subtly over time,” he reflects. “I put more thought into it now, which can sometimes be a double-edged sword… I’ve discussed this with other artists. Sometimes I think I overthink things, and I have to remind myself that it’s okay to be simple sometimes and release something purely fun—to not overcomplicate it. There are tracks on this album that are a bit outside my usual style, and I simply wrote a couple of songs that had a different feel, perhaps influenced by life or my current listening habits. But overall, I think you naturally improve with time. If you dedicate 20 years to anything, you should hopefully get better at it… otherwise, I’m not sure what I’m doing with my time,” Donahew concludes with a laugh. And with each new release, Casey Donahew songs continue to prove that his dedication to the craft of songwriting remains as strong and authentic as ever.
