Breakout Americana star Charles Wesley Godwin has announced his next major release—and it’s a big one. During a packed set at the Palomino Stage at Stagecoach Festival, Godwin revealed that his new single ‘Better That Way' will feature Luke Combs and arrive on May 15 via Big Loud Records.
The announcement came as part of an explosive performance that showcased both Godwin’s rising stature and his ability to command a festival crowd. Playing to a full tent, he also used the moment to hint at a forthcoming new album—his first full-length project since 2023’s ‘Family Ties.'
‘Better That Way' is shaping up to be a major moment in Godwin’s career. Pairing his Appalachian-rooted storytelling with Combs’ arena-sized presence, the collaboration signals a meeting point between two of country and Americana’s most compelling voices—one firmly established at the top, the other rapidly climbing toward it.
Godwin’s Stagecoach set further underlined his growing influence. He welcomed Wyatt Flores to the stage for a performance of the new track ‘Hey There, Son,' while Willow Avalon joined him on fan favourite ‘Temporary Town,' giving the crowd multiple standout moments throughout the set.
Despite it being over two years since his last studio album, Godwin has hardly slowed down. In early 2025, he released the ‘Lonely Mountain Town' EP, which included collaborations with ERNEST and Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers—a nod to his musical influences. Later that year, he followed it up with ‘Live From The Steel City,' a 23-track live album capturing the energy of a sold-out show in Pittsburgh.
On the road, Godwin and his band, the Allegheny High, have built a reputation as one of the most compelling live acts in the genre. A busy 2025 saw them tour Europe and the UK, open for Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan on the Outlaw Music Festival, and join Eric Church on his Free The Machine arena tour. They also achieved a major milestone with a sold-out headline debut at Red Rocks.
With ‘Better That Way' on the horizon, a new album teased, and more tour dates expected soon, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Charles Wesley Godwin. He’s also set to make his debut at CMA Fest in June, followed by an appearance at Under the Big Sky festival in July—further cementing his place among country’s most exciting and fast-rising artists.
