‘Catch of the Day’ – Brian Collins – “Healing Highway” [VIDEO]

Today's Unsigned/Indy Artist Thursday falls for a rare second time on an artist from Georgia, becoming the first time we have featured an unsigned or Indy artist for a return trip. And the only reason we are, is that for the life of me, I can't figure out how this guy hasn't been signed by a major record label.

Humbled by the modest upbringing of the son of a pair of truck drivers, Brian Collins grew up in western Georgia, awash in a mix of country, southern rock and country soul that shines through in every corner of his career. Whether it be as a writer, performer, producer, engineer or graphic artist, the hardworking, blue collar ethic he was raised with comes to the forefront every time.

With the 2014 release of his debut album Healing Highway, garnering him international attention, including being named a CMT Discovery Artist, while his video for "Never Really Left" spent 7 weeks on the cable channel's Pure 12-Pack Countdown. Music Row magazine awarded him their Discovery award leading to performances on ABC and Fox-tv.

Often called a cross between the Eli Young Band, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger, Collins brings a uniqueness to his music that can be attributed to a soulful voice, honest, heartfelt lyrics and an understanding of what makes the music work for many different vantage points. He draws on personal experience, such as the passing of his sister Karen from Leukemia, to write songs that come from a place inside him that few can. To honor his sister, Brian used his creative and artistic ability to heal the wounds of his family’s tragedy through a song he co-wrote with close friend and Zac Brown Band bass player, John Driskell Hopkins, titled “She Will Ride.” The song became an anthem for those battling Leukemia and launched the She Will Ride foundation, whose goal is to find a cure.

Collins' hard work has begun to pay off. He has opened for country acts such as James Otto, Alabama, Love & Theft and the Zac Brown Band, as well as sharing the stage with artists from all genres such as the Georgia Satellites, the Smithereens, Barenaked Ladies and Kiss. He founded Blue Light Entertainment in 2013 for booking and publishing his songs as well as other artists. He also runs his own studio, Blue Light Studio, where he has worked with artists from across the musical spectrum. But now Collins is ready to concentrate on his own music.

The third single and title track from that 2014 debut album is in our spotlight today. Brian Collins and "Healing Highway" is our Unsigned/Indy Artist Thursday Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you'll want to hear it again.