[Cover photo credit to David McClister]

Singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and Appalachian storyteller Colby T. Helms has announced his sophomore album, One For The Losers, out October 23rd, 2026, via Photo Finish Records. Rooted in traditions of Folk, Bluegrass, and old-time Appalachian music, the album expands Helms reach as a storyteller.

Where his debut album chronicled his own experiences growing up in the Blue Ridge foothills of Southwest Virginia, this new collection “shines a light on the overlooked, misunderstood, and often forgotten about people whose stories rarely make headlines.”

Helms has also shared a Wes Anderson-like music video for the first single, “Clouds,” to accompany the announcement. “Clouds” is a song about “disillusionment, the emotional weight that hangs over us, and watching life turn out in a way least expected.”

Helms says about the track:

Clouds is an anthem for the people who feel like nothing ever goes right. Life beats you down and you wonder if things will ever get better. Luckily this song is there for them to ease the pain. Fans have been begging for over 3 years for me to release this and I’m so happy that it’s finally out there in the cosmos! It sets the theme for my upcoming sophomore album, which delves into even more complex stories, themes, and characters.

Largely recorded in Nashville with producer David “Ferg” Ferguson, One For The Losers includes electric full-band performances and stripped-back recordings.

Ferguson says of the recording experience:

Working with Colby was a pleasure, we became fast friends. He’s a great artist, and I’m very proud to have been a part of his record. He’s very driven, focused, and professional; that’s the most you can hope for in this business. With no doubt, he has a long, successful career in his future, and it’s guys like him that make me enjoy the job.

One for the Losers is “an album about empathy.” Helms offers a “portrait of Appalachia”, but also “reminds listeners that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.”

Tour Dates

Fri, Jul 3 – Berwyn, IL – American Music Festival 2026

Sat, Jul 4 – Belleville, WI – Seven Acre Dairy Company

Sat, Jul 11 – Roanoke, VA – 5PTS Outdoors at The Dog Bowl

Tue, Jul 14 – Roanoke, VA – Martin’s

Fri, Sep 4 – Snowshoe, WV – Ballhooter Festival 2026

Sat, Sep 5 – Fayetteville, WV – The Outpost New River Gorge