Emerging Singer Songwriter Charlie McNeal Releases “Belly Up”

EMERGING SINGER-SONGWRITER & COUNTRY MUSIC 

ENTERTAINER CHARLIE McNEAL RELEASES "BELLY UP" 

Friday Night Go-To Anthem

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Emerging country neo-traditionalist Charlie McNeal (Charlie McNeal Music, LLC) celebrates the release of his new single, “Belly Up."* The cheerful tune, with nuances of "I Love This Bar," "'I Think I'll Just Sit Here And Drink" and "Cold One," is available HERE (preferred music platform) or listen below:

TRACK INFO

Written By Charlie McNeal/Mike Todd

Produced By We The People Productions (Jason Wyatt)

Digital Retail & Streaming Distribution: May 30, 2025

Distribution: Ed Gertler/Digital Retail Services

Run Time: 2:31

If You Like: Hank Williams/Joe Diffie/Brooks & Dunn/Alan Jackson/Roger Miller

Penned by the young California country boy alongside Mike Todd, and produced by We The People Productions (Jason Wyatt), the light-hearted tune is a Friday night go-to anthem. Seeking refuge at a local watering hole, with every intent to drink cares away, the fun-loving, tongue-in-cheek storyline serves good reason to "belly-up" to the bar. 

Plunking piano sets the pace for the old-timey, saloon-style honky-tonker; pedal steel and twangy guitar exchanges open the floor in Texas Swing style. The spirited melody, bubbly vocals and "Chug-a-Lug" lyrics sway the listener to make no mind the ditty is a sad country song–appropriately influenced by a booze-induced hiccup at closing time.

"'The idea came from my buddy, whose only mission was to go out and drink," said Charlie McNeal now a Nashville resident and member of the Music Row songwriting community. "I took the idea to one of my favorite writers in town, Mike Todd, and we channelled a little Roger Miller, and a lot of Merle Haggard into this fun song!"  

The new single, "Belly Up," is the second track from McNeal's new, and third, recording project SONGS FROM THE BAR (anticipated in mid-September) and continues the thematic momentum of the lead single, "Bar Friend," showcasing the young country buck's knack to deliver a good-timin' dance hall tune.

ABOUT CHARLIE McNEAL

Melding the pleasure of good times, good clean fun, and a good day's work, young country crooner, Charlie McNeal, is a modern-day "Good-time Charlie" of the 21st Century and today's country music. 

Taking a point from 80s and 90s country music traditionalists (George Strait, Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence), infusing story-driven lyrics (with admiration of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings' song craftsmanship), and the witty comedic relief of Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton, McNeal is reshaping the country music landscape one honkytonk tune a time. 

Characterized by his refreshing neo-traditional style, crystal clear vocals, charming "boy-next-door" smile and down-to-earth style, the 24-year-old entertainer has a natural ability to transport his listeners to the juke joint where beer flows and the party rolls. 

Boasting steel guitar, half-time and two-step shuffle beats, Charlie's music is the soundtrack to a good night on the town and the "morning after."  With a setlist that includes originals and dance hall favorites, like "Drinking My Baby Goodbye" (Charlie Daniels), "All My Exes Live In Texas" (George Strait), "Ain't Livin' Long Like This," (Waylon Jennings) and "The Race Is On" (George Jones), Charlie's live performance runs with the big dogs prompting boot scooters to the dance floor, and hoot and holler shout-outs to "play one more."

Living life without "what ifs," the homegrown California country boy (who grew up not far from the birthplace of Merle Haggard) possesses a "can-do" gumption that has earned him notable achievements early in his career. Charlie's shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Rodney Atkins, Jo Dee Messina, Randall King and The Randy Rogers Band among others. He's performed on stages at Coyote Country Store, The Wide Open Saloon, AJ's in Nashville, the PBR in Louisville, KY and he sang the national anthem at the PBR Bull Riding Event at the Honda Center in Anaheim California. Charlie booked and produced his own "Traveling Songwriters Tour." The six-week tour took him cross-country from New Jersey to California and back; he performed 20 consecutive shows.

Charlie's recorded two albums, REMEMBER THE TIME and RUNAWAY TRAIN. He will release his next album, SONGS FROM THE BAR featuring 11 original tunes, in September 2025.

CONNECT with Charlie McNeal: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM