We've written about Matt before, he's a roots and indie country artist based in Texas who came into the business through a chance meeting with a production assistant that happened to be working near his small home town, in support of an Aerosmith show. Now, so many years later, with a fine career under his belt, to say that it happened by chance seems to miss the point. McNeal is in full command of his talents, choosing to record this track live, as that organic presence is both inviting and effortless.

On latest track "Dropped the Ball," Matthew McNeal shows us the kind of heartfelt melody that originally drew him to the genre, coupled with a classic mix of road-weariness and personal nostalgia. The result is a natural showcase of solid writing skills and smart instrumentation. With an acoustic guitar, a banjo, some pedal steel, and a really solid rhythm section, McNeal drops us a dusty postcard from some beautiful and barren place that lives in his mind.

Featuring City & Colour's Matt Kelly on pedal steel, this song was recorded straight to tape in one take.

Visit Matthew McNeal on Instagram.