American Idol alum Dillon James drops his long-awaited debut single, “Walking Man.”
California-born singer-songwriter Dillon James announced a label deal with 19 Recordings and UMG Nashville shortly after his American Idol season ended in 2020.
It’s been three years, but finally the country singer has released a new track, “Walking Man.” And no, the label didn’t drop him. It really took three years for his debut track to be released. Dillon signed the record deal so long ago, that the Disney label, Buena Vista is still a partner in the endeavor! Starting with season 19 in 2021, BMG became American Idol’s main label partner, and Idol contestants have been releasing music under their imprints ever since.
Listen to the autobiographical “Walking Man”
Written by Dillon with Paul Sikes and Paul Wrock, “Walking Man” is produced by Paul DiGiovanni and Sikes. It’s an autobiographical introduction to a soul-stirring talent set to weave his hard-fought footprints through Nashville and beyond, according to UMG’s official press release.
Have you ever been a mile past goin’ gets tough
Six feet under but you push dirt up
Till sun breaks through
Gets you back up kickin’
From a dead man walking to a
Walking man livin’
“Walking Man” is the first look at new music from Dillon since signing to Buena Vista Records/UMG Nashville/19 Recordings. He is managed by The Core Entertainment.
“Dillon is going to leave an indelible fingerprint on country music,” shares UMG Nashville Chair & CEO, Cindy Mabe. “His purpose and vision is to share his fiery lyrics and his raw gritty sound infused with his life’s journey with the world, bringing in his story of loss, hope, faith and redemption to country music. I’m so proud to add Dillon to our UMGN family.”
Dillon shared his turbulent backstory on American Idol in 2020
On American Idol, Dillon shared his turbulent backstory while impressing the judges with covers by Bob Dylan and Ray LaMontagne. After working as an actor in Los Angeles, he fell down a rabbit hole of alcohol and drugs. He moved back in with his family in Bakersfield, California and began a two year process of getting sober before auditioning for American Idol.
Since then, the singer has dropped a bunch of demos on his social media accounts, as well as sharing his journey to finding God.
Dillon has been performing his soon-to-be-released music on the road with tour dates across the country this year.
