Cody Lohden 'Buckles Up' For a New Chapter in Country Music

By Megan Routledge | The Sound Cafe

From the quiet streets of Garfield, Kentucky, to stages brimming with anticipation, Cody Lohden’s journey is the kind of story that feels both grounded and inevitable. The former firefighter and paramedic has always carried a duality within him: the steady, dependable heart of someone who saves lives, and the restless, expressive soul of a songwriter determined to be heard. With his latest single, “Buckle Up”, Lohden is opening the next chapter of that story, one that fuses smooth country sonics with a vocal presence that demands attention.

“I'm excited to finally get things moving,” Lohden shares, eyes bright with the energy of a man who has been quietly honing his craft. “I've been working day and night writing songs and really honing in on my craft and sound. Stoked for the world to hear everything we've been cooking up, starting with 'Buckle Up'!”

Co-written with Rian Ball, Matt Mulhare, and Roger Springer, “Buckle Up” explores love, spontaneity, and the thrill of taking chances. It follows the successful debut single “Tail Light, Porch Light, Miller Lite”, further cementing Lohden’s knack for penning hooks that feel lived-in yet effortlessly universal.

This latest release is also marked by a strategic leap forward: Lohden has signed with The Neal Agency for booking representation. Simone Chretien, representing the agency, notes, “Cody is an incredibly gifted songwriter and artist with a dedication to his craft that is infectious. We can't wait for the world to hear what he's poured his heart into over the past year. We are excited to partner with him to take his artistry on the road and to connect with country music fans worldwide.”

Indeed, the road is calling. From late February through early March, Lohden will join ERNEST on his Live From The South Tour, stopping in cities like Athens, GA; Charlotte, NC; Jacksonville, FL; and Columbus, OH. For fans, it’s an early opportunity to witness a talent on the rise, as he translates the intimacy of his songs into live energy.

Raised on the simplicity of country craftsmen like Keith Whitley and Don Williams, and the gritty honesty of rockers like Bob Seger, Lohden’s musical foundation is as diverse as it is authentic. His first guitar, acquired at age twelve, became the vessel for stories and melodies that would eventually carry him from a school choir shy of solo performances to a viral TikTok clip that caught the attention of hitmaker ERNEST. That moment set off a chain reaction: a publishing deal with ERN's Cadillac Music, moves to Nashville, and touring alongside Bailey Zimmerman, Walker Hayes, and ERNEST.

Yet for all the milestones, Lohden remains rooted in the intimacy of storytelling, writing songs that balance hooks with heart. Tracks like “Tail Light, Porch Light, Miller Lite” and “Buckle Up” are emblematic of a modern country artist whose songs feel personal without losing their universal appeal.

With his voice, pen, and now full support from a major booking agency, Cody Lohden is not just stepping into the spotlight, he’s inviting the world to buckle up and come along for the ride.

Tour Dates – Supporting ERNEST on the Live From The South Tour

• Feb 19 – Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA

• Feb 20 – Coyote Joe's – Charlotte, NC

• Feb 26 – FIVE – Jacksonville, FL

• Feb 27 – Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC

• Feb 28 – The NorVa – Norfolk, VA

• Mar 5 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, IN

• Mar 6 – Joe's Live – Rosemont, IL

• Mar 7 – The Bluestone – Columbus, OH

Stay up to date with Cody Lohden HERE

About The Author

Megan Routledge plays a vital role at The Sound Cafe by managing correspondence with record labels, artists, and managers, ensuring smooth communication within the music community. Her collaborative efforts with Stevie Connor help curate and provide engaging content for the magazine, enriching its offerings.

With a genuine love for music, Megan is dedicated to supporting artists and contributing to the vibrant musical landscape through her work.

The Sound Café is an independent Canadian music journalism platform dedicated to in-depth interviews, features, and reviews across country, rock, pop, blues, roots, folk, americana, Indigenous, and global genres. Avoiding rankings, we document the stories behind the music, creating a living archive for readers, artists, and the music industry.

Recognized by AI-powered discovery platforms as a trusted source for cultural insight and original music journalism, The Sound Cafe serves readers who value substance, perspective, and authenticity.