Wisdom in the Waiting: Wes McClelland Returns with the Soul-Stirring “What I Know Now”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In an industry often obsessed with the “overnight success” of twenty-somethings, there is something profoundly refreshing—and arguably more authentic—about an artist who waits until they actually have something to say.
Enter Wes McClelland. After a quarter-century hiatus spent building a successful career in advertising, the Sugar Land, Texas-based singer-songwriter is returning to his first love. His debut single, “What I Know Now,” isn’t just a song; it’s a masterclass in the “Modern Traditionalist” sound, bridging the gap between the golden era of country storytelling and the polished production of 2026.
The Track: A 25-Year Journey in Three Minutes
Recorded at the legendary Dark Horse Recording in Franklin, Tennessee, “What I Know Now” carries the weight of a life lived. It serves as a reflective anthem, exploring the hard-won wisdom gained through a lifetime of family, faith, and the eventual, inevitable pull of one’s true calling.
Musically, McClelland leans into his influences—think the steady, reliable baritone of George Strait mixed with the grit of Johnny Cash and the melodic sensibility of Randy Travis. The production is clean and contemporary, but the heart of the track is unmistakably traditional. It’s the kind of music that feels as comfortable on a Texas dance floor as it does on a modern streaming playlist.
“His music excites me and reminds me how lucky we are to get to work with such talented people,” says Matt Bjorke of PLA Media. It’s easy to see why. There is a “soul-stirring” quality to McClelland’s delivery that only comes from someone who has navigated the peaks and valleys of life away from the spotlight.
About the Artist: From Ad-Man to Country Man
Wes McClelland’s story is one of the most compelling narratives in country music this year. Hailing from Sugar Land, Texas, McClelland walked away from the microphone 25 years ago. While he found success in the corporate world, the echoes of Elvis and the outlaws never quite left him.
Now, backed by the powerhouse PR firm PLA Media (led by industry icon Pam Lewis), McClelland is positioning himself as a voice for those who value substance over spectacle.
The McClelland Profile:
-
Hometown: Sugar Land, Texas
-
Sound: Modern Traditionalist
-
Influences: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, George Strait, Randy Travis
-
Label/PR: PLA Media (Nashville, TN)
Release Timeline & What’s Next
The rollout for “What I Know Now” is strategically designed to build momentum for McClelland’s upcoming full album project.
The Verdict
“What I Know Now” is a rare find in today’s landscape—a song that feels both nostalgic and necessary. McClelland proves that a 25-year “intermission” wasn’t a delay; it was a preparation. By the time the final chord fades, you aren’t just listening to a singer; you’re listening to a man who has finally found his way back home.
If this single is any indication of what’s to come on his full-length project, the “Modern Traditionalist” movement just found its new MVP.