From Popcorn Bags to Music Row: Will Carter Band Finds Their Rhythm on “Tracks Run Through My Heart”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
There’s a specific kind of magic that happens in the dusty backstage corners of Texas dance halls. It’s the kind of spontaneous combustion that turns a casual acoustic riff into a career-defining single. For the Will Carter Band, that lightning struck in Hondo, Texas, and the result is their latest release, “Tracks Run Through My Heart” (out February 27, 2026).
It’s a song that feels as lived-in as a pair of old boots, yet it carries a freshness that marks a pivotal moment for one of the hardest-working acts in the Lone Star State.
The Artist: Texas Mainstays with Nashville Muscle
Before diving into the single, it’s worth noting who we’re dealing with. The Will Carter Band isn’t just another name on a Friday night marquee; they are a polished, high-energy outfit with a serious pedigree.
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Award-Winning Pedigree: Will Carter himself has scooped up four consecutive nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
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A Proven Track Record: With over a dozen singles charting on Texas radio and three crossing over to Nashville’s Music Row Chart, the band bridges the gap between regional authenticity and national appeal.
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Live Legends: Having shared stages with titans like Wade Bowen, Cody Canada, and the Eli Young Band, their reputation for tight vocal harmonies and a “leave-it-all-on-stage” presence is well-earned.
The Story: A 45-Minute Miracle
Most songwriters labor over every syllable, but “Tracks Run Through My Heart” was born from pure instinct. While warming up backstage in Hondo, Carter began strumming a riff that caught the ear of his bandmate, Bino. In a scene that feels like something out of a music biopic, Bino grabbed Dillan off the tour bus, and the trio hammered out the structure on the spot.
Interestingly, this flipped Carter’s usual script. While he typically starts with a lyrical concept, the music took the lead here. Inspired by a phantom drum shuffle, the group leaned into the imagery of trains and travel.
The Fun Part: On the drive home that night, the band recorded a rough demo where Jacob provided the shuffle rhythm by tapping on a giant bag of popcorn. It’s that kind of DIY spirit that preserves the “soul” of a song before it ever hits the studio.
The Review: Steadfast Love at Full Steam
At its core, “Tracks Run Through My Heart” is a mid-tempo masterclass in the “traveling song” subgenre. It captures the heavy-hearted reality of life on the road, but instead of focusing on the loneliness, it centers on unwavering devotion.
The song serves as a lyrical lighthouse for someone whose journey has taken them far away. It’s a reminder that distance is just a measurement, not a barrier. The vocal harmonies—a signature of the band—are particularly lush here, mimicking the steady, rhythmic pulse of a locomotive. The production feels organic, honoring that initial acoustic spark in Hondo while polishing it for the airwaves.
Final Verdict
This single is the perfect appetizer for the band’s forthcoming self-titled album, slated for release on March 27, 2026. It showcases a band that is comfortable in its skin but still willing to let the “music come first.”
If “Tracks Run Through My Heart” is any indication, the Will Carter Band is about to have a very big year. It’s a song for the travelers, the stay-at-homes, and anyone who knows that the best roads always lead back to the people we love.