Article Contributed by Missing Piece Group
Published on 2026-10-25
Singer-songwriter Colby T. Helms releases his latest album, One for the Losers, a deeply personal collection that shines a light on the underrepresented people of Appalachia and the realities of a region often defined by circumstances beyond its residents’ control. Alongside the album, Helms shares the official music video for focus track “Welcome to the Freak Show,” an anthem celebrating the devoted fans and outsiders who have found community through his music.
Listen to One for the Losers here.
Throughout One for the Losers, Helms draws attention to the people whose stories are too often overlooked, confronting the social and generational barriers that can limit opportunity while offering a message of perseverance to those navigating them. Grounded in his Appalachian roots, the album serves as both a tribute to the people who shaped him and an acknowledgment of those still searching for a way forward. At its core, the project is a reminder that feeling like an outsider does not mean having to face the world alone.
“‘One for the Losers’ sheds light on the underrepresented people of Appalachia,” said Helms. “It’s an album that honors those who never got the chance to spread their wings and fly. Few ever break free from the social constructs of Appalachia, and many never escape its vicious cycle. My hope is that this album inspires young people who feel alone or unheard to believe that, even in this cruel world, there is still hope.”
The album’s focus track, “Welcome to the Freak Show,” brings that sentiment into sharp focus, embracing the individuality and shared experiences that unite Helms’ listeners.
“‘Welcome to the Freak Show’ is an anthem for all of my superfans,” Helms explains. “My music brings people together from all walks of life, and ‘Freak Show’ is an affirmation of the roots of my music and the direction it’s headed.”
Raised in the Blue Ridge foothills of Southwest Virginia, Helms began writing songs as a teenager, drawing inspiration from the people, places, and hardships that shaped his Appalachian upbringing. While his debut album focused largely on his own experiences, One for the Losers widens the lens, spotlighting the misunderstood characters he has encountered throughout his life—from struggling friends and fallen mentors to immigrants, moonshiners, and working-class Virginians searching for a place in an ever-changing world. Across twelve tracks, Helms explores themes of loss, resilience, addiction, identity, and survival. The title track was inspired by a childhood friend whose battle with alcohol ended in tragedy, while songs like “Young and Dumb” and “Deadhead on the Weekend” examine addiction and self-destruction with honesty and compassion. Elsewhere, “Armed and Dangerous” tells the story of a man who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border as a child in search of a better life, and “Ballad of the Bondurant Boys” draws from Virginia’s moonshine history to explore power, injustice, and perseverance.
Though still in his early twenties, Helms has emerged as one of roots music's most authentic young voices, carrying forward a tradition that stretches back generations. Raised among the culture and communities he writes about, his songs serve as both preservation and progression, honoring the stories, sounds, and spirit of Appalachia while introducing them to a new audience.
Helms is currently on the road headlining a fall tour and will be making his Mountain Stage debut in December. For more information and tickets, visit colbyhelms.com.
One for the Losers Tracklist
Greetings
Welcome To The Freak Show
Voice Is Shot
Fool’s Gold
Clouds
Deadhead on the Weekend
Armed and Dangerous
Ballad of the Bondurant Boys
Young and Dumb
One For The Losers
Fireside Love
Salutations
Upcoming Tour Dates
November 4 — Morgantown, WV — The Encore
November 5 — Pittsburgh, PA — Club Cafe
November 6 — Cumberland, MD — Loft 129
November 8 — Coeburn, VA — Wandering Hills Music Festival
November 9 — Lexington, KY — WoodSongs @ Scottish Rite Concert Hall
December 6 — Charleston, WV — Mountain Stage
December 12 — Roanoke, VA — Third Annual Colby T. Helms Homestead Jam @ 5 Points Music Sanctuary
