Southwest Virginia Native Son, Colby T. Helms, Has Something He Wants People to Know
If ever there was a proud Southwest Virginia musician, Colby T. Helms is that young man. The versatile songsmith and leader of The Virginia Creepers says he wants to represent his region.
Franklin County has a history of doing things in a big way, whether it’s moonshining or a deep connection to NASCAR racing. “Despite a colorful history, it’s often overlooked,” says Helms.
“I feel like our side of Appalachia doesn't get represented as much.”
Helms, 24, compares himself to Tyler Childers.
“He represents East Kentucky really well, and I thought, why is nobody representing Southwest Virginia? I wa
nted to be representative of my region through my music. That's been my major goal.”
An important part of capturing Southwest Virginia is Storytelling. “My dad was a big storyteller, and I feel like in this part of the world where I'm from, storytelling is a big part of the culture. All the old-timers tell stories, and that was deeply rooted in my music from the beginning.”
Oh yes, and great musicians too!
“Franklin County is steeped in bluegrass. There's a band that's getting in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame called the Lost and Found. They're from Franklin County, and they were a huge influence on me... I just think that we have some of the best musicians in the world here.”
On how he borrowed the name The Virginia Creepers
“Virginia Creeper is a vine, and it grows all over Franklin County,” explains Helms, who knows the area well. It was an old-time band name back in the day, but that band doesn't exist anymore. So I'm keeping it alive.”
Helms formed his version of The Virginia Creepers while still in high school. The band features fiddle player Billy Hurt, mandolinist Chandler Beavers, and banjo and backing vocalist Stewart Werner.
“Well, they’re the best. I mean, I always brag on my boys. The Virginia Creepers are as authentic of a Virginia sound as you can get.”
Taking his band into the studio, he released 2024’s Tales of Misfortune.
“I wrote all those songs when I was in high school,” Helms recalls. “My first album was very selfish, which it should have been. It was just trying to introduce the world to me.”
His latest album One for the Losers changes this perspective.
“This is a record for people who don’t feel like they have a voice.”
Helms took the focus off himself. “Each song tells a story about a different person in my life. Or maybe how they've influenced me. And so you'll find some of these different characters throughout the songs.”
Recorded in Nashville with David “Ferg” Ferguson, it mixes electric full-band performances with stripped-down recordings.
“It wasn't intentional at first to do a Nashville record,” says Helms, describing it as a good experience. “It definitely has expanded my fan base, I would say, and my sound.”
“I never thought that [Ferguson] would be producing an album for me, and I've been a fan of his for many years,” Helms says about the Grammy Award-winning recording engineer, producer, and studio owner.
The Virginia Creepers was supposed to be on it — but were not.
“I think the biggest mistake the record label made is not promoting my band and the live performances that I do,” says Helms, referring to the decision to use Nashville session players.
Overall, he is happy with the result. “I just got the test pressing for the vinyl. I'm really happy with the album, even though it's not what I wanted to begin with. I'm just riding it out. And I'm excited to put what I do have… out into the world. I think it's really good stuff.”
The Virginia Creepers will be on future albums.
“I don't know if I'll be in a record deal after this record... But either way, I'm going to make sure that the record after this one is with my band.”
“I want the Blue Ridge Mountain sound in my music, and so my next record after this is going to be way more bluegrass,” says Helms.
“I want people to think, when they think of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia—they think Colby T. Helms.”
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