Colby T. Helms Drops ARMED AND DANGEROUS, Sets Fall Tour Dates
The song draws on Southwestern imagery to tell the story of an immigrant caught between cartel violence and prison.
Colby T. Helms, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist rooted in Appalachian storytelling traditions, has released his second single, ARMED AND DANGEROUS, ahead of his upcoming sophomore album, ONE FOR THE LOSERS, due out via Photo Finish Records. Alongside the release, Helms announced headlining tour dates that include stops in Charleston, Nashville, and Richmond, among other cities.
Today, rising singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and proud Appalachian storyteller Colby T. Helms released his second single, 'Armed and Dangerous,' off his upcoming sophomore album, One For The Losers, out October 23rd via Photo Finish Records. He also announced headlining tour dates that include notable stops in Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and more.
'Armed and Dangerous' continues to highlight Colby's talent for storytelling and describes a cinematic tale of a man caught in the unforgiving cycle of border smuggling, crime, and incarceration. Rather than glorifying the outlaw myth, the song explores the humanity behind it, following a character who sees himself as a relic of the Old West before confronting the consequences of a life lived on the run. Rich with Southwestern imagery and gripping narrative detail, 'Armed and Dangerous' showcases Colby's gift for crafting songs that blur the line between folklore and reality.
Speaking about the new single, Helms stated, 'We live in a time when the term 'outlaw' gets thrown around quite loosely. This song is a tribute to a real outlaw. 'Armed & Dangerous' tells the story of Juan, an immigrant from Mexico. From the dangers of the cartel to the hardships of an American prison, he has lived a life that few Americans will ever experience.'
Largely recorded in Nashville with producer David 'Ferg' Ferguson, One For The Losers is as diverse as its influences, balancing electric full-band performances with intimate, stripped-back recordings that place Helms' storytelling front and center. Ferguson immediately recognized Helms' rare combination of talent, vision, and dedication while working together. 'Working with Colby was a pleasure,' he stated, 'we became fast friends. He's a great artist, and I'm very proud to have been a part of his record. He's very driven, focused, and professional; that's the most you can hope for in this business. With no doubt, he has a long, successful career in his future, and it's guys like him that make me enjoy the job.'
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.
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.
At its heart, One for the Losers is an album about empathy. Whether singing about dreamers, outcasts, or everyday working people, Helms approaches every story without judgment. In doing so, he not only offers a richer portrait of Appalachia, but also reminds listeners that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.
For more information on Colby T. Helms, visit https://www.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
Tour Dates
Sat, Aug 22 - Roanoke, VA - WNRN Presents Dead Air V at Jefferson Center
Fri, Sep 4 - Snowshoe, WV - Ballhooter Festival 2026
Sat, Sep 5 - Fayetteville, WV - The Outpost New River Gorge
Sat, Sep 19 - Rocky Mount, VA - Rocky Mount Fest
Thu, Sep 24 - Dunn, NC - Bird's Nest Listening Room
Sat, Sep 26 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Pour House - Deck Stage
Thu, Oct 8 - Nashville, TN - Analog @ Hutton Hotel
Fri, Oct 9 - Chattanooga, TN - The Woodshop Listening Room
Wed, Oct 14 - Richmond, VA - Tin Pan
Thu, Oct 15 - Charlotte, NC - Petra's Bar
Fri, Oct 16 - Greensboro, NC - Flat Iron
Sat, Oct 17 - Galax, VA - The Rex Theater
Fri, Oct 23 - Winchester, VA - Bright Box Theater
Thu, Oct 24 - State College, PA - The State Theatre (The Attic)
Fri, Oct 25 - Wheeling, WV - Waterfront Hall
Sun, Nov 8 - Coeburn VA - Wandering Hills Music Festival
Photo Credit: Jaylyn G
ONE FOR THE LOSERS was largely recorded in Nashville with producer David Ferguson, who described the collaboration as balancing full-band performances with more stripped-back recordings centered on Helms' songwriting. Ferguson said working with Helms was a pleasure, adding that the two became fast friends during the sessions.
Photo Credit: Jaylyn G
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