Rowdy McCarran can claim a lifelong devotion to making music. That was evident early on, from the age of three in fact, when his mom would observe him getting into a groove whenever music was played in their house.

That joy and excitement never diminished, and today Rowdy continues to celebrate those sounds courtesy of his new album, the aptly-titled HERE. Recorded at Skeleton Key Studio in Las Vegas, it was produced and arranged by Rob Hegel — a former staff writer for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend Don Kirshner, and composer of hits for Air Supply, Sarah Dash and Grease 2 — and Bobby Ferrari, who also engineered, mixed and mastered the project.

Released on February 6, 2024, the album was preceded by the first single, auspiciously titled “I Drink.”

HERE offers the latest example of the spirit and variety that inspires Rowdy’s devotion to making music. It shares a down-home, no-nonsense sound flush with grit, determination, honesty and emotion. It can be rousing on the one hand, reflective on the other, but through it all, from first song to last, his drive and deliberation are never in doubt.

“I’m driven by a desire to make a difference in people's lives,” Rowdy says. “If I can touch someone’s heart and transform what might otherwise be a bad day into a better day, then I feel that I am doing my job. Seeing the smiles from the people I’m performing for makes me feel super happy, because music is a message from my heart. I try to provide songs that have meaning, no matter the age or their background of those that are there to enjoy them. I consider it a gift, and one that I’m happy to give freely and enthusiastically. That’s simply who I am.”

Rowdy was introduced to Nashville by renowned producer Fred Vail, an early mentor who welcomed him to his iconic Treasure Isle Studio where Rowdy recorded his debut album, Eyes Wide Open. That was the beginning of a journey that began, oddly enough, with trumpet lessons in the seventh grade. Although his interest in the instrument quickly faded (“I decided I really wanted to be a navy pilot instead,” he says now), he found his voice — literally and figuratively while performing in the church choir.

Rowdy’s career took off in earnest after he relocated to Las Vegas in 2006, the city where he currently resides. His initial efforts at making music found him playing in bars and small venues for very little money, but he now says in retrospect that he was willing to do whatever it took in order to pay his dues.“I knew that if I wanted to get where I needed to go, I would have to acquire the experience of performing before a live audience,” he reflects. “I would have to pull myself up by my bootstraps and move forward.”

And that he did. Rowdy won various battle of the bands contests three years in a row, and in return, was given the opportunities to open for a number of high profile headliners, among them, Aaron Watson, Brett Eldridge, Jack Ingram, Sara Darling, Parmalee, Love & Theft, and any number of others. As a result, he was able to acquire a loyal following and fanbase of his own, one with which he continues to build a bond.

Rowdy was chosen as best artist two years running by the National Finals Rodeo and was selected as the pre and post party entertainment for events headlined by Randy Travis and Kenny Rogers. In addition, Rowdy's music has been featured in the media — courtesy of television stations FOX5, KWU-TV, ABC KTNV, and radio stations 95.5 The Bull, 102.7 The Coyote and 92.3 KOMP.

So too, it’s little wonder that Tim Abrams, Vice President of Operations for Golden Entertainment, owner of various Nevada casinos, wrote, “The Rowdy Band has been a consistent draw to our local and outer market segments. Rowdy shows a measure of professionalism from sound check to stage presence. Rowdy is high energy talent that engages the crowd [by] providing the personal dynamic often missed in [a] venue of our size.”

Indeed, Rowdy’s talent and tenacity speaks for itself. And it speaks loud and clear on HERE!