49 Winchester has steadily built a reputation as one of the most compelling acts in modern country music, rising from their humble beginnings in Castlewood, Virginia, to selling out venues and earning a devoted international following. Formed by childhood friends Isaac Gibson and Chase Chafin, the band has spent years honing a sound rooted in Appalachian storytelling, blending country, rock, and folk influences into something distinctly their own. That relentless work ethic and commitment to authenticity has propelled them from front porch jam sessions to major stages around the world, marking them as a band whose breakthrough has been hard-earned and long overdue.
Their latest album, Change of Plans, represents a defining moment in that journey. Recorded in just eight days with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, the record captures the band at a creative peak—seasoned, self-assured, and unafraid to push their sound further than ever before. Balancing grit with refinement, the album reflects both personal growth and artistic evolution, weaving together themes of change, maturity, and perseverance. From high-octane, genre-blurring tracks to deeply introspective songwriting, Change of Plans showcases a band stepping fully into its moment while staying true to the roots that got them there.
“We started this thing from the smallest seed possible… and by staying true to that same mindset, it finally feels like now is our time to come up.” – Isaac Gibson
PRESS
“49 Winchester has proven itself to be among the top-tier groups over the past decade, blending elements of rock, country, blues and Americana into its own signature musical stew, and with this new release, they seem poised to continue building upon that solid trajectory” – Billboard
“In a few years, as the 2020s are coming to an end, we’ll look back at 49 Winchester as one of the most important bands of the decade. – Whiskey Riff
“Produced by the great Dave Cobb, Change of Plans is shaping up to be the best, and perhaps most important, record in 49 Winchester’s catalog thus far.” – Whiskey Riff
“…Country Music’s Buzziest of Buzz Bands” – Rolling Stone
“This is Chris Stapleton, Aretha Franklin level shit.” – Saving Country Music
“Take notes people…49 Winchester has arrived.” – Whiskey Riff
“Put simply, 49 Winchester’s Fortune Favors the Bold features a band bound to win. With Isaac Gibson, Appalachia’s Springsteen, at the wheel, 49 Winchester appear poised to cruise from and deeper into America’s heartland…” – Bristol Herald Courier
“49 Winchester has a bright future ahead as an outlaw-country institution.” – Magnet Magazine
Fortune Favors The Bold (2022)
The 25 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2022 – Rolling Stone
The Best Country Records of 2022 – Bandcamp
#2 Best Album Of 2022 – Holler
#2 Top 40 Country Albums of 2022 – Whiskey Riff
The 15 Best Country Albums of 2022 – PopMatters
2022 Single of the Year “Russell County Line” – Saving Country Music
Best Country Songs of 2022 – Wide Open Country
Outstanding and Essential Albums of 2022 – WMOT
#3 Album of the Year – Holler Readers Poll
Best Duo or Group of 2022 – Holler Readers Poll
The Band
Isaac Gibson – Vocals/Guitar
Bus Shelton – Lead Guitar
Chase Chafin – Bass
Noah Patrick – Pedal Steel
Tim Hall – Piano/Organ/Keys
Justin Louthian – Drums
Discography
LEAVIN’ THIS HOLLER (2024)
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD (2022)
III (2020)
THE WIND (2018)
49 WINCHESTER (2014)
