Cody Pennington Talks New Single, 2025 UK Tour And More

Sep 25, 2025 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Lime Tree Music PR

Nashville-born independent artist Cody Pennington released his latest single, ‘Thanks To You’ and will be touring the UK in September and October 2025. He very kindly took time out of his busy schedule to talk to JLTT here:

What is your earliest musical memory?

Meeting my neighbours in Nashville that were the first band I had ever met. They taught me a 12-bar blues chord progression. One of them went on to play bass for Billy Currington.

When did you begin songwriting?

High school. I had learned drums in middle school, but when I got into high school, I started to get more into guitar. I was also in choir throughout high school, so after I started playing guitar I was able to transition over to singing at the same time. I then just started writing as many songs as I could. Many of which I do not remember.

You have your new single ‘Thanks To You’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

The hook randomly came to me one day and I felt like exploring the theme based on that. I generally have two forms of songwriting. One where I have an idea that I want to go with. My song “Nothing On Us” is a good example of that. The other way is where I find a hook that pulls me, and I try to explore it by using a stream of consciousness-style of writing. In that form of writing, the song almost writes itself. “Downtown” is an example, as well as “Thanks To You”.

Did you solely write the track or was it a co-write? Was it a difficult song to write?

I wrote this solo. It wasn’t necessarily difficult. It did take a long time to find that last part of the hook, “I should’ve said “No Thanks” to you.” But the entirety of the rest of the song was written in the second form of writing I mentioned previously, more of a stream of consciousness.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

I recorded this one in my home and self-produced it.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

When the production finally came together, I sent a demo to my drummer and we both just laughed about it because we liked the sound so much. I have always pulled away from more modern-style country production. I decided to embrace it on this track to see how it fits. I love the song. 9 – Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Most of the magic happens in the DAW. I use Logic, personally, and I was able to get some cool sounds in the box. There wasn’t anything particularly special happening, but I did spend a lot of time on the song itself. I generally use the FabFilter and iZotope plugin suites. With those, you will never be at a loss while producing.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?

I have a lot of singles lined up. Some that I am very excited about.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

My goal is to always create a core memory for as many people in the crowd as possible, and to have lived in the moment the entire time I was on stage.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I love my new Brent Mason signature telecaster. I tour with my Martin GPCPA4 as a backup, but I rarely play it live now. For acoustic, I generally use my Fender Acoustasonic Strat. I am particular to the SE v7 for vocals, but we recently switched to the Telefunken M81 and it is amazing.

I run a digital, ampless setup on stage. I run my acoustics and electrics into separate Shure GLXD16+ wireless pedals. My guitars are then sent into a Line 6 HX Stomp. In the effects chain of the Stomp is a Tonex One which runs my amp/cab simulation, and my amp reverb and a slapback delay. The HX Stomp has compressors and gain staging on it, along with a detune pedal.

How do you look after your voice?

I try to stay hydrated. I also limit my beers to one per show, if any. I never used to warm up, but I find that it makes a difference to my performance, and I would rather give the best performance possible. So, I warm up before every gig now. Fisherman’s Friend mints are the best things I have ever used to settle my throat. If I am feeling unwell, I put one in during my warm up and before I go on stage.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

One of my favorite novels is Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, but I would only embarrass myself trying to upstage John Williams. The Witcher series/films would have been cool, but I again missed the boat. Maybe it would be a self-penned novel?

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Nashville. The best place on Earth.

Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2026?

I can’t say, but probably.

Who is in your touring band and what do they play?

Lee “The Nashville Kid” Brooks on drums, Niran “The Hoedown Lowdown” Mistry on bass guitar, and Cris “The Italian Stallion” Pochesci. I would also shout out our awesome sound engineer for most dates Tomos “The Twang Tuner” Williams.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

If you’re looking for country music, I’m a 80s-90s country guy. Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, George Strait, etc. If you want newer artists, check out Jake Jacobson, Gabe Lee, Gary Quinn, Katy Hurt, and Harley-Moon Kemp.

If you’re looking for something not country, I have always loved John Mayer and Coheed and Cambria. Give them both a deep dive.