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Conversations with Wes McClelland

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Wes McClelland.

Hi Wes, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Man Behind the Music: Meet Wes McClelland
After more than 25 years away from the microphone, Wes McClelland is returning to his roots with his most ambitious project to date: a 2026 recording series that explores the contrast between youthful ambition and the deep contentment found in the present.

From Southeast Texas to the Heart of the Music Scene
Wes McClelland isn’t your typical newcomer. He’s a man who has lived a lot of life, and you can hear every mile of it in his voice. Raised in Orange, Texas, Wes grew up on the grit and soul of the Gulf Coast, fueled by the timeless sounds of Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and George Strait.

While music has always been his heartbeat, Wes spent the last quarter-century building a powerhouse career as an executive leader in the automotive and advertising industries. As a former General Manager for both Chevrolet and BMW automotive dealerships and a digital marketing expert, he mastered the art of the deal and the value of a handshake. But even while navigating the business world, the songs never stopped writing themselves in his head.

In 2002, Wes stepped away from the mic to honor his family following the sudden loss of his father, Joe. Today, he is returning to the stage with the kind of stories only two decades of life can write. His music is a blend of authentic Texas roots and high-caliber Nashville production. Partnering with Dark Horse Recording and Grammy-winning producer Dave Hagen, Wes’ music aims for the heart, reflecting the clarity that comes from a life well-lived.

The Timeline
1970s/80s: Growing up in Orange, TX, immersed in traditional country and rockabilly.

2001: The hiatus to honor family and pivot to executive leadership.

2026: The triumphant return achieving chart success in the US and Europe with his debut, “What I Know Now.”

Love, Family, and Faith
When Wes is not in the studio or performing his songs around the world, you’ll find him in Sugar Land, Texas, embracing the roles that matter most.

The Family Man: Wes and his wife, Michelle, are the proud parents of Weston, a pro-gamer and talented filmmaker currently honing his craft at Arizona State University.

The Hobbyist: Whether he’s perfecting a smoked BBQ brisket, adding to his massive DVD movie collection, building awesome Star Wars LEGO’s, or cruising in a classic Chevrolet Corvette, Wes believes in doing everything with passion.

The Dog Dad: You might even catch him out for a walk with Navi, his loyal and energetic Siberian Husky.

The Music—”What I Know Now” & “Ask For Help”
Wes McClelland’s debut single, “What I Know Now,” serves as a powerful anthem of hindsight and redemption. Inspired by the 24-year gap between his early musical pursuits and today, the song reached #1 on the Play MPE music industry country chart for both downloads and streamings, proving that true fulfillment is found in love and faith.

His follow-up single, “Ask For Help,” released on April 10th, continues its journey of authenticity as we enter mental health awareness month. “Writing ‘Ask For Help’ was an act of transparency—it was about finally stripping away the armor and admitting that we all have seasons in life where the path forward requires a helping hand. I wanted to turn those years of silence into a melody that gives someone else permission to speak up and ask for help.’

Through his partnership with PLA Media and GrassRoots Promotion, Wes is taking the reins of his career and proving that it’s never too late to chase a dream—especially when you have a story worth telling.

“I’ve spent years helping others tell their stories in the business world. Now, it’s finally time to tell mine by sharing my music with the world.” — Wes McClelland

Follow Wes McClelland’s journey as he connects with stations across the South, bringing a seasoned perspective and a traditional sound back to the airwaves. https://wesmcclelland.com/

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Anyone who steps away from their passion for twenty-five years and then decides to reclaim it would call the road ‘smooth. It’s been more of a winding, scenic route with a few steep climbs.

The biggest struggle wasn’t necessarily the technical side of music—the songs were always there, tucked away in my head or written down in notebooks—it was the shift in the landscape. Coming back into the industry in 2026 is a completely different world than the one I left. Learning to navigate the digital era, from streaming algorithms to social media engagement, felt like learning a new language overnight.

There’s also the internal hurdle of ‘timing.’ You spend a lot of time wondering if you’ve missed your window. But what I discovered is that those twenty-five years in the executive world and raising a family gave me a perspective I didn’t have in my twenties. I’m not just singing about life experiences anymore; I’m singing about things I’ve actually lived through—the losses, the wins, and the long-game realizations.

Recording my songs and getting back on the radio has been a whirlwind, but the struggle of the ‘gap’ actually became my greatest asset. It gave me a story to tell that is grounded and real. The road over the last couple of decades wasn’t smooth, but the bumps are exactly what make the music feel like a country song should: honest and earned.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I am a storyteller. Professionally, that has manifested in two distinct worlds: as an executive leader in the automotive and marketing industries, and as a country music artist and songwriter. I specialize in traditional Texas Country and Americana—music that feels genuine and real; it has a history behind it.

I think I’m becoming known for a certain kind of ‘authentic return.’ After a 25-year hiatus from the music industry to build a career and a family, I’ve returned to the studio and the airwaves with a sound that doesn’t try to chase pop trends. Whether I’m behind my mom, Judy’s classic Steinway & Sons piano, or out visiting DJs on a radio tour, I’m known for keeping the tradition of the genre alive while navigating the modern business of music through my own music publishing company.

What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the fact that I didn’t just ‘talk’ about coming back to music—I actually did it, and on my own terms. Releasing my debut single, ‘What I Know Now,’ and seeing it have success all around the world is incredible validation.

But beyond the music, I’m proud of the example I’m setting for my son, Weston and others: that your passions don’t have an expiration date. Being able to record at legendary spots like Dark Horse Recording in Tennessee and then share it with listeners in the USA and internationally has been a deeply rewarding full-circle moment.

What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is “life-equity.” A lot of artists start very young, which is great, but I’m coming at this with decades of executive leadership and real-world business experience. I’ve managed complex businesses and navigated high-stakes industries; that gives me a unique ‘CEO mindset’ when it comes to the music business.

I’m a Texas singer-songwriter first, that happens to have a Nashville sound and a global distribution mindset. That combination of business acumen and a deep, lifelong reverence for traditional musical craftsmanship is what defines my path.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory takes me back to the first time I ever sang publicly. It was at First Baptist Church in my hometown of Orange, Texas. I remember the weight of the room feeling immense for a 9-year old kid. Up until then, music was something I did for myself at home in my room, but standing there in front of the congregation changed everything.

I can still recall the silence that falls right before you start—that ‘hush’ where you realize people are truly listening. When I finally began to sing, I felt a shift from being nervous to feeling a deep sense of connection. It wasn’t just about hitting the notes; it was about the way the music seemed to bridge the gap between me and everyone in those pews.

That experience was the spark. It taught me that music is a shared vessel, and it planted the seed for my desire to write and share songs with others. It’s a long way from that church stage to hearing my songs on the radio, but that core feeling remains the same. Whether I’m writing a traditional country ballad or a fun rockabilly track, I’m still chasing that honest connection I first felt as a kid. That memory is exactly why I believe it’s never too late to come back to your calling—because the impact of that first ‘yes’ to music never really leaves you.

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Image Credits
Image credits by Wes McClelland for WesMac, LLC.

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