Garnered more than 20,000 total streams in first week
without major label support or corporate radio backing
Featured on Holler’s New Country Songs Spotify playlist
[Listen here]
‘Better Plan Tour’ bound for more than 25 U.S. states and 40 cities in 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Independent country artist John PayCheck is building early momentum with his new collaboration “Sons Of The Spark” [Stream/Download] featuring Struggle Jennings, out now everywhere digitally by HorseBite Entertainment. Without major label support or major corporate radio backing, the song pulled more than 20,000 streams within the first week of its May 15 release, signifying a major gain in organic traction among outlaw country, Southern rock, and independent music audiences.
Now, the pair are preparing to expand the song’s reach with the premiere of the official studio music video dropping on May 29 on PayCheck’s YouTube (@JohnPayCheck).
Blending hard-earned storytelling, Southern grit, and modern outlaw energy, “Sons Of The Spark” connects two artists carrying recognizable legacies while carving distinctly independent paths of their own.
For PayCheck — son of late outlaw country icon Johnny PayCheck — the release continues a growing resurgence rooted in traditional country authenticity rather than trend-chasing, while also showing off his PayCheck musical genes more so than he ever has as a recording artist.
For Jennings, the collaboration adds another chapter to a career built on raw honesty, redemption, and genre-blending outlaw influence. The Nashville-born artist — grandson of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter — has cultivated a devoted independent following through music centered on struggle, survival, family legacy, and second chances.
“This song was something that happened by chance between Struggle and me,” PayCheck said. “We met at a holiday party, talked about doing something together, and were in touch pretty quickly. Man, it sure was a good time! We have a lot more in common than some might think: growing up wasn’t easy for us, we both had our own demons to deal with, and we learned some hard family lessons.”
The pairing taps directly into the growing appetite for independent outlaw country voices operating outside mainstream Music Row formulas — combining PayCheck’s traditional country roots with Jennings’ Southern rap and Americana crossover appeal.
Written by John PayCheck and Struggle Jennings, and recorded at Gnome Studios with producer Bill McDermott (George Strait, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley), “Sons Of The Spark” delivers a powerful narrative about legacy, expectation and carving out a path beyond the shadows of their legendary names.
2026 Better Plan Tour Dates
MAY 28 – The Dirty Drummer / Phoenix, Ariz. [info/tickets]
MAY 29 – Bisbee Grand Hotel / Bisbee, Ariz. [info/tickets]
JUN 04 – The Cathedral / Pomona, Calif. [info/tickets]
JUN 05 – Aces High Saloon / Salt Lake City, Ut. [info/tickets]
JUN 06 – Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant / Horseshoe Bend, Id. [info/tickets]
JUN 07 – Boomers Garden / Lewiston, Id.
JUN 11 – Knuckleheads / Kansas City, Mo. [info/tickets]
JUN 18 – 1836 Desoto Grill & BBQ / Olive Branch, Miss.
JUN 19 – The Continental Club / Houston, Texas [info/tickets]
JUN 20 – Hoots Hall / Burleson, Texas [info/tickets]
JUN 24 – Amish County Theater / Millersburg, Ohio [info/tickets]
JUN 27 – Shriners Hospital Benefit / New Castle, Del.
JUN 28 – Opera House LIVE / Shepherdstown, W.V. [info/tickets]
JUL 03 – The Wallace Theatre / Levelland, Texas [info/tickets]
JUL 11 – Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club / Cordele, Ga. [info/tickets]
JUL 16 – Texan Theater / Cleveland, Texas [info/tickets]
JUL 17 – Brass Hall / Marble Falls, Texas [info/tickets]
JUL 18 – Blackhawk Creek Grill / Whitehorse, Texas [info/tickets]
AUG 08 – Cortland Country Music Park Campground / Cortland, N.Y. [info/tickets]
AUG 15 – Crow Peak Brewing Company / Spearfish, S.D. [info/tickets]
AUG 20 – Bottleneck / Lawrence, Kan.
AUG 21 – The Law Office Pub / Yorkville, N.Y. [info/tickets]
AUG 23 – Rollie’s / Sauk Rapids, Minn. [info/tickets]
AUG 28 – Southern Rhythm Venue & Entertainment / Denham Springs, La. [info/tickets]
AUG 31 – WoodSongs @ Scottish Rite Hall / Lexington, Ky. [tickets/info]
SEP 12 – The Farm Party / Brookeville, Ind.
SEP 17 – Bigs Bar / Sioux Falls, S.D.
SEP 18 – Rhythm City Casino Resort / Davenport, Iowa [info/tickets]
SEP 19 – Riverside Casino & Golf Resort / Riverside, Iowa [info/tickets]
SEP 24 – Potomac Gardens / Coltons Point, Md. [info/tickets]
SEP 26 – Hub City Vinyl / Hagerstown, Md. [info/tickets]
SEP 27 – Howland Cultural Center / Beacon, N.Y. [info/tickets]
OCT 03 – Rathskeller Down Back / Charlestown, R.I.
OCT 17 – Soggy Bottom Saloon / Beaumont, Texas [info/tickets]
NOV 07 – 11th St. Cowboy Bar / Bandera, Texas [info/tickets]
**For additional tour updates follow on BandsInTown or visit johnpaycheck.com/shows