No matter where his career leads him, Hayes Carll consistently reflects on his roots and reminds his audience of his origins. “I was born in Houston,” Carll shares, having grown up in The Woodlands.
“My mom was raised in Houston, and although I spent my childhood in the suburbs, I also frequented Galveston and Bolivar. That’s where my career took off, making Houston my home base. I take immense pride in starting my journey here, and I still consider it home. Whenever I introduce myself, I always say I’m from Houston, Texas, and that sentiment will never change, regardless of where I reside.”
Carll is set to return to Houston for his annual “Grateful For Christmas” concert, performing alongside his band, The Gulf Coast Orchestra, on Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, at The Heights Theaters. The shows will feature opening acts Tyler-James Kelly and local favorite Kam Franklin.
This fall, Carll unveiled his ninth album, “We’re Only Human,” which explores the complexities of life with depth, humor, and poetry. While Carll has always been a gifted lyricist, this album delves even further into his personal experiences.
“This record emerged from my ongoing struggles with the same obstacles in life, where I felt I was not living with the ease or contentment I desired. As I approach 50, I find myself contemplating how to align the time ahead with my artistic vision and personal aspirations,” Carll explains.
“I spent considerable time expecting myself to have everything figured out, leading to frustration and self-criticism for not achieving that. Eventually, I realized that it’s perfectly okay not to have it all sorted. I don’t have to be perfect; allowing myself some grace on this journey felt like a beneficial starting point for redefining my path.”
Facing significant milestones, like approaching a major birthday, having a son nearing college graduation, and navigating his second divorce, Carll was compelled to reevaluate his outlook on life and express those reflections through his art.
“It was a moment for me to reset and take stock of my life, which in turn influenced my creativity. Writing about navigating life became an intriguing exploration of finding peace and purpose.”
“We’re Only Human” resonates with Carll’s introspective voice and deliberate songwriting, tracing the human journey from ancient times to the present. He describes the album-making process as the first instance in his career where he aimed to create with a clear theme and defined boundaries.
“In the past, I simply wrote songs—some personal, some narrative, and others observational or humorous. This time, I approached it with specific creative parameters, which allowed me to pursue honesty in my work,” Carll explains.
“It’s a more introspective album, and that was an enjoyable challenge. My guiding principle during the writing process was to ensure that what I was expressing felt genuine. This approach liberated my creativity in articulating my thoughts and feelings.”
Throughout this journey, Carll recognized the significance of heeding one’s inner voice rather than merely going through the motions or numbing one’s emotions with distractions.
“In life, if you ignore issues, they will inevitably resurface. They can manifest in ways you’re prepared for, where you can learn and grow, or they can arrive as a wrecking force, devoid of any positives. I’ve experienced enough to understand the importance of listening to my inner voice, as my previous alignment wasn’t serving me well.”
Finding, nurturing, and safeguarding that inner voice became the driving force behind the album. Although the themes can be weighty, Carll infuses his signature humor and lightheartedness, fostering a sense of community in life’s journey with catchy sing-alongs like “Good People (Thank Me),” which includes live performance clips from Houston’s Mucky Duck, a venue pivotal in his career development.
The experience of “We’re Only Human” culminates with the motivational closing track, “May I Never,” featuring contributions from Shovels & Rope, Gordy Quist, Darrell Scott, Nicole Atkins, Ed Jurdi, and Carll’s longtime friend and Texas legend, Ray Wylie Hubbard.
“That song reflects my desire to hold onto my spirit without compromise, serving as a reminder to maintain my center. It’s always impactful when advice comes from respected individuals rather than being self-derived, so I invited people who have significantly influenced my life,” Carll adds.
One notable voice absent from the record, yet significant in shaping his approach to merging the personal with the universal, is his mentor Todd Snider. “Todd was a hero to me and a huge inspiration for my artistic journey. His commitment to the craft was something I always admired, even if I felt I never quite measured up.”
Carll reflects on Snider’s passing as a poignant reminder of life’s transience, urging us to prioritize what truly matters to our hearts and souls during our time on Earth. “He was an incredible supporter of my music and many others, and his encouragement meant the world to me. He served as a guiding light throughout this record.”
As Carll approaches his 50th birthday, which he will celebrate at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl with Chaparelle and other notable guests, he acknowledges the support he has received throughout his career, particularly at Galveston’s historic Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, where he learned from Rex “Wrecks” Bell.
“I use that term loosely,” he chuckles about his time at the Old Quarter. “No one got paid, but if you hung around long enough and gained Rex’s trust, you could serve drinks. Everyone there was drawn to the energy, spirit, and music.”
The Old Quarter remains a vital stop for singer-songwriters and a nurturing ground for new talent. “That place became my school, my church, and my home. It transformed my life, and Rex played an instrumental role in that change. Without discovering the Old Quarter when I did, I’m uncertain if I would have a career at all, and if I did, it certainly wouldn’t resemble what it has become.”
Hayes Carll will perform with Tyler-James Kelly on Thursday, December 4, and Kam Franklin on Friday, December 5, at The Heights Theater, located at 339 W 19, with tickets priced at $42. For additional information, visit www.hayescarll.com.
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This article appears in the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Related Tags: Hayes Carll, Homepage, Kam Franklin, The Heights Theater, Tyler-James Kelly
Gladys Fuentes is a first-generation Houstonian whose passion for music ignited as a young girl enchanted by KLDE oldies on the radio. She contributes as a freelance music writer.
