Braxton Keith Shares 'I Ain't Trying' Video As New Album Arrives

Official Announcement | Published: May 17, 2026 11:36 AM EDT

(The GreenRoom) After years of building his reputation one honky-tonk at a time, Braxton Keith officially arrives with the release of his debut album REAL DAMN DEAL, available everywhere via Warner Records Nashville.

Produced by Alex Torrez and David Dorn, the collection showcases Keith's crisp, high-and-lonesome twang across a mix of dancehall-ready anthems, heartbreak ballads and timeless country storytelling, with Keith co-writing 10 of the album's 15 tracks. Rooted in the traditions of classic country while infused with the energy and swagger that have made him one of the genre's fastest-rising new voices, the album is already garnering early praise from critics and fans alike.

Also out is Keith's brand new video for "I Ain't Tryin'," which brings the track's easygoing charm and dancehall spirit to life through a lighthearted story of a reluctant first-time two-stepper who gets pulled into a night out with friends.

Matching the song's Western swing roots, the video leans into Keith's throwback style with bright fiddle melodies, neon-lit barroom scenes and the kind of effortless confidence that has made him one of country music's fastest-rising neotraditionalists. Originally released in January, "I Ain't Tryin'" earned Keith praise as "the perfect cowboy Casanova," with critics urging listeners to "turn it all the way up" (Whiskey Riff).

"On the strength of his debut album, 'Real Damn Deal,' Braxton Keith is on a Gen Z crusade to conquer country music. Sometimes Keith's lyrics are clever, other times silly, but they tend to make for memorable-and good-songs. His sound is rooted in an earlier age, and he avoids many of the trappings prevalent among many of his country contemporaries. He sings with swagger but avoids promoting cartoonish masculinity (when he's cocky, like in this album title, it's with a wink). His instrumentation isn't overproduced, nor is his voice dripping with autotune... the record is full of the classic tear-in-my-beer country songs that George Jones might've sung and that Strait still sings." - Texas Monthly

"On his long awaited and highly anticipated debut record Real Damn Deal, Braxton Keith turns a chance start into a breakout moment, blending classic country roots with modern swagger. Keith proves he's all that and then some as he brings his Texas dance hall bangers to the mainstream." - Cowboys & Indians Magazine

"Keith might be one of the boldest new personalities in country music, and he's mixing that identity into his music... It's fun as hell and makes those neon lights feel just a little brighter - that might just be the attitude we all need right now." - Holler.

"Braxton has been paying his dues, refining his craft and writing, and now it's finally time to strike out big. Down in Texas, few if anyone needs convincing that Braxton Keith isn't just the next big thing, but a one-man phenomenon packing out venues with young adults listening to old-sounding country music, and loving every minute of it. Now signed to Warner Records Nashville, Braxton Keith could have contemporized his sound and smoothed off the pointy, twangy edges. But if anything, as time has gone on, Braxton has double down on his traditional/neotraditional sound. His debut album comes highly anticipated." - Saving Country Music

"Pristinely produced, well written and sung with heart." - Music Row

Keith also announces his REAL DAMN DEAL TOUR today, which will kick off on July 25 in Silver Spring, Maryland. He will bring his "engaging" (Country Central) live show to a dozen more cities across the country through early fall including Nashville's Brooklyn Bowl and a special hometown show in Midland, TX. Tickets go on sale next Thursday, 5/21.

REAL DAMN DEAL TOUR Dates:
7/25 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore
7/26 - Richmond, VA - The National
7/31 - Columbus, OH - The Bluestone
8/13 - Wichita, KS - The Cotillion Ballroom
8/22 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Criterion
8/29 - Fort Wayne, IN - The Clyde Theatre
9/3 - Buffalo, NY - Electric City
9/11 - Nashville, TN - Brooklyn Bowl
9/25 - Round Rock, TX - Round Rock Amp
9/26 - Pasadena, TX - Pasadena Rodeo
10/2 - Waco, TX - Foster Pavilion
10/3 - Midland, TX - Momentum Bank Ballpark