Country Singer Ben Chapman of 'Peach Jam' Makes His 'Became a Man' Album

Ben Chapman ushered in 2025 in a manner familiar to many dedicated songwriters: by hosting a lively gathering at his Nashville residence. Alongside his then-girlfriend, Meg McRee, he welcomed friends, counted down to midnight, and made resolutions such as "Give zero f*cks for the next year."

Just two days later, McRee informed him of feeling unwell and subsequently took a pregnancy test. "It lit up like a Christmas tree," Chapman recounts to Rolling Stone.

What initially began as a surprise rapidly evolved into a transformative year for both Chapman and McRee. They tied the knot in the spring, and in September, they welcomed their first child, a son whom they named George.

Among the myriad elements affected by the revelations of that holiday weekend for the 28-year-old Chapman was the release of his latest studio album, Feet on Fire, which hit the shelves this past Friday. At the time they learned of their impending parenthood, he was about halfway through recording the 12-track album — his first release since 2024's Downbeat.

"I had about six songs finished that I was certain would be included," Chapman explains. "The remaining six emerged during that period of, 'Oh my God, my life is about to change. I don't know what this will look like. We are thrilled, yet incredibly apprehensive.' It became a two-part record."

With the talented Anderson East, who previously produced Downbeat, at the helm, Chapman navigated his uncertainty through music steeped in themes of change, new beginnings, and hope.

"Every one of the 12 songs interconnects," Chapman notes. "This is definitively my favorite record to date. I appreciate it especially because it is so genuine. While my previous albums also held truth, this is the record where I truly became a man."

In "Baby Blue," a collaboration with McRee, he reflects on "tradin' the old for the new, and painting it baby blue," accompanied by a resonant piano riff. His distinctive Georgia vocal style shines in contrast to "Everything's Different," a track written prior to their pregnancy discovery. In this song, Chapman expresses his struggles with personal growth: "Still ain't seeing no one in the mirror/I don't recognize the face/Everything's different, but ain't nothing changed," he sings.

Chapman acknowledges that both he and McRee being artists adds a layer of unpredictability to their future as parents. As he prepares for the release of Feet on Fire and looks towards touring, he now has additional responsibilities to consider. "At times, it can be overwhelming," he admits. "There have been instances where I find myself retreating to the bathroom to gather my emotions. Not out of despair, but because if he crawls while I’m not around, I will be beside myself. I hope that one day, he will look back and think, 'Dad was pursuing a dream,' and perhaps that will inspire him to chase his own aspirations."

One aspect of Chapman's live performances he intends to preserve is Peach Jam — a seasonal residency held at Nashville's Basement East. Originally a post-pandemic initiative aimed at re-engaging artists and fans with live music, it has since evolved into a mini-festival featuring Chapman's favorite songwriters. Notable guests have included Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Kaitlin Butts, and Carter Faith. The next installment is scheduled for June 3 and will feature Rome, Slater Nalley, and Benny G.

"It's incredibly authentic," Chapman remarks about the event. "There are times when we stumble, but other moments are simply unforgettable."

Similarly, his current journey of balancing music and fatherhood intertwines seamlessly. "All of it blends together," Chapman laughs, "in the most perfect way."