The independent country singer-songwriter draws on personal experience, family and faith for a song about accountability — while continuing his mission to give back through music.
Some song titles make you look twice. Carl Wayne Meekins’ “ASSPHALT” does exactly that, but behind the provocative wordplay is a message about personal responsibility, perseverance and the choices that shape our lives.
The inspiration came years ago when Meekins heard someone say, “Quit blaming everyone for the road you’re on. It’s your own asphalt.” “I remember thinking, ‘Man, that’s a strong, real-life truth, and one day I’m going to write that into a song,’” he recalls. The result is a song that challenges listeners to stop blaming circumstances and take ownership of the road ahead. For Meekins, the message extends beyond music to his experience running a remodeling business, adapting to technological change and navigating everyday life. “If nothing changes, nothing changes,” he says.
Another standout lyric, “Don’t curse the risk not taken,” reflects his belief that missed opportunities can become lasting regrets. Today, the independent artist says his motivation is less about financial gain and more about sharing stories that might resonate with someone who needs to hear them. Meekins’ songwriting has evolved considerably since his early days, when his songs focused on relationships, drinking and the experiences of youth. Today, faith, family, perseverance and personal accountability are central themes. His Christian faith provides a foundation for both his music and his outlook on life, while nearly 30 years of marriage to his wife, Tanya, and their 21-year-old daughter remain important sources of inspiration.
His next release, “Good Day,” draws on his relationship with Tanya and the importance of slowing down, enjoying a back-road drive and appreciating the simple moments that can get lost in the demands of daily life. Working independently alongside longtime collaborator Jeremy Johnson, Meekins continues to write and record music rooted in lived experience. Although he acknowledges the challenges of reaching a wider audience outside the major-label system, he remains committed to creating songs that tell authentic stories.
Beyond songwriting, Meekins has turned his appreciation for the people who supported his early musical ambitions into action through his Play It Forward initiative, which has helped put more than 80 guitars into the hands of others. Inspired in part by Elvis Presley’s legendary generosity, Meekins jokes, “I can’t give away Cadillacs, but I can give away guitars.” The initiative has also expanded to include work with veterans, offering opportunities to connect people with music as a means of creative expression and encouragement.
Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Meekins grew up around a strong military community. His work in Branson, Missouri, through the Nashville Roadhouse Theater and its host, Stevie Lee Woods, helped create further opportunities to support veterans and conduct guitar giveaways. His message to those who have served is simple: “You are seen. I see you. I appreciate what you’ve done, and I’m thankful for the sacrifices you’ve made for all of us.” With more singles on the way, Meekins plans to continue writing, recording and sharing music shaped by his faith and life experiences. For him, the purpose remains straightforward: tell the truth, encourage others and stay open to the next story waiting to be told. “I’m just the guy holding the guitar,” he says. Fans can catch Carl Wayne Meekins performing at the Nashville Roadhouse Theater in Branson, Missouri, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.