Chris Chitsey and Bee Smith release transatlantic duet 'Summer Before The Fall'

Chris Chitsey has teamed with UK country artist Bee Smith on a new duet, “Summer Before The Fall,” now out through Clinetel Nashville Records with distribution by SONY/The Orchard. The release adds to Chitsey’s career momentum and arrives with an official Josie Music Awards nomination, a new music video and a push for summer streaming.

Why it matters: - “Summer Before The Fall” pairs a veteran U.S. country act with a rising UK artist, reflecting how country music keeps widening across borders. - The single leans on friendship-to-romance storytelling, a familiar country theme that can connect with a broad audience. - The release also adds another marker to Chris Chitsey’s ongoing career run after major radio success and multiple award nominations.

What happened: - Chris Chitsey and Bee Smith released the duet “Summer Before The Fall” on June 9, 2026. - The song is available worldwide through Clinetel Nashville Records with distribution by SONY/The Orchard. - The collaboration brings together Chitsey’s Texas-rooted country style and Smith’s UK country sound. - Bee Smith said the pairing with Chitsey made the song more meaningful and that his voice felt like the right fit for the record. - Chitsey said the duet captures a relatable moment between friendship and something more and called the recording one of the highlights of his career.

The details: - “Summer Before The Fall” tells the story of two lifelong friends who begin to confront deeper feelings. - The lyric theme centers on a life-changing choice, including the line, “We could make a mess of this, or we could have it all.” - Another key line frames the song’s emotional turn: “Let’s say we look back on this as the summer before the fall.” - Nashville producer D. Scott Miller produced the track. - The recording features lush instrumentation, soaring harmonies and performances from top Nashville session musicians. - The session players have credits with Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. - Chitsey’s previous release, “Where Ya Been Girl,” was described as his most successful charting release and his 11th Worldwide No.1 Single. - “Where Ya Been Girl” was written by Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip, two-thirds of The Peach Pickers, whose catalog includes more than 75 No. 1 country hits. - “Summer Before The Fall” is already an official nominee for Vocal Event of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards. - The Josie Music Awards are held annually at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House and recognize independent artists from around the world.

Between the lines: - The duet is built as a transatlantic collaboration, which fits a broader pattern of country music reaching audiences beyond the U.S. - The song’s appeal seems designed to come from emotional relatability more than novelty, with a story about hesitation, chemistry and regret. - The early awards nomination signals momentum before the full promotional campaign has fully rolled out. - The music video shoot in Cancun adds a visual push aimed at giving the release a bigger summer profile.

What’s next: - Chitsey and Smith recently returned from Cancun, Mexico, after filming the music video for “Summer Before The Fall.” - The video features turquoise water, white-sand beaches, luxury yachts and Caribbean sunsets. - Chitsey is also in the middle of one of the most decorated award seasons of his career, with nominations including Male Vocalist of the Year, Male Emerging Artist, Male Rising Star, Music Video of the Year, Vocal Event of the Year, Song of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. - “Summer Before The Fall” is now streaming on all major digital platforms worldwide.

The bottom line: - Chitsey and Smith have turned a cross-border duet into a polished country release with radio-ready production, a built-in emotional hook and early awards traction.