Singer-Songwriter John PayCheck Overcomes His Past Mental Health Struggles & Battles With Depression Through Song With Earnest Country Ballad “Foolish Ways”

Music video exclusively premiered by Cowboys & Indians plus network TV airings on The Heartland Network

From PayCheck’s 2024 sophomore album, More Days Behind

More Days Ahead Tour kicks off on May 1st in Memphis at Hernando’s Hideaway

Media assets: jwamedia.com/john-paycheck

“…on his second album, More Days Behind, he turned more thoughtful and introspective with ‘Foolish Ways.’”
– Joe Leydon, Cowboys & Indians

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 30, 2025) — Commemorating the start of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist John PayCheck is releasing his new music video for earnest country ballad, “Foolish Ways” [stream/buy], from his 2024 sophomore album, More Days Behind. Today, in an exclusive music video premiere from Cowboys & Indians [click to read/watch], PayCheck chatted with renowned entertainment journalist Joe Leydon about his life, and career. The video’s official roll out on PayCheck’s YouTube channel is scheduled for Thursday, May 01 at 9am ET. The video will also begin airing nationwide on The Heartland Network on May 03.

The self-written song is about PayCheck’s own view of what it is like at the depths of depression when it doesn’t feel like others can help anymore. PayCheck dealt with his own struggles with depression in the past and was able to move in a positive direction eventually. “Foolish Ways” appears on his 2024 sophomore album More Days Behind, produced by Bill McDermott (George Strait, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley). 

“I started writing “Foolish Ways” years ago when I was really far down in the depths of a bad situation in my life,” PayCheck said. “Mental health is so difficult to really understand from the viewpoint of someone like me when I have fallen way down into one of those mental black holes. This song explains how I and some others feel when we are down in that black hole.”

The video was directed by Victor Bonacore and shot on location at the historic Maryland Theater in Hagerstown, Maryland, presenting John earnestly yet tastefully, solo performing the song with his Taylor PS14.

“Filming the video at the Maryland Theater was befitting for this song,” PayCheck continued. “I wanted that theater to demonstrate the song’s meaning behind its words. The feel and look I had in my mind just translated well in that theatre. Which is the solitude of being alone in such a huge place by yourself.” 

More Days Behind Tracklist & Songwriters:

1. “More Days Behind” (John PayCheck, Scott Gabbey)
2. “Biscuits and Gravy” (John PayCheck, Scott Gabbey)
3. “Desert Rose” (John PayCheck) 
4. “Blondes and Bulls” (John PayCheck, Scott Gabbey)
5. “Make Things Clear” (John PayCheck, Scott Gabbey) 
6. “Drinkin’ and Cryin’” (John PayCheck, Scott Gabbey)
7. “When Did You Stop Loving Me” (Donny Kees, Monty Holmes)
8. “Say Goodbye”(John PayCheck, Scott Gabbey)
9. “Foolish Ways” (John PayCheck) 
10. “White Lights” (John PayCheck)

PayCheck’s More Days Ahead Tour kicks off in May
PayCheck recently announced a cross-country More Days Ahead Tour which kicks off on May 01 in Memphis at Hernando’s Hide-A-Way [tickets/info], followed by May 03 at the Mount Taylor Music Festival in New Mexico [tickets/info]. PayCheck and his cavalry band also have dates confirmed for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Tennessee, with more TBA on his BandsInTown, FaceBook, Tik Tok and Instagram channels. 

MAY 01 – Hernando’s Hideaway / Memphis, Tenn.
MAY 03 – Mount Taylor Music Festival 2025 / Grants, N.M.
JUN 13 – Neon Moon / Yantis, Texas
JUL 17 – Chief’s on Broadway / Nashville, Tenn.
JUL 19 – Brisket Love Barbecue & Icehouse / Lindale, Texas
AUG 22 – Cancun Cantina / Hanover, Md.
SEP 05 – Legends Pub House & Venue / Chickasha, Okla.
SEP 06 – Wichita Union Stockyards / Wichita, Kan.
SEP 13 – Lovettsville Benefit / Lovettsville, Va.
OCT 09 – Crooked Arrow Ranch / Conway, Ark.
OCT 10 – Old Time Singer Song Writer Venue / Valley View, Texas
OCT 11 – Soggy Bottom Saloon / Beaumont, Texas
OCT 17 – Sundown / Llano, Texas
OCT 20 – Shooters Lounge / Hickory, N.C.
DEC 12 – Cancun Cantina / Hanover, Md.
**For tour updates follow on BandsInTown or johnpaycheck.com/shows 

About John PayCheck:
John PayCheck, son of country music legend Johnny PayCheck, embodies the traditions of country music while forging his own path in the industry. John’s musical journey began humbly as a roadie, where he learned about the business while traveling with his father and surrounded by legends. Music was ingrained into his everyday life as a result. 

However, two major events diverted him from music temporarily; the tragedy of 9/11 spurred him to serve his country as an Army aviator, followed by his father’s passing in 2003, which led him to explore passions in firefighting and technology. John still serves as a Reserve Army Officer in Europe, but despite his temporary hiatus, music remained a constant thread in his life, drawing him back 20 years later.

As a combat veteran, farmer, and devoted family man, John’s return to music has been fueled by industry support and the encouragement of fellow country music legacy artists. His first single “Lone Stars” from his debut album, We All Have a Story, charted on Music Row, a significant milestone in his career. He has written songs with Erin Enderlin and Scott Gabbey, and is a CMA member and BMI songwriter.  John has shared the stage with Chris Janson, Confederate Railroad, Dallas Moore and others and was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in May of 2024 to honor his father on Opry Country Classics.

With a unique vocal style and deep-rooted appreciation for classic country, he continues the PayCheck family legacy while embracing the genre’s evolution. John stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of country music and the profound bond he still has with his father. John is building his own career despite the shadow of his father’s, and he’s excited to be a part of his own journey to see what the future holds.

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Publicity Photo + Tour Art:

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