Arlo McKinley was the last artist signed by
John Prine and his son Jody Whelan to the independent record label Oh Boy Records. McKinley has shared stages opening for
Tyler Childers,
Jason Isbell,
Justin Townes Earle,
John Moreland,
Jamey Johnson and more. McKinley released his sophomore album,
Die Midwestern, as his Oh Boy Records debut on August 14, 2020. He recorded the album at
Sam Phillips Recording Studio with
Grammy-winning producer
Matt Ross-Spang and professional musicians
Ken Coomer (
Wilco), Rick Steff (
Hank Williams Jr.), Reba Russell (
Johnny Cash), Will Sexton, David Smith, and Jessie Munson. Writing for Fader Magazine, Alex Robert Ross commented on
Die Midwestern being, "... a raw but perfectly balanced album laced with existential crises, addictions, and world-weary resilience." 2022 brought the release of McKinley's third album, ''This Mess We're In'', produced by
Matt Ross-Spang and the same all-star band on his previous record. McKinley drew writing inspiration according to
NPR Music, from "...the loss of several loved ones, including his mother and multiple friends." ==References==