Yallwire News

Eric Church will release a new album, Chief, on July 26 on EMI Records.

He titled the album after a childhood nickname given to him by his grandfather.

Church co-wrote the project's first single, "Homeboy," with Casey Beathard, which is about a man urged to consider the phrase "home, boy."

"What was really interesting about that was it was about a journey that started in one place and ends in a totally different place.," said Church regarding the song. "What tied the who song together was the chorus. I love writing a song where you're in the middle of it and say, 'What now?'"

For both Eric and Casey, the answer to that came naturally as they are each involved in hometown sports and rooted in traditional values. The two writers used "home" in three different ways throughout the song: literally, figuratively and spiritually.

In addition, Church co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks, with titles such as "Jack Daniels," "Springsteen" and "Country Music Jesus."

Eric is on tour with Jason Aldean until June 5. He will join Toby Keith on tour starting June 30.