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

By AI, Created 5:51 AM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – Bee Smith has released a new duet with Chris Chitsey, titled ‘Summer Before The Fall,’ through Clinetel Nashville Records with distribution by Sony/Orchard. The song and its Mexico-shot video lean into a transatlantic country collaboration built around friendship, romance and emotional risk.

Why it matters: - Bee Smith’s latest release pairs a rising UK country artist with Chris Chitsey, a veteran American singer with 11 chart-topping hits. - The duet is designed to reach listeners in both the U.K. and U.S. as country music keeps expanding globally. - The single is now available on all major streaming platforms.

What happened: - Bee Smith and Chris Chitsey released the duet single ‘Summer Before The Fall’ through Clinetel Nashville Records, with distribution by Sony/Orchard. - The song was released June 2, 2026. - Smith said the collaboration was meaningful and called Chitsey the perfect fit for the record. - Chitsey called the duet one of the highlights of his career. - The single is paired with an upcoming music video filmed in Cancun, Mexico.

The details: - ‘Summer Before The Fall’ tells the story of two lifelong friends whose relationship starts to shift toward romance. - The lyrics center on the choice between staying safe and risking a deeper connection. - The duet includes the lines, “We could make a mess of this, or we could have it all” and “Let’s say we look back on this as the summer before the fall.” - Producer D. Scott Miller handled the track. - The production features lush instrumentation, soaring harmonies and a modern country sound. - The recording uses session players whose credits include work with Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. - Smith’s vocals bring a soulful UK country style. - Chitsey brings Texas-rooted country authenticity and 11 worldwide No. 1 singles. - The video was shot over a week in Cancun and uses beaches, yachts and Caribbean sunsets as the backdrop.

Between the lines: - The release positions Smith as an artist trying to break wider outside the U.K. while keeping a strong country identity. - The collaboration also reflects how country releases are increasingly being built for international audiences, not just Nashville radio. - Smith’s recent awards momentum gives the single extra visibility beyond the track itself. - Her recognition includes 2025 ISSA Songwriter of the Year, finalist placements for ISSA Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year, plus Josie Music Awards nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year and the Female Choice Award. - Smith was also nominated for 2025 Elite Music Awards Breakout Artist of the Year. - Smith was a Top 10 Finalist in the 2025 and 2026 World Songwriting Awards for three previous singles.

What’s next: - The music video for ‘Summer Before The Fall’ is expected to follow the single’s release. - Smith is likely to use the duet to widen her international audience heading into 2026. - The collaboration sets up more visibility for both artists as the song moves onto streaming and country playlists.

The bottom line: - ‘Summer Before The Fall’ is a cross-Atlantic country duet built for broad reach, with emotional storytelling, established Nashville production and a video rollout aimed at extending its audience.