Country singer Braxton Keith is preparing to launch his first headlining Real Damn Deal Tour after supporting artists including Luke Bryan and Cody Johnson. He says observing their stagecraft, lighting, song transitions and on-stage presence has helped him develop as a live performer, as he moves from opening slots into the spotlight himself.

The tour begins on 25 July in Silver Spring, Maryland, following the May release of Keith’s major-label debut album, Real Damn Deal. He promises a new, strongly country-focused set drawing on varied influences; faster songs such as “I Own This Bar” tend to be particularly effective live, while audiences have also responded warmly to the ballad “White Walls”. Keith says further new music is also in development.