Nashville country artist Trey Pendley has opened up about how the late songwriter Ronnie Bowman helped him through a difficult period while making his debut album, Signs of Life, now out. Pendley said he had been struggling emotionally before a candid conversation with Bowman, who admitted his own uncertainty and self-doubt, which "completely disarmed" Pendley and helped him feel comfortable opening up in Nashville's music scene for the first time.

The pair went on to co-write two songs for the record, "Small Potatoes" and "Spend My Time Lovin'", both drawn from personal conversations about hardship, marriage and family. Bowman died in March following a motorcycle accident, and Pendley has since credited him with shaping his outlook on life and love, including his close relationship with his own wife, Lexi, who joined him on stage at his album release show. Pendley cites influences ranging from Chris Stapleton and Merle Haggard to Ozzy Osbourne, and describes Signs of Life as reflecting both the hard and good sides of his current "sweet spot" in life.