The Providers and Friends Make Every Day “Perfect” with New Single
When Les “Doc” Cunningham and Audie Smith came together for The Providers and Friends, it wasn’t just about forming a band—it was about creating a space where decades of experience, friendship, and musical curiosity could collide. Their debut single, Perfect Day, out January 23, 2026, is the first glimpse into a project that thrives on collaboration, sincerity, and storytelling rooted in the heart of country-rock.
Perfect Day tells a story everyone can relate to: the patient hope, quiet rejection, and long-term optimism that come with life and love. As Cunningham explains when asked about the emotion behind the track:
“In short, hopeful optimism. The singer processes long-term rejection, acceptance, and determined hope for the future, all in three verses. I think that’s kind of cool. We’ve all experienced that in life and relationships for sure. I hope that first-time listeners find it somewhat playful and uplifting; the music certainly feels that way to me. I thought it was important, at least in the video we shot for the song, that the guy gets the girl in the end. I’m not sure you can figure that out just listening to the tune, which kind of intentionally leaves that question unanswered, but the video resolves it. Who doesn’t love a happy ending?”
Musically, the track balances warmth and precision. Doc Cunningham’s acoustic guitar and drums form the heartbeat, while Steve Rutledge’s electric guitar and Travis Toy’s pedal steel layer in emotion and texture. Cameron Cunningham on piano, Vince Iligan on bass, and Emily Wyrick’s backing vocals complete a sound that feels lived-in yet fresh. The track was produced by veteran Travis Wyrick, engineered at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville, and mixed across two coasts, reflecting the care and craftsmanship poured into every note.
The accompanying music video expands on the song’s narrative. Filmed at Knoxville’s iconic Cotton Eyed Joe, it features a choreographed line dance and on-screen romance, resolving the playful tension hinted at in the lyrics. Audie’s wife, Sandra, contributed her screenplay expertise, and the collaborative spirit extended to family and long-term musical friends, making the project as personal as it is professional.