Fancy Gap, VA (November 10, 2026) – Appalachian Smoke brings a deeply personal piece of Appalachian heritage to life with the release of “Heart of a Hound,” through Mountain Fever Records. Written by Mikel Laws, the song draws from generations of family tradition, the spiritual connection between a houndsman and his dogs, and the lessons that can be learned from a good hound.

For Laws, hunting with hounds is far more than a pastime. As a sixth-generation houndsman, it is a tradition woven into the fabric of his Appalachian heritage and his family history. His grandfather, James Nelson Laws, known to many as “Jim” Laws, played an important role in the family’s connection to hound hunting and its history.

The song moves between the perspectives of the houndsman and the hound, creating a story that can be heard on two levels. On the surface, it reflects the unique relationship between a hunter and a dog that has been bred, trained, and raised to hunt. But beneath that story is a deeper spiritual parallel, with the houndsman representing God and the hounds representing His children.

For Laws, that connection came naturally.

“I feel like this is another song that the Lord gave to me,” he says. “In the song, the lyrics jump from several different perspectives. From the houndsman, to the hound several times. The perspectives of the lyrics can be taken spiritually with the houndsman being God and the hounds being His children.”

Musically, Appalachian Smoke surrounds Laws’ lead vocal and banjo with a traditional bluegrass lineup featuring BJ Taylor on mandolin, Jamie Mason on guitar and harmony vocals, Kenneth Rymer on dobro and harmony vocals, and Aaron Ramsey on bass. Together, the musicians give the song the drive and Appalachian character that fit its story, while leaving room for the weight of Laws’ lyrics to remain front and center.

With “Heart of a Hound,” Appalachian Smoke offers more than a song about hunting. It is a reflection on family, faith, tradition, friendship, perseverance, and the lessons passed down through generations. For Laws, it is another chapter in a heritage that remains very much alive.