In a musical landscape often enamoured with flash and trend, Cabela & Schmitt stand out as a reminder that longevity, friendship, and authenticity can carry as much weight as chart success.
Based in Sidney, Nebraska, the trio—Rich Cabela (guitar, keyboards), Wayne Schmitt (guitar, keyboards), and Tom Schmitt (bass, keyboards)—have been collaborating for over forty years.
Their philosophy is simple but profound: let the music come from life, belief, and shared thought. On their SoundCloud page, they describe their songwriting process as starting from scattered, random thoughts or feelings, which gradually coalesce into a more coherent, expressive form.
In their own words, “We always have music in our hearts/heads … all we do is learn what we hear.”
Over the decades, the trio has not only written and performed but also produced, mixed, and published much of their own material. Their body of work spans genres—touching elements of rock, pop, folk, and even touches of Americana or inspirational music.
Their commitment to independence is part of their identity: “All songs written, recorded, produced and copyrighted by Cabela & Schmitt.” They release new singles frequently, maintaining a steady pace of creative output.
In all this, the thread that holds their work together is sincerity: the belief that songs can carry messages, reflect lives, and connect people across space and time.
Spotlight on Three Recent Singles
Below, let’s take a closer look at So Good, Where Is the Love, and It’ll Be—each one representing a different facet of what Cabela & Schmitt bring to their listeners today.
So Good
Released earlier (cited in their catalog as part of the “music with the heart in mind” collection) So Good is a love song bathed in gratitude and wonder.
The lyrics open:
“You give a love so true, give a love so true
It’s a love that I never knew, you make me feel so good”
“I wanna take your hand and walk this land and tell it to the world”
There is an uplifting, almost celebratory tone in So Good—a sense of being awakened by a love that feels more real or deeper than one expected. It works as a testament: sometimes a song doesn’t need dramatic conflict or complexity; it simply needs to hold the space for joy and appreciation.
Musically, the track is polished, with rich harmonies and production that supports rather than overshadows the vocals. The trio balances accessibility with enough musical depth to reward repeated listening.
Where Is the Love
Where Is the Love marks a more introspective turn. While I couldn’t locate a full lyrical breakdown readily, it is listed on streaming platforms as a 2024 release by Cabela & Schmitt.
The title itself hints at searching, longing, or questioning—a contrast to So Good’s sense of certainty. In the arc of a body of work, a song like Where Is the Love often serves as a moment of reflection or internal reckoning. It asks the listeners (and perhaps the songwriters themselves) where love dwells, how it is found, and how it is maintained.
Given the trio’s stylistic leanings, one can imagine Where Is the Love pairing contemplative instrumentation—acoustic touches, space for vocal interplay—with poetic lyricism.
It’ll Be
The most recent of the three, It’ll Be, was released in September 2025 according to their site. cabelaandschmitt.com It appears on their homepage as a single, and is listed among their new releases.
While I could not find a full lyric breakdown for It’ll Be, its title suggests hope, promise, or patience—perhaps a reassurance that what’s meant to unfold will. In the arc of Cabela & Schmitt’s catalog, this kind of forward-looking song complements their repertoire of gratitude (So Good) and questioning (Where Is the Love).
Given their track record, one might expect a balance of contemplative verses and a melody that leans into optimism. It’s likely meant to inspire or comfort—inviting the listener to imagine possibility rather than dwell in doubt.
Thematic Threads & Artistic Growth
When viewed together, these three songs sketch a nuanced emotional landscape:
- Gratitude and celebration (So Good)
- Questioning and reflection (Where Is the Love)
- Hope and expectation (It’ll Be)
It’s a progression that mirrors many real life journeys—recognizing beauty, facing doubts, then reaffirming trust in what’s ahead.
Over time, Cabela & Schmitt’s songwriting has demonstrated both consistency and growth. Their musical identity remains rooted in sincerity and melodic accessibility, but they also experiment with texture, harmony, and emotional pacing. Critics and fans alike often comment on the comforting tone and nostalgic resonance of their work.
Their willingness to release singles frequently creates an evolving conversation with listeners. Rather than waiting for big albums, they drip out new songs, letting their audience live with each track, absorb it, and reflect.
Why They Matter (Especially Now)
- Authenticity over trend chasing. In an era when many songs seem engineered for virality, Cabela & Schmitt lean toward timelessness—messages rooted in love, reflection, and hope.
- Longevity through friendship. Their decades‐long collaboration is not just a backstory—it shows in the cohesion of their arrangements, the blending of voices, and the alignment of vision.
- Accessibility with depth. Their music isn’t complicated to digest, yet it rewards deeper listening: small lyrical turns, subtle harmonic shifts, emotional pacing.
- Independent spirit. They are self-producing, self-publishing, and self-releasing. Their artistry isn’t filtered through corporate constraints.
For fans and new listeners alike, Cabela & Schmitt represent a kind of musical home—one that welcomes the soft, the quiet, the hopeful.
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