Deltona Slow Things Down With Heartbreaking New Single “Cared Enough to Cry”

Rising country-rock trio Deltona are showing a more vulnerable side with their newest release, “Cared Enough to Cry,” a slow-burning ballad that dives headfirst into the wreckage of a one-sided relationship. The track is out now and marks the band’s most emotional release yet.

A First-Ever Ballad That Hits Hard

For a group known for rowdy guitars and high-octane energy, dropping a tender ballad is a big shift — and Deltona leaned into it fully.

“It’s the first ballad we’ve ever released, and it leans into that classic heartbreak country sound we all grew up on,” the band shares. “We wanted a song that shows off our harmonies and really felt honest. You can hear the emotion in it.”

Written early in their journey together, the song captures a raw, lived-in sadness that feels instantly familiar to anyone who’s loved harder than they were loved back.

Produced With Classic Country Soul

Produced by longtime collaborator Jason Massey (Cole Swindell, Kelsea Ballerini), “Cared Enough to Cry” brings Deltona’s trademark grit into a more delicate space. The song features Justin Schipper—the world-class pedal-steel and dobro player who’s worked with Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts—whose shimmering textures add a timeless country glow.

Vocalist Ned Abernathy leads with a stripped-down opening verse, painting the aftermath of a breakup in vivid detail:

“Bags packed on the front porch… Not a trace of you in this house…”

By the time the chorus arrives, the heartbreak comes into full focus:

“If you cared enough to cry / You’d still be here tonight… It’s like you didn’t even wanna try.”

As the song moves into its second verse, the band brings in bigger rhythms and fuller instrumentation, giving emotional weight to the dreams that never got their chance—marriage, a home, a life built together.

A Strong Follow-Up in a Breakout Year

“Cared Enough to Cry” follows the group’s October single “How To Not Help A Heartbreak” and continues a streak of strong releases that began in August with their debut “Heartbreak Fix.” Fans have also gravitated toward the electric “Love Don’t Love Me,” helping Deltona build buzz with both their studio work and their dynamic live shows.

The trio has already shared stages with Rodney Atkins, George Birge, Cooper Alan, and Avery Anna, bringing their chemistry and powerhouse harmonies to growing crowds.

From Bluebird Café to Breakout Band

Deltona’s origin story is pure Nashville magic. Vocalist Ned Abernathy (Georgia), drummer Chris Deaton (Tennessee), and guitarist Caleb Miller (Ohio) first crossed paths at a writers’ round at the legendary Bluebird Café. The chemistry was instant.

Their blend of classic country roots and modern energy quickly caught traction online too — the band has already racked up nearly 14K TikTok followers in just six months.

With “Cared Enough to Cry,” Deltona are proving they’re more than just a rowdy trio — they can deliver heartbreak ballads with the same authenticity and force. And with more new music on the way, it’s clear the trio is just getting started.