What are the key highlights from Tucker Wetmore’s upcoming debut album? How does he feel about his first performance at Stagecoach? What insights does Wetmore share about his creative process and favorite songs? Which personal essentials does he bring to festivals, and how does he balance fame with his personal life?
Tucker Wetmore is just two days away from what’s arguably the biggest day of his career.
On Friday, April 25, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter is set to release his debut album What Not To, and just a few hours later, he’ll hit the Stagecoach stage for the very first time. “I’ve been waiting and looking forward to dropping my first album for as long as I can remember… it’s crunch time now,” the country star tells The Hollywood Reporter.
Stagecoach is just the kick-off, though. Wetmore then hits the road alongside NÜTRL, which was just announced as the official vodka seltzer of Tucker’s Summer Tour. The spirit brand sits high on the artist’s list of backstage and festival essentials (the orange flavor is his favorite), along with trail mix (“obviously you’ve gotta have the M&M’s in there”), his Wrangler jeans (“I don’t wear anything other than Wrangler”), a pair of boots, a loose button-down, and a hat. “I’m a simple dude, I don’t really need much,” he adds. And for Stagecoach, “a bandana‘s probably going to be necessary because of all the dust.”
Like “Austin” singer Dasha, who will also be making her Stagecoach debut this weekend, Wetmore’s music initially blew up on social media, first with “Wine Into Whiskey” and then with “Wind Up Missin’ You,” which doubled as his country radio debut single. “I feel like everything happened so fast last year that nobody really got the chance to know me or why I am the way I am,” he explains. “This is my chance to kind of scratch the surface on a lot of those things and tell my truths.”
Friday’s release contains 19 tracks: “You know, I had a lot to say, so I couldn’t do it in anything less than [that].” When asked about his most-loved song of the 19, the singer couldn’t pick just one: “All of them… they’re all my babies.” However, there are a few that he’s especially excited for fans to hear.
“‘Bad Luck Looks Good on Me’ is probably one of my favorites. That song actually took like eight months to write… It was just one of those songs that, it wasn’t right, it wasn’t right, and we kept going back and forth and then finally got to a spot where I was like, ‘This is it, let’s roll with it.’” Other standouts for Wetmore include the album’s title track “What Not To” and “Whiskey Again,” both of which dive deeper “inside of who I am and where I come from,” he tells THR.
While the artist’s recent fame and busy schedule has certainly been an adjustment — one where he isn’t able to see family and friends as much as he’d like to — Wetmore can’t help but feel “blessed.” “I wake up with air in my lungs, a roof over my head, a comfy bed and I get to go off and do something that I love every day, and you can’t really put a price on that.”
The singer’s debut album What Not To is available to preorder now on Amazon. To see him live in the desert on April 25, check out THR‘s guide to finding the best deals on Stagecoach tickets and to join Wetmore this summer, grab tickets for the upcoming tour here (select shows he’ll be opening for Thomas Rhett).
Tucker Wetmore: A Promising New Voice in Country Music with Debut Album ‘What Not To’ and His First Stagecoach Experience
As a burgeoning artist in the country music scene, Tucker Wetmore is generating considerable buzz with his debut album, "What Not To." This collection of songs showcases his unique blend of traditional country storytelling and contemporary influences. Wetmore’s journey from a small-town musician to a spotlighted performer at the prestigious Stagecoach Festival is both inspiring and reflective of his dedication to his craft.
A Musical Journey
Born and raised in the scenic foothills of Appalachia, Wetmore’s love for music was ignited at an early age. He grew up with the sounds of classic country legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, alongside a range of contemporary artists that shaped his understanding of the genre. Influenced by the lyrical depth of his idols, Wetmore began writing his own songs, pouring personal experiences and observations into every line.
"What Not To," Wetmore’s debut album, represents both a culmination of his musical growth and a launchpad for his career. Each track reflects a piece of his journey, blending heartfelt narratives with catchy melodies. Wetmore’s decision to name the album "What Not To" stems from his belief in the importance of learning from mistakes and embracing vulnerability. "It’s about navigating life and love, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way,” he explains.
Exploring the Album
In a world where the country genre often dwells on themes of heartbreak and nostalgia, Wetmore manages to carve out a niche that is distinctly fresh. The album’s lead single, "No More Goodbyes," encapsulates the kind of raw emotion that resonates deeply. It’s an anthem for anyone who has experienced the difficulties of letting go, yet with a sound that is undeniably upbeat. The juxtaposition of heartfelt lyrics with catchy hooks is a hallmark of Wetmore’s style.
Another standout track is "Home Is Where the Heart Is," a celebration of small-town values and the simple joys of life. Wetmore’s ability to paint vivid pictures with his words allows listeners to connect with the imagery and sentiments he shares. The album also features co-writes with established songwriters, further enriching its sound while ensuring authenticity.
The Stagecoach Experience
For a newcomer, performing at the Stagecoach Festival is akin to climbing a mountain; it’s both daunting and exhilarating. Wetmore’s experience at Stagecoach was nothing short of transformative. "Standing on that stage, looking out at the sea of faces, was surreal," he recalls. "It felt like a dream come true." Sharing the stage with seasoned artists allowed him to absorb the nuances of performance and audience engagement.
The energy at Stagecoach, known for its vibrant country music atmosphere, was infectious. Wetmore describes it as a melting pot of passion for country music, where fans come together to celebrate their love for the genre. His set resonated with an enthusiastic crowd, who were eager to hear his fresh sound. "I felt the connection with the audience. It was incredible to see people singing along to my songs," he said, reflecting on that unforgettable moment.
Beyond the performance, Wetmore seized the opportunity to network with fellow artists and industry professionals. Establishing these connections is crucial for any emerging artist in the competitive landscape of country music. "I made some lifelong friends and connections that I know will be invaluable in the years to come," he adds.
Looking Forward
As Wetmore’s star begins to rise, he is focused on honing his craft further. The months following the release of "What Not To" will see him on a rigorous tour schedule, performing in venues across the country. His goal is to build a loyal fan base, one that appreciates the sincerity and relatability of his music.
Wetmore is also already working on his next project, hinting that it will delve deeper into the themes that resonate with his audience. While "What Not To" explores personal experiences, he envisions future work that will tackle broader societal themes. "Music has the power to create change, and I want to be a part of that," he asserts.
In conclusion, Tucker Wetmore’s debut album "What Not To" marks the arrival of a promising new voice in country music. With heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and a refreshing stage presence, he is poised to captivate audiences far and wide. As he embraces the whirlwind of opportunities coming his way, Wetmore remains grounded, committed to sharing his authentic self through his music. The future looks bright for this rising star, and fans eagerly await his next chapter.
Tucker Wetmore’s debut album, “What Not To,” has been making waves in the country music scene. With a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, Wetmore showcases his unique style and storytelling ability that resonates with listeners. The album features heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, highlighting personal experiences and relatable themes.
Wetmore recently took the stage at the prestigious Stagecoach festival, where he shared his music with country fans eager for fresh talent. The experience not only allowed him to connect with a wider audience but also to perform alongside seasoned artists.
His journey to this point has been marked by dedication and a passion for music, which is evident in both his performances and recorded work. As he navigates the challenges of the music industry, Wetmore remains focused on his artistic vision, eager to share more of his story in future projects. Fans and newcomers alike are excited to see where his career will take him next.