Ever since the explosion in popularity of the likes of Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers and most recently Wyatt Flores and Dylan Gossett, everyone is looking for the next big artist to pop up from this new generation of independent country artists. And while it might be a little too early to crown him the next big thing, Hudson Westbrook is certainly making a strong case for himself with the release of his brand-new song, “5 to 9,” and a cover of Jacob Stelly’s “Johnny Walker.”
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard Westbrook’s infectious breakout song, “Two Way Drive,” somewhere on social media over the past few months. Since its June 7th release, the track has gained over 860,000 streams on Spotify alone and has gained millions of views using the song’s sound clip on TikTok.
With a voice that sounds somewhere between Parker McCollum and Flatland Cavalry’s frontman, Cleto Cordero, and instrumentals reminiscent of the Turnpike Troubadours, it feels like Westbrook has the complete package for success in today’s independent country landscape.
Like “Two Way Drive,” “5 to 9” sounds like another hit for the Texan singer/songwriter. Co-written by Westbrook and Lukas Scott, the track uses the classic country trope of thinking about your lover throughout the workday. Inverting the standard, “9 to 5” work schedule, here, Westbrook notes how he feels alive once the day is over, “I make my living from 9 to 5, but we’re only living from 5 to 9.”
Packed to the brim with fiddle and solid melodies, “5 to 9” feels like it’s striking a perfect balance between traditional instrumentation and a more modern sound which lends itself perfectly for capturing a wide range of different listeners.
Additionally, Westbrook delivers a stellar cover of fellow Texas artist, Jacob Stelly’s, 2021 single, “Johnny Walker.” Telling the story of the titular character’s hardships as a traveling musician, it’s easy to see why Westbrook connected to the track and wanted to cut his own version.
With four songs under his belt, nearly 300,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and over 160,000 followers on TikTok, the sky is truly the limit for Westbrook, and I truly wouldn’t be surprised if he reaches the heights of the likes of Wyatt Flores or Flatland Cavalry over the coming years. The guy is seriously that good.
Listen here: