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Who Is Garrett Bradford? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

Who is Garrett Bradford? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Garrett Bradford // Photo credit: Ted Parker Jr.

Quick Facts:

Full name – Garrett Bradford
Birthdate – August 24th
Hometown – Weatherford, Texas
Current city – Weatherford, Texas + Nashville, Tennessee
Musical influences – George Strait, Red Steagall, Bob Wills, Nat Stuckey, Merle Haggard
Label – H.O.T. Records
Current Song – “Do You? (I Do)” (as of date of article: 4/21/2025)
The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight artist is a pure soul, what truly loves what he does. Garrett Bradford is a true-blue Texas man with a talent that rivals anyone in the industry and a heart is invested in country music. Keep reading to learn more about his incredible story.

“I grew up in Weatherford, Texas on a ranch there. My family are ranchers. My dad owned a horse sale company […] That was kind of my whole life. Nobody in my family really played music,” began the singer-songwriter “When I was really young, I wasn’t really exposed to all of this singing and being an artist, but I sang in a children’s choir at church. My mom had me do that even though I didn’t want to as a little boy. I ended up kind of enjoying it, and eventually as a young teenager, at twelve or thirteen, I started playing guitar and writing songs came as soon as I learned to play a few chords. It just kind of seemed like the thing to do for me.”

Music found its way into his heart at an early age. The desire to play music never left him. “My dad and my mom were super supportive of it, and looking back at it, I think that’s super cool,” he shared, while reminiscing about being introduced to country legends, while driving in the car with his parents. “I had a lot of classic country in my ears, especially when I was first starting to play. With my dad it was classic country and with my mom it was country and a lot of bit of gospel, when I was riding in the car.”

Eventually, when Bradford got a driver’s license, he found his own musical taste too. “When I had a vehicle and my own CD player and my own radio, I started realizing that there was this Texas music scene. It was firing on all cylinders at that time in 2009, 2010. It was really a heyday of Texas country music,” he shared. “I feel like my life started when I got a guitar honestly.”

The Turning Point:

After graduating high-school, Bradford continued to cut his teeth on the Texas country circuit. “I kept on doing that, and we have so many great places to play in Texas, even as a youngster like that. We had open mics and flea markets I would set up and play at, and I would busk at a lot of horse shows,” he shared, adding, “I started playing in bars and things when I graduated from high-school, and it just slowly evolved over my life, but it’s been a huge part ever since I got a guitar.”

Around this same time the singer was playing shows and writing music, he started a tree business with his best friend, Colt Ford. Unfortunately, in 2014, the singer and his best friend got into a life-altering car accident, which took the life of Ford. This devastating event catapulted Bradford into letting go of playing music professionally, due the tragedy. “It was a derailing experience for me. […] It kind of took away all my confidence after that. For a few years after that, three or four years, I quit playing shows. I would still play a few shows, but only if it was someone I knew, but I wasn’t trying to get out or release music or anything,” he shared.”

Eventually as fate would have it, Bradford ended up getting hired to do some work for Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the hit show, Yellowstone. “We hit it off, and we became friends, and he would invite me over for dinner but I didn’t event think about telling him I was a musician.”

Despite taking a break from playing shows, the singer never stopped writing. “I had kept writing songs the whole time. As a matter of fact, I wrote more songs than ever between when I was in the car wreck and when I met Taylor, four, five years later,” he shared, adding, “He encouraged me a lot, and really rekindled my passion for [music] and my confidence to get out there, so I started playing again, publicly a lot more, and I started recordings one music. Then eventually, two, three years into knowing him, he asked me to write a song for the show, and I did, and I sent him an acoustic demo of it just to see if he liked it, and apparently he liked it a lot because I sent it to him on a Tuesday and it ended up on Yellowstone on a Sunday, the demo did.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, not only did Bradford’s song, “The Way of Life,” land on Yellowstone, but the singer-songwriter is finally releasing a two-part album of his own. Act 1 of the singer’s record, Honkiest Of Tonkers came out in February, featuring nine songs, including, “Do You (I Do)” and “Bad Girl Good.” Act 2 of the project will be released soon.

“I think an album allows fans to take a deeper dive, and really the thought process for the record, it’s a combination of songs that I recorded in Texas and Nashville. Both albums have a mixture of both of those places, and I was originally going to put out nineteen songs on one album, but then I thought that it was a lot of songs to ask people to listen to,” shared Bradford.

For the singer, this record reflects who he is an artist, pays tribute to his heroes, and showcases his songwriting prowess. “I wanted the first part to be a little bit of everything I do, as far as my songwriting, and the second part, is similar, but there’s a few more deeply personal songs and a song about my dad who passed away a few years ago, and a song about a conversation I had with my grandfather called, “Fireflies” whose still alive thank god. I think I just wanted to split those up to make it a little more digestible.”

As fans await part 2 of the project, Bradford promises that he is already working on more new music. “I’m just really excited to be putting this music music out, and I’m already working on another album. I just want to release a lot of music.” Stay tuned!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Garrett Bradford announcements and releases.

To keep up with Garrett Bradford follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

Garrett Bradford’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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John Morgan & Jason Aldean Go Number One with “Friends Like That”

John Morgan and Jason Aldean earn the number one song at country radio this week with their hit song, “Friends Like That.” Learn more here!

On the heels of his debut album, Carolina Blue, John Morgan can celebrate his first number one single at country radio, as an artist! Morgan’s collaborative hit with country mainstay, Jason Aldean, “Friends Like That” is officially the top song at country radio this week.

So far in his young, yet promising career as an artist, Morgan has set the bar high. Each and every one of his releases have captured the singer-songwriter’s undeniable charm and staying power. “Friends Like That” is just the beginning for Morgan. As for Aldean, the number one spot at country radio is nothing new to the superstar!

“I ain’t missing you like crazy // I’m keepin’ better company lately // I’m doing alright for the shape I’m in // Sitting by the fire with some damn good friends // Willie on my left, Jack on my right // Blowin’ that smoke on a Friday night // Waylon turned up on the JBL // Girl, you probably think I’m going through hell // But I don’t care if you never come back // ‘Cause who needs you when I got friends like that?”

A huge congrats goes out to John Morgan and Jason Aldean and their teams on an incredible feat!

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming John Morgan and Jason Aldean announcements and releases.

To keep up with John Morgan, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

To keep up with Jason Aldean, you can follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Friends Like That” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Morgan Wallen + Post Malone Join Forces on New Song “I Ain’t Comin’ Back”

Morgan Wallen and Post Malone join forces on new song, “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” ahead of Wallen’s fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, officially releasing on May 16th. Learn more here!

On the heels of announcing the official track-list for his 37 song upcoming album, Morgan Wallen is truly a master at getting fans excited for the next era of music. His upcoming album,  I’m The Problem, already boasts future hits, including collaborations with artists like Tate McRae and HARDY. Today the superstar is sharing his newest collaboration with cross-genre megastar, Post Malone. “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” is officially out now!

Written by Wallen and Post Malone with Louis Bell, HARDY, Ernest, Keith Smith, and Ryan Vojtesak, “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” has all the makings for another hit song. The new single is Posty and Wallen’s second song together, with their first, “I Had Some Help” topping the charts last year. ” I Ain’t Comin’ Back” feels like a fresh ands summer-ready jam, perfect for the summer of Wallen music.

“Girl, half of this town has got a name for me // And I can’t say I don’t agree, huh // But the night I said, “I’m leavin’,” I turned into Richard Petty // Broke my heart, so I got even in my ’97 Chevy // Now I’m walkin’ on this water mixed with Johnnie Walker Black // There’s a lot of reasons I ain’t Jesus, but the main one is that I ain’t comin’ back // Oh no, no, I ain’t comin’ back”

Check back on May 16th for our full review of the upcoming album!

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Morgan Wallen share new song with Post Malone, “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Morgan Wallen releases.

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Post Malone, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“I Ain’t Comin’ Back” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Frank Ray Releases New Song “Miami In Tennessee” Out Now

Frank Ray shares new song, “Miami In Tennessee,” out now, April 18th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

As the country music genre continues to widen its reach and impact more and more people, we are getting to listen to new music with a fresh sound from exciting rising artists. Frank Ray is one of those artists. The singer-songwriter blends his Latin heritage and R&B influences into country music in a way that feels fresh, innovative, and fun. Today the singer-songwriter shares his newest song to date called, “Miami In Tennessee”.

Ray’s new song is summertime ready! “Miami In Tennessee” is spicy and catchy. The song speaks to Ray’s one-of-a-kind talent as an artist. Time and time again, the singer-songwriter brings a fresh sound and flavor to the country genre, proving that country music can be fun and different all at the same time. “Miami In Tennessee” is the perfect example of that. Throughout the song, eh transports the listeners to their own type of paradise, bring a feel-good escape to the forefront of the clever new song.

Ray continues to be a true rule-breaker in the genre, but it works. “Miami In Tennessee” is just another notch in his belt! Go listen ASAP.

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Frank Ray shares his newest song to date, “Miami In Tennessee,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Frank Ray releases.

To keep up with Frank Ray, follow him on FacebookInstagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

“Miami In Tennessee” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Braedon Barnhill Shares New Song “Want It Back”

Braedon Barnhill shares new song, “Want It Back,” out now, April 14th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music here and learn more.

Valory Music Co. artist, Braedon Barnhill has the talent of a seasoned veteran in the country music genre. The newcomer continues to release songs that speak to his unique musical blend. While, we loved his song, “Front Porch Lights,” his new single, out today, rivals it as one of our favorites so far! Today, the singer-songwriter shares a mid-tempo, new song called “Want It Back.”

Written by Braedon Barnhill with Kelly Archer, and Ben Goldsmith, “Want It Back” is introspective, emotional, and raw, while still somehow, having an enticing melody. The song captures how it feels to want to stay in a relationship; despite, knowing that the good times are far and few between. It’s a true time capsule of wanting to stay in the moments where everything felt right.

Barnhill continues to impress with each and every release. “Want It Back” is a great addition to his growing catalog. Make sure you jump on the bandwagon ASAP, so you can say you were one of the first amongst his growing fanbase.

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Braedon Barnhill shares new song, “Want It Back,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Braedon Barnhill releases.

To keep up with Braedon Barnhill follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

“Want It Back” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Sam Barber Shares Brand New Song “Man of the Year”

Sam Barber shares brand new song “Man of the Year,” out now, April 18th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

There are many iterations of country music in the genre today. While all the styles have its place, country-folk is having its moment. With artists like Zach Bryan and Noah Kahn straddling the line between country-folk and more modern sounds, Sam Barber is a perfect artist to add to that conversation. The incredible singer-songwriter shares his newest song today called “Man of the Year.”

Written as a solo-write by Barber himself and produced by Ryan Hewitt (Noah Kahan, Cody Jinks) and Joe Becker, the track is a beautiful, yet introspective. The song captures the uncertainty of struggle of life in such a way that is relatable and raw. “Man of the Year” is one of those songs that the listener will continue to see more meaning unfold after each and every listen.

“Is it in my mind or are we all jus sinking // Still fueled by the pain that never left me last season // I’d try to set a fire in your soul but I just don’t have the reasoning // But some day on down the road when you ask what I believe in, I’ll say // You gotta take it as it goes cause it doesn’t get easier dear // It’s all an empty hole and fuck it if I ain’t the man of the year // No matter where you go you’ll always live in fear // No matter what you know there’s no making sense of why we’re here”

“Man of the Year” is Barber’s first song, since his incredible debit album, Restless Mind. Make sure to go listen to it ASAP!

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Sam Barber shares new song, “Man of the Year,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Sam Barber releases.

To keep up with Sam Barber, follow him on InstagramTikTok, and Facebook.

“Man of the Year” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Ashley Cooke Shares Highly Anticipated New Song “the f word”

Ashley Cooke shares brand new song, “the f word,” out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new song here.

Since bursting on to the country music scene, Ashley Cooke’s trajectory has been a monumental rise to stardom! In just a few years, Cooke has emerged as one of the most exciting new artists in the genre. As the songstress continues to take the genre by storm, fans have been begging for new music. Today, the ACM New Female nominee releases her newest song to date, “the f word.”

Without listening to the song, fans might think that “the f word” is a cheeky, boundary-pushing song. Instead, it’s an introspective love song with a killer hook and chorus. “the f word” is clever, honest, and fun to listening to. Cooke’s beautiful vocals shine on the new track.

“I try not to swear, it’s not ladylike // But I swear that I love you, I’ve made up my mind // So I get kinda careless sometimes // When your eyes are looking in mine // I guess that’s why I didn’t think before I spoke // Yeah, I should wash my mouth out with soap // ‘Cause I said the f word in front of your mama // The first time I met her, not tryna start drama // Just kinda slipped out, like, what the hell did I just do? // I said I’d probably spend forever with you”

Cooke continues to be one to look out for! Make sure to listen to “the f word” ASAP!

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Ashley Cooke shares her newest song to date, “The F Word,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Ashley Cooke releases.

To keep up with Ashley Cooke, follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“the f word” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Who Is Braedon Barnhill? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

Who is Braedon Barnhill? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Braedon Barnhill // Photo credit: David OD

Quick Facts:

Full name – Braedon Barnhill
Birthdate – 11/13/2001
Hometown – Marble Falls, Texas
Current city – Austin, Texas
Musical influences- George Strait, Bruce Springsteen, Randy Rogers Band
Label – The Valory Music Co. (Big Machine Label Group)
Current Song – “Front Porch Lights” (as of date of article: 4/14/2025)
The Beginning:

This week our spotlight shines on Valory Music Co. artist, Braedon Barnhill. The young star in the making is as humble and as talented as they come. Keep reading to learn more about his story, his new music, and where he’s headed!

“I grew up in a small-town. It’s not so small anymore because Austin is exploding, it’s called Marble Falls, Texas. It’s a big lake town, but there’s still not that much to do,” began the singer. “My whole family is really into music, so I went to shows a lot growing up.”

Growing up in Texas, Barnhill recalls being immersed in the country music scene from an early age. He spent a lot of time listening to artists on the Texas country music circuit, falling in love with artists like George Strait, Randy Rogers Band, and Wade Bowen. “I kinda was like “oh there’s people that sound like what I do.” The first time I heard Randy Rogers, I was probably fifteen or seventeen, and I thought I could do that because that’s what my songs sound like.”

Throughout his upbringing, Barnhill spent time cultivating his sound, believing that he could maybe make it on the Texas country circuit, but never dreaming of reaching a national audience. “I played instruments, just to mess around because they were always around since I was really little, I started really learning how to play instruments and writing songs when I was fourteen, I thought I might have a shot at this when I was seventeen, eighteen, but I never thought in a million years, I would get a record deal, especially this quick.”

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating high-school, Barnhill spent time working during the day and playing shows at night across Texas. “No matter what I was into in my life, I was always into music,” he shared, adding, “I was working valet at a hotel in Austin during the day and playing shows at night. I remember after a show, this person offered me free demo time. […] I went and made this demo.”

The singer heard through the grapevine that his demo was being passed around in Nashville, but he didn’t quite think anything of it. Eventually, one day, immediately after a gig, his dad called him with news that would change his life. “[My dad] told me to sit down and said remember that demo you made, and one way or another it got on Scott Borchetta’s desk, and he wanted to meet me right away.”

Barnhill found himself in Nashville just two weeks later. “This person who is now my A&R guy picks me up in an SUV and drives me to hi house. It’s all very like a movie. It’s all very surreal. […] They give me a guitar and asked me if I had been writing anything recently, so I played them a song and then another one,” he shared. “I played like six songs in a row, just me and a guitar in the living room for these two guys. We talked for three hours, and the next day they wanted to show me around all of these offices.”

Almost immediately following the meet-up, the team flew his family out and told him that they wanted to sign him. Barnhill officially signed with The Valory Music Co. (Big Machine Label Group) at the top of the year. “My life changed really, really quickly.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Barnhill is releasing music for his growing fanbase! Most recently, the singer-songwriter shared his song, “Front Porch Lights,” following his debut single, “Dashboard Dreaming.”

“That song came out, I was dating this girl at the time. We hadn’t broken up yet, but you could kind of tell that we were getting into it. We just couldn’t get along really. It wasn’t these angry fights, it was just really hard,” he shared, talking about the inspiration for “Front Porch Lights. “We started talking and getting to know each other, the first week I went up to Nashville. And there’s a line in the song that says, “you never really had me at my best,” and it’s because I always told her, I felt really bad for her because she never knew the normal me. Me before all of this.”

Sonically and lyrically, the song hits all the right notes. The song is honest, relatable, and catchy, all qualities that fans look for in a young and new country artist. “I wrote that a couple months before we actually, for real, broke-up,” he shared. “It wasn’t a love song, it wasn’t a break-up song.”

While Barnhill is still at the beginning in his blossoming career, the singer is ready to keep fans excited. He is already in the studio working on new music and has other songs ready to go. “I think some of the best work isn’t even out yet.” Stay tuned!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Braedon Barnhill announcements and releases.

To keep up with Braedon Barnhill follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

Braedon Barnhill’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Here Are The New Country Songs You Need To Know This Week

Here are all of the new country songs that you need to know this week. Check-out the full list of incredible new songs that came out this new music Friday.

“Favorite Country Song” – HARDY

HARDY releases two new songs today, including this fan-favorite, “Favorite Country Song.”

 

“Dreams Don’t Die” – Jelly Roll

Jelly Roll’s song on the hit hit show Fire Country is officially out now.

 

“What’s Mine Is Yours” – Ryan and Rory

Ryan and Rory share their newest song to date with “What’s Mine Is Yours.”

 

“When I Don’t” – Jacob Hackworth

Rising newcomer, Jacob Hackworth shares his new single, “When I Don’t.”

 

“Blink Twice” – Shaboozey with Myles Smith

Shaboozey and Myles Smith join forces for this exciting new collaboration.

 

“American Dream” – Cole Phillips

Cole Phillips shares his debut EP, Steel Toes and Texacoes, which includes new song, “American Dream.”

 

“Boots Off” – Jon Pardi

Jon Pardi releases his newest album, Honkytonk Hollywood out now, including new song, “Boots Off.”

 

“I Mean It” – Austin Snell

Austin Snell shares his new single, “I Mean It,” out now.

 

“Risk It All” – Chase McDaniel

Chase McDaniel releases one of the best songs of his career with “Risk It All.”

 

“Drink With You” – Brett Young

Brett Young continues to share new music, releasing another new song in 2025.

 

“Running Away” – Kolby Cooper

Kolby Cooper shares his newest EP, Love You, Goodnight featuring 14 new songs including, “Running Away.”

 

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news, announcements and releases.

Check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music‘ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.