Who Is Hunt Pipkin? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music
Who is Hunt Pipkin? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising artist here…
Hunt Pipkin // Photo credit: Chris Ashlee
Quick Facts:
Birthdate – 04/09/2006
Hometown – Henderson, Tennessee
Current city – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical influences – Shawn Mendes, Morgan Wallen, George Strait, Boyz II Men, Parker McCollum
Label – Distribution through CMDSHFT
We always enjoy championing artists while they’re on an upward trajectory. Newcomer and rising artist, Hunt Pipkin is one to look out for. We chatted with Pipkin about his journey so far and his new music. Keep reading to learn more.
Growing up in Henderson, Tennessee, a small town nestled between Memphis and Nashville, he spent most of his childhood on a farm surrounded by fields. With both of his parents working as coaches, his dad serving as the athletic director at the local high school and his mom coaching basketball, sports were always at the center of his life. “I was really more of a sports guy,” he shared. “I loved playing sports.”
While he performed in talent shows when he was younger, music didn’t truly become a priority until high school. He had an early love for music; despite, focusing more on sports. As a fan he enjoyed so many different genres of music.
Interestingly enough, country music wasn’t even his first love. Every morning before school, he and his dad listened to ’80s hits on SiriusXM, and it wasn’t until his freshman year of high school that he really started diving into country music.
“I always loved Florida Georgia Line,” he shared. “Then I started getting into Parker McCollum and Morgan Wallen. I got into HARDY a lot, and ERNEST.” At the same time, he found himself equally inspired by R&B artists like Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight, influences that continue to shape his sound today.
In fact, he jokes that the best way to describe his music is “Chris Brown singing a George Strait song.”
The Turning Point:
After graduating high school, his heart was calling him to head to Nashville, Tennessee.
Although he had originally planned to attend Belmont University, a few friends convinced him to skip college and move straight to Music City instead. Before making the move, however, he had one more stop along the way. In 2024, he earned a blind audition on The Voice. While his journey on the show didn’t go as far as he had hoped, he now looks back on the experience as a blessing in disguise.
Not long after arriving in Nashville, another unexpected opportunity came his way. After returning from The Voice, he was exhausted when a friend invited him to play basketball. He almost stayed home, but decided to go anyway. That decision ended up changing everything. At the gym, he met songwriter Marty James.
“He became like the big brother I never had,” he shared. The two connected on Instagram and eventually scheduled a writing session together. One session quickly turned into many, and before long, Marty introduced him to Corner Entertainment Management.
After playing a few songs for the team, they signed him that very day. Soon after, he also signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell, allowing him to spend his days doing what he loves most, writing songs and continuing to develop his sound. “It’s about just grinding,” shared Pipkin. “That’s what it’s about.”
Today:
Now, the rising artist is ready to introduce himself with his debut single, “couldn’t be us.”
Written during a difficult breakup, the song takes a refreshing approach to heartbreak. Rather than focusing on anger or resentment, it reflects on wishing someone well while accepting that sometimes relationships simply aren’t meant to last. “I was like, I just need a song,” he recalled. “I’m not mad… I know I’m gonna miss her, of course I’m gonna miss her, but I’m not gonna be salty about it.”
Instead, he leaned into a message of acceptance. “I hate that it couldn’t be us,” he shared. “I wish the best for you.” For him, the song is about reminding listeners that they’re not alone in those difficult moments and that healing is possible.
“Life goes on,” he said. “You just gotta keep moving forward.”
Looking ahead, fans can expect plenty more music. While he isn’t making any promises just yet, his goal is to continue releasing new songs consistently, building his catalog, and getting out on the road to play more live shows.
“We’re gonna try to release music every month,” he shared. “Quality over quantity… we’re gonna try to keep making the best music we can.”
With an exciting new publishing deal, a debut single, and a clear vision for the artist he wants to become, this is only the beginning for one of country music’s newest rising talents.
Connect:
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Hunt Pipkin releases.
To keep up with Hunt Pipkin, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Hunt Pipkin’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.