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Wyatt Flores: ‘Half Life’ – EP Review

Wyatt Flores’ brand new EP, Half Life is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

If you haven’t heard of Wyatt Flores yet, it’s time you hop on the bandwagon; no country artist’s popularity has grown as fast as this Oklahoma-native’s. After releasing his seven-track EP, Life Lessons, he dropped another collection of eight songs just six months later. Like all of Flores’ lyrics, they are passionate, hard-hitting, and real, allowing listeners to get to know the 22-year-old on a personal level.

“These songs capture my perspective on relationships I’ve had with my family, friends, love, music, mental health, life, and death over the past couple years. I still have a lot of learning and growing to do at 22 but I’m thankful for everyone who’s ever given my music a chance,” he gratefully posted on Instagram. “I hope these songs help you with whatever you might be going through and remind you that you’re not alone in whatever it is you’re facing.”

No song is heavier than the title track. Directed to his family, he sings about the regret of leaving home to chase his dream without calling, and his addiction and how it affected his relationship with his now deceased father. He apologizes for living only a “half-life.” The opening track, “Running Out of Time,” speaks on making the most out of life. Sang from the funeral of someone close to him (likely his father), he says we have to hold the ones we love and do what makes you feel alive before we all die. Our time on this earth is short, and we must make the most of it. The most powerful lyric comes in the second verse, “Most people die at twenty-seven, get buried at seventy-two.”

The EP contains the previously released tracks, “Wish I Could Stay,” and “Milwaukee.” The former is the most light-hearted tune on the album. The singer talks about the difficulty of leaving the one you love; if he could keep her in his arms forever, he would. In “Milwaukee,” the singer feels remorse about his past relationship but wants to assure her it wasn’t for a lack of love. He also included his cover of The Fray’s “How To Save A Life” on the project. Just when you think a song couldn’t get more emotional, Flores adds his raw vocals to it, making listeners tear up almost twenty years after its initial release.

At the end of the project are “I Believe in God” and “Devil,” two extremely powerful songs. In the first, the singer confesses he is having a hard time connecting to his faith because he feels God lost faith in him. The latter is about a relationship, but not one with another human, the one with himself. He constantly fights with his inner thoughts when he’s lonely, singing in the bridge:

“Why do you find me at the worst times, just when I thought I was doin’ fine? // You wanna put a gun to my head and turn that ceilin’ red // Well, I won’t let you steal my soul // God damn lonely, just leave me alone”

At 22, most people are finishing college and discovering who they are and what they want to do for the rest of their life. Although Flores took a different route, he’s on the same path, which makes his music so relatable to others. From love, death, and mental health, there are a lot of intense themes for someone so young to explore, but they are real, and hearing someone overcome these hardships will aid others who are struggling with similar problems. The future is bright for the new singer-songwriter, and it’s only a matter of time before country fans all over the world know the voice of Wyatt Flores.

“I’m only getting one chance at life, so I try to be present,” he states in a recent press release. “There’s more to existence than what the average person experiences. No matter how old or young you are, life is here and gone. Death is always riding in the passenger seat. You can either be friends with it or make it an enemy. I choose to be friends with it. If you know that and start questioning what you’re doing, maybe you’ll go out and live a better life.”

Half Life Tracklist

  1. Running Out Of Time
  2. Half Life
  3. Wish I Could Stay
  4. Milwaukee
  5. If I Don’t See You Again
  6. I Believe In God
  7. How To Save A Life
  8. Devil
Wyatt-flores-half-life

Wyatt Flores shares his brand new EP, ‘Half Life,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

In celebration of the new music, Flores will embark on his “Here, There & Gone” headline tour this summer with shows in the middle, western, and southern parts of the United States. For tickets, head to his website. 

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

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on InstagramTwitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Half Life 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.

Wyatt-flores-new-song

Wyatt Flores Drops Brand New Song “Wish I Could Stay”

Wyatt Flores shares brand new song “Wish I Could Stay,” out now, March 22nd, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Wyatt Flores might be a newcomer in the country music scene, but he has yet to miss with his songs. Every song he has released so far has been honest and authentically him.  After taking a quick hiatus to care for his mental health, Flores is sharing another new song, alongside the news of an 8-song project coming on April 19th called Half Life. While we await the record, fans can listen to his new song, “Wish I Could Stay” now.

“My new 8-song project, ‘Half Life’ is yours April 19th, and my new song, “Wish I Could Stay,” is out everywhere you listen to music now. These songs come from the heart and capture my perspective at 22 years old on the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the balance between life and death,” shared the artist upon release.

“Wish I Could Stay” leans into the simplicity of it all. The song reminds us all to appreciate the little moments, and that often, the little moments are the most important. Flores’ story-telling continues to impress and the honesty is evident throughout the touching new song.

“I’ve never felt a moment I knew I would miss // So dance with me darling, hold on like you’ll never let go
 // And don’t take me away, like night meets the day // I don’t wanna be like the sun when it rains // Here in your arms, I feel so alive // I’ve never been so scared to die // But how do I escape when it’s time to say // “I wish I could stay”?”

Flores’ unique ability to bring so much energy into somber songs makes him such an attractive commodity, and someone who is destined to have a career- and life-changing year. Keep your eyes and ears open for the singer’s record coming soon!

Wyatt-flores-new-song

Wyatt Flores new song, “Wish I Could Stay” is available 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 Wyatt Flores releases.

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on InstagramTwitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Wish I Could Stay” 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.

Wyatt-flores-new-song

Wyatt Flores Drops Brand New Song “Milwaukee”

Wyatt Flores shares brand new song “Milwaukee,” out now, January 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Wyatt Flores is rapidly emerging as one of country music’s most intriguing breakout artists. In 2022, the singer-songwriter quit school and moved to Nashville to pursue his dream as a musician. He quickly gained traction on YouTube with songs such as “Losing Sleep” and “Please Don’t Go.” It didn’t take long for the 22-year-old from Oklahoma to land a record deal and release a seven-track EP titled Life Lessons. The project received many positive reviews from both new and traditional critics, citing its authentic and captivating lyrics. 

Flores continues to tell real stories in this gloomy, heartbreak tale. The singer paints the scene of a cold night in Milwaukee, as the protagonist feels remorse about his past relationship but wants to assure her it wasn’t for a lack of love. His heavy vocals shine over the thematic string-based melody. Flores showcased this song at his Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this week. 

“You can hate my hands for letting you go // Hate my lips for kissing yours cold // and hiding all my feelings in the dark // But please don’t hate my heart”

Artists are fun to root for when you feel like they can relate to them, and fans can feel the raw emotion of his voice in all his tunes. Flores’ unique ability to bring so much energy into somber songs makes him such an attractive commodity, and someone who is destined to have a career- and life-changing year. Fans can catch Flores on his Life Lessons Tour, which kicked off yesterday in Tampa and will continue until May 10. For tickets, head to his website.

Wyatt-flores-milwaukee

Wyatt Flores shares brand new song, “Milwaukee,” 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 Wyatt Flores releases.

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on InstagramTwitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Milwaukee” 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.

2024 Country Artists to Watch

Introducing our 2024 Country Artists to Watch!

Over the past 7+ years of Country Swag, we have always loved to support rising artists and introduce our followers to the best new music in the genre. Since our first Artists to Watch list back in 2017, we have pinned rising stars like Luke Combs, Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis, Walker Hayes, HARDY, Gabby Barrett, Ernest, and more. Each year we choose ten new artists that we believe are destined for killer careers, our only rule when choosing is the artist can NOT already have a number one song.

Check out our picks in 20172018, 2019, 2o2o, 2021, 2022, and 2023 before checking out the 10 artists we picked to have a huge 2024 below.

 

Country Swag’s 2024 Artists to Watch

WYATT FLORES

Wyatt Flores // Photo Credit: Matt Paskert

Listen: “Milwaukee”
Stay Connected: @officialwyattflores

From the moment Wyatt Flores came onto our radar, we were all in! Flores has the undeniable “it factor.” His songs are catchy, yet real and his songwriting is emotive, special, and personal. The singer-songwriter has garnered a loyal fanbase both on social media and live shows as he performed to packed out rooms during his sold-out headlining tour in 2023. Flores is primed for a huge 2024, and if you jump on his bandwagon now, you can say you were here from the beginning!

 

DYLAN SCHNEIDER

Dylan Schneider // Photo Credit: Peyton Dollar

Listen: “Bad Decisions”
Stay Connected: @dylanschneidermusic

Dylan Schneider is one of the more exciting new artists in Nashville today. In 2023, he grew his fanbase, released new music, and grew his reach across the genre. Schneider continues to release songs that lean into his cool, yet country sound. The BBR recording artist appears to be working on new music, so we anticipate that 2024 will be his biggest year yet!

 

LAUREN WATKINS

Lauren Watkins // Photo Credit: Brayln Kelly

Listen: “Anybody But You”
Stay Connected: @lauren.watkins

Lauren Watkins is the type of artist that makes you stop and listen, the second you hear her sing. Much like Megan Moroney, who made our list last year, Watkins has this undeniable poise and knack for songwriting that increases her staying power. The songstress released two EPs last year, which spoke to her talent as both a vocalist and a songwriter. We can only hope that more music is coming down the pipeline soon from the incredible rising artist.

 

DYLAN GOSSETT

Dylan Gossett // Photo Credit: William Basnett

Listen: “Coal”
Stay Connected:@dylangossett

Dylan Gossett is a bonafide superstar in Texas, but his talents are finally being introduced to the mainstream country genre. Gossett is unapologetically himself and releases music that fans flock to in droves. His folky and red-dirt songwriting appeal to the country music fanbase. At the top of this year, Gossett landed a record deal with Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records. Additionally, fans can catch the singer on the road this year as part of his ‘No Better Time Tour’!

 

GRAHAM BARHAM

Graham Barham // Photo Credit: Jesse Deflorio

Listen: “BAYOU BOY”
Stay Connected: @grahambarham

Last year, Graham Barham bursted on to the country music scene with his debut project, North Of Hell, which featured six undeniably great songs. One of our favorites, “Preachers Need People” showed off his incredible songwriting prowess, while other songs showed off his personality and knack for performing live. Throughout 2023, Barham achieved viral success and began to be noticed by the country music industry. In 2024, we expect that the singer will continue to grow his fanbase and share even more music.

 

ELLA LANGLEY

Ella Langley // Photo Credit: Caylee Robillard

Listen: “Paint The Town Blue”
Stay Connected: @ellalangleymusic

Columbia Records and Sony Music Nashville singer-songwriter, Ella Langley is primed for stardom. Much like Lainey Wilson, Langley is rooted in traditional country; however, she still explores different aspects to her talent through her story-telling and production. While many of the singer’s songs deserve a pedestal, one of our favorites is her recent collaboration with Kameron Marlowe called “Strangers.” We suspect that Langley will have an even bigger 2024!

 

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN

Charles Wesley Godwin // Photo Credit: David McClister

Listen: “All Again”
Stay Connected: @charlesgodwin

Country-folk artist, Charles Wesley Godwin is a gem in country music right now. While Godwin has been on the scene for a few years, 2023 was a break-out year for the artist, with 2024, looking even brighter! Fans of artists like Zach Bryan are sure to garner a liking for Godwin too. While it is unclear exactly how 2024 will shape up for the artist, we can only hope that more new music is coming down the pipeline soon!

 

GREYLAN JAMES

Greylan James // Photo Credit: Trea Allen

Listen: “Ain’t Thinkin’ About You”
Stay Connected: @greylanjames

Big Machine Label Group artist, Greylan James knows a thing or two about hard work and dedication. The budding singer-songwriter worked as a professional songwriter for two years, until he was fired for “not having what it takes”. Subsequently that hardship led him to delve even deeper into music, studying the craft and ultimately landing huge cuts like Kenny Chesney’s “Happy Does” and Jordan Davis’ “Next Thing You Know”. Like a snowball effect, soon after, James secured a record deal of his own. We believe the talented singer-songwriter is primed for a great future in country music.

 

ZACH TOP

Zach Top // Photo Credit: Citizen Kane Wayne

Listen: “Sounds Like the Radio”
Stay Connected: @zach_top

Zach Top is revitalizing traditional, 90s-esque country music! The singer draws inspiration from artists like George Strait and Keith Whitley, which is appealing to country music lovers everywhere. In 2023, Top’s single “Sounds Like the Radio” speaks to his talent, as well as, the fun and good energy he brings to music. We are excited to see what 2024 looks like for the rising artist!

 

DASHA

Dasha // Photo Credit: Adam Budd

Listen: “Austin”
Stay Connected: @officialwyattflores

If you are on social media even a little bit then you know who Dasha is. Her viral hit song, “Austin” became a fan-favorite almost overnight and continues to rapidly grow. While we love “Austin,” we have believed in Dasha even before the release of the single. Dasha has honed her talents as a singer and as a songwriter and with each release, we believe she has what it takes to keep her star rising!

 

What other new artists are you enjoying? Make sure to follow us on Instagram, @CountrySwag for the latest in new music. Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming announcements and releases.

Check out the latest tunes in country music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Wyatt-flores-half-life

Who is Wyatt Flores? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

who-is-wyatt-flores

Wyatt Flores // Photo credit: Matt Paskert

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Wyatt Ryan Flores
Birthdate – 6/29/2001
Hometown – Stillwater, Oklahoma
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isabel, Turnpike Troubadours, The Great Divide
Label – Island Records
Current Single – “Life Lessons” // as of date of article: 12/4/2023

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight is shining on an artist that we think is about to have a huge 2024. Wyatt Flores is one to lookout for. The Oklahoma-native quietly and steadily continues to impress both fans and industry alike with each and every song.

“I was always surrounded by music. My dad was a drummer and my uncle was a guitar player and they were in plenty of bands together,” began the singer-songwriter. “My entire family is just submerged in music constantly. There was always music playing inside the house.” Flores recalls being exposed to many different genres of music that influence his musical preferences today.

“That’s why my taste is so different. My dad loved blues and classic rock, and my mom loved 90s country and Alan Jackson and George Strait. My sister was all over the place with rap and pop, and red dirt.” The singer also took a like to Sturgill Simpson. “I love his voice and I love his entire idea of what music is. It’s not about genre, it’s about creating good music.”

At a young age, Flores recalls sitting around the campfire making music with his family and friends. “My goal was just to be a guitar player. I wasn’t good at singing until 18, 19,” he shared, when asked about his hopes and dreams. “I started singing, and I was like ‘screw it, I’ll play for anyone who will listen.’”

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating high school, Flores headed to college, but found himself still fixated on music. “One thing led to another, and then the next thing I know, I’m playing in bars Then I quit school, because I was way too focused on music at that point, and I just went for it.”

In June of 2022, the entertainer headed to Music City to hone in on his craft. “When I moved to Nashville, I didn’t have too many strings in Nashville because I didn’t go out to network like many people do in Nashville. I moved there to get away from my hometown and remove any distractions,” he shared. Adding, “I just sat in my apartment with my now manager and my guitar player. We shared one room on air mattresses, and every single night, we’d either be making content or writing more songs or we’d be learning new music, just to study. That’s all I did. It was honestly a school for music.”

Throughout that first year in town, Flores focused on building his music catalog, writing more than he ever had in his life. “I was just trying to hone in on my craft and get better at songwriting,” he shared. “I had only written maybe 15 songs at most before I moved there.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Flores is emerging as an artist to lookout for. Most recently, the singer-songwriter shared his brand new project called Life Lessons, featuring seven unique songs. Flores’ creation is a collection of great music that do not necessarily fit into one genre or another, exactly what the singer intended.

“That’s kind of why this project, and everything I’ve done, the songs aren’t similar to one another. We’re in a different age where music is consumed so fast, that I don’t want to cut myself off to one sound. I don’t want to be labeled as one thing, so anything I love, I want to go after, and all the different styles of music.”

For Flores, it was important that his music related and spoke to other people in a way that fostered connection. “It’s the coolest thing ever when you can relate to someone else, and that’s the best part of all of this. I’ve been told that I’m super easy to relate to. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I want people to know that they’re not alone in this world, and that someone else is going through what they are going through.”

While all the songs speak to the singer’s life experience, many of the songs are still universal. On “Life Lessons,” Flores speaks to all the feelings that life’s windy road brings. “Everyone is on a life adventure, and I am just hoping that these songs help them go out and do something and try to go towards the pursuit of happiness. That’s why “Life Lessons,” the song itself is so innocent and in a space of happy, go-lucky, like here we go it’s freedom. Let’s go chase something down. Let’s go live life. Then you go on and chase the dream, there’s a lot of upset that comes with it.”

Flores’ project is just a taste of what’s to come for the singer in 2024. Be on the lookout for more new music and even bigger shows!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on InstagramTwitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Wyatt Flores’ 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.

Wyatt-flores-ep

Wyatt Flores: ‘Life Lessons’ – Review

Wyatt Flores releases his brand new project, Life Lessons, out now, November 17th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music here.

With a voice and style way beyond his 22 years, country newcomer Wyatt Flores is garnering quite a buzz for his country-folk stylings. Much like Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan, Flores uses an emotive voice, poetic lyrics, and his guitar to fill his songs with the type of magical X-factor that’s not quite describable. 

Today, the Oklahoma native released his latest project, Life Lessons. On the seven song collection, the young singer-songwriter sounds like a seasoned vet, telling tales of life in Stillwater, OK. He manages to add an uncanny maturity to his youthful take on life, while still sharing the trappings of his life thus far.

”I’m so excited to put these stories of my life into y’all’s hands. I hope that this project helps others choose a different path and one that only you can choose,” He shares in a statement. “It’s never gonna be easy and life isn’t fair but never let this world tell you how to live.”

The lyrics on the EP sum up the fact that life isn’t easy or fair, but do so in a way that’s incredibly poetic and enrapturing. “Orange Bottles” offers an especially poignant moment, beginning with a voicemail from Flores’ mother checking in, as he lyrically documents life on the road as a touring artist. “I’m so numb I can’t tell if I’m alive,” He admits. “Yeah who am I kidding? Who have I become?”

Meanwhile, “3/13” finds him apologetic and remorseful, too drunk to keep his promises as he apologizes to someone who’s always his go-to, even as he crawls from a wrecked car. “I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me after all,” He growls, voice full of emotion. “I’m sorry you’re always my last call”

“Wildcat” is somewhat of a departure for the singer, a swinging and toe-tapping uptempo that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Here he plants his tongue firmly in cheek as he recounts life in a “Friday Night Lights” sort of town adding a twist as not being a player on the team, but the team’s mascot. “I never was a macho man, but I made the folks laugh in the stands,” He sings playfully over the swinging melody.

On the previously-released “West of Tulsa” and “Holes,” Flores continues his confessional style with “West” finding him waking up in a new town, another face in the crowd. “’Cause I’ve been a girl’s last call when the bar’s closin’ down // I’ve been a guy on stage to the face in the crowd,” He sings. “Somethin’ ’bout wakin’ up in a cheap hotel // Makes me wanna be somebody to somebody else.”

Likewise “Life Lessons” and the project’s closing track “Astronaut” are relatively sparse, finding him looking inwards at his life, where he’s been and where he’s going. “Grandpa dropped out of school in the fifth grade // Grandma barely made it past the eighth // So maybe it’s alright if I only made it two weeks at Oklahoma state,” He muses, voice simultaneously laced with sarcasm and sincerity. “The kind of learning that I’m looking for // Ain’t written out on a whiteboard//I’m taking life lessons.”

On Life Lessons, Wyatt Flores proves that he’s one of music’s most promising young stars. With a poetic writing style and a passionate emotive voice, it’s only a matter of time before he’s a household name. Life Lessons is just the first chapter of what is sure to be an incredible journey for the young artist.

Life Lessons EP Tracklist:

  1. Orange Bottles
  2. Life Lessons
  3. Wildcat
  4. 3/13
  5. West of Tulsa
  6. Holes
  7. Astronaut

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Astronaut
  2. Wildcat
  3. Life Lessons
Wyatt-flores-ep

Wyatt Flores shares brand new EP, ‘Life Lessons,’ 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 Wyatt Flores releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here.

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on InstagramTwitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

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

Wyatt-flores-new-song

Wyatt Flores Shares Brand New Song “West of Tulsa”

Wyatt Flores shares brand new song “West of Tulsa,” out now, September 22nd, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Country music’s talent pool continues to grow with new artists making waves every day. One of country music’s fast rising artists, Wyatt Flores fits the bill. The singer-songwriter blends traditional country sounds with more a modern-day flair, creating music that fans everywhere will love. Today, the artist shares his newest release, a song called, “West of Tulsa.”

The song kicks off with guitar licks until the instrumentals quiet down and a piercing vocal comes through. Flores shows off his vocal range throughout the whole song; however, the lyrics are the true standout. A true country song allows the listener to feel understood and simultaneously called out all at the same time. “West of Tulsa” accomplishes that.

“I wish I could disappear // Cause it ain’t too hard to tell // I think she’s somebody // to somebody else // I’ve been a girl’s last call when the bars closin’ down // I’ve been a guy on stage to the face in the crowd // somethin’ bout wakin’ up in a cheap hotel // makes you wanna be somebody // to somebody else”

Flores is the type of artist you will want to hear more and more music from after listening to a song of his. If “West of Tulsa” is your first introduction to the rising artist, we are sure you will continue to listen again and again!

Wyatt-flores-song

Wyatt Flores shares new song, “West of Tulsa,” 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 Wyatt Flores releases.

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on InstagramTwitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“West of Tulsa” 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.