Emerging as one of country music’s most compelling breakout artists, Dylan Gossett has officially released his long-awaited debut album Westward, a bold 17-track journey that showcases the Texas native’s deeply personal storytelling, genre-blurring style, and self-made ethos. Released via Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records, Westward marks a significant milestone for the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer—who wrote and self-produced the entire album.
Rooted in the traditions of Americana, Red Dirt, and folk, Westward is a rich tapestry of sound and sentiment that explores themes of love, heartbreak, faith, family, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The album was penned over two years while Gossett was touring the globe, and it captures the emotional highs and lows of life on the road and the internal reckoning that comes with chasing something bigger than yourself.
“These past few years have been so crazy and just incredible,” Gossett reflects. “I feel like we’ve been chasing our dream the whole way. People have always headed west for opportunities—and that’s where the title Westward comes in. Everyone in our crew is chasing their dreams, in some way.”
With each track, Gossett opens the door to his inner world. From the anthemic drive of Hangin’ On and the heartache-laced narrative of Snake Eyes to the atmospheric reflection of Baptized By Rain, the record shifts seamlessly between raw confession and poetic catharsis. His rich, gravel-edged baritone anchors each moment, while his production choices—intimate acoustic textures, soaring harmonies, and organic instrumentation—underscore the emotional depth.
The release of Westward caps off a meteoric rise for the 26-year-old Austin native. He first broke through in 2023 with his viral single Coal, a heartfelt ballad that connected with audiences worldwide and amassed more than 500 million streams. The track was certified 2x Platinum in the U.S., Platinum in Australia and Canada, and Silver in the UK, earning Gossett spots on the Billboard Hot 100, Spotify Top 200, and numerous global charts. Major outlets declared it “one of the year’s best country songs.”
Since then, Gossett has become a fixture on the live circuit, selling over 72,000 tickets for headline shows in 2024 alone and playing major festivals such as Stagecoach, SXSW, Country 2 Country, and CMA Fest. His appearance on the GRAMMY®-nominated Twisters: The Album with the original song Stronger Than A Storm, a spotlight on Amazon Music’s original series, and a rousing performance of Coal on ESPN’s College GameDay at Texas A&M further cemented his rapid ascent.
The release of Westward also comes as Gossett prepares to join The Lumineers on their Automatic World Tour, a full-circle moment for the singer-songwriter who has long cited the band as a formative influence.
Born and raised in East Texas, Gossett’s musical path began in earnest when he picked up a guitar and started writing as a teenager. His commitment to honest storytelling and hands-on production quickly distinguished him in a saturated country scene. Even after signing to a major label, Gossett has remained true to his roots—producing his own records, writing his own songs, and building a devoted fanbase through authenticity and passion.
With Westward, Dylan Gossett doesn’t just arrive—he plants a flag as a bold new voice in modern country and Americana. An artist with staying power, a message, and a sound that resonates across borders and generations.
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