JOHN RUSSO
Tyler Hubbard is no stranger to success. As one-half of the multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line, he’s amassed 20 No. 1 singles, countless awards, and sold-out tours all around the world. But now Hubbard is making the leap to life as a solo artist, and the well-established country star is relishing in the firsts that come with his second act. His debut solo album, Tyler Hubbard, drops January 27 and its debut single, “5 Foot 9” already reached the number one spot on country radio. More success is sure to follow, and Hubbard couldn’t be happier with his new career path.
HOMETOWN: Monroe, GA
YEARS IN NASHVILLE: 17
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?
I originally learned to play music in church while growing up, and early on I fell in love with songwriting. When I was in college at Belmont, I occasionally led worship, but I didn’t really focus on music until my senior year. Before I moved to Nashville, I didn’t really realize songwriting could be a “job.” But once I figured that out, I knew that was what I wanted to pursue.
WHO WERE YOUR EARLY INFLUENCES?
Growing up, I was inspired by artists in several different genres, and I continue to bring multiple influences into my music. In the Christian world, it was Chris Tomlin and Shane & Shane; in country music, it was Garth Brooks, Alabama, and Alan Jackson; I also really loved The Allman Brothers Band, John Mayer, Nelly, Lil Wayne, and even rockers like 3 Doors Down.
BREAKOUT MOMENT AS A SOLO PERFORMER:
Last year I was asked to go out on tour with Keith Urban and I got to play in front of him every single night. It was such an honor, and it was a fun way to start this journey as a solo artist.
MOST EXCITING THING TO HAPPEN IN YOUR CAREER LATELY:
I’m getting the opportunity to have a lot of “firsts” again as a solo artist, and it’s really exciting to create in a different way and to go deeper and more personal in telling my story through my music.
WHAT SONG OF YOURS BEST SUMS UP WHO YOU ARE?
It’s actually a song I wrote for this first solo project. The song is called “Way Home.”
NEW AND NEXT:
I’m very excited about my debut solo album coming out on Jan. 27 being a season of “firsts.” It’s the first opportunity I have as an artist to get more personal with fans and express myself as an individual.