Tyler Hubbard (known from the country duo Florida Georgia Line) chatted about his new solo music, and being a part of the digital age.
American author, speaker, and leader John C. Maxwell once said: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” This quote applies to global music star Tyler Hubbard.
With 20 No.1 singles on country radio, countless awards, and sold-out tours, Tyler Hubbard has already had a remarkable career as a songwriter and as one half of the multi-platinum country duo Florida Georgia Line.
His 18-song collection will be released on January 27, 2023, via EMI Records Nashville. It was produced by Hubbard and Jordan Schmidt.
On the song selection process for the new album, Hubbard said, “It was definitely a process. I looked at all the songs I had written over the last couple of years, and a few of those stood out to me and they made the album.”
“I started approaching songwriting sessions with a different perspective, goal, and intention… and that was to write for my first album, tell my story, and connect with my fans on a more personal level. It was a combination of taking songs that stood out to me and then writing songs that were made to be on this project. I am excited for people to hear it,” he elaborated.
He listed “Way Home,” “5 Foot 9,” and “Baby Gets Her Lovin” as his personal favorite songs on the record. “5 Foot 9″ was the song that changed my life again,” he admitted.
“Each song has a special place in my heart, and each song has a role and it serves its own purpose. It has been fun getting to dip into that more personal place, and showcase the more vulnerable side of me and tap into my heart a little bit. I wanted the fans to get a deeper understanding of how I am,” he expressed.
Songwriting inspirations
On his music and songwriting inspirations, Hubbard said, “Songwriting and inspiration for me comes from living life, whether it’s personal experience or a friends’ experience. I draw from life and what I am going through, and what I’ve been through and what I want to experience. It’s fun as a writer to put yourself in different people’s shoes and different perspectives. Ultimately, I do believe that inspirations from songs comes from life experiences.”
Hubbard had great words about country singer-songwriter Canaan Smith, who co-wrote three songs (“Baby Gets Her Lovin,” “By The Way,” and “Way Home”) with him on this project. “I love Canaan, he is one of my favorite guys, one of my best friends, and one of my favorite writers in this town. To have Canaan as a co-writer on some of these songs is an honor, and it’s just awesome. I’ve known him since I was in college and we have been best buddies for a long time. He has had a big impact on my career, my songwriting and my music, and I am thankful to have him as a part of this project,” he said.
Presently, Hubbard is embarking on a solo career. His debut solo record features his breakthrough solo single “5 Foot 9,” which already hit No. 1 on the radio, and it was certified Gold by the RIAA.
His latest single, “Dancin’ In The Country,” already has over 30 million global streams and is now climbing the Top 40 at country radio.
In anticipation of his debut solo album, this past summer Hubbard released a six-song project, Dancin’ In The Country, which debuted with over 10,000 units (sales plus streaming) making it the second best-selling country EP debut of the year. It also debuted at No.1 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, No. 6 on the Current Country Albums sales chart, and No. 107 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Since releasing his debut single, Hubbard has released nine unofficial music videos.
The digital age
On being an artist in the digital age, now with streaming and technology being so prevalent, Hubbard said, “It feels great. It’s a really cool platform that wasn’t even around when I first started this career so to have more platforms means more opportunities to get the music to the fans to consume.”
“For me, it’s really cool and it gives more songs an opportunity to live a life, make an impact, and be heard. It’s fun and I really enjoy the digital streaming world. It’s a new age,” he said.
“It’s a fun digital age to get to be creative as an artist. It has been cool to connect with the fans, hear what they are thinking and get their feedback. It’s fun to connect on such a personal level and so quickly with so many people,” he added.
Difference studio vs. live
When asked if there is a difference singing in the studio vs. performing live, Hubbard said, “There are no fans in the studio, and I have a producer that is helping me get the perfect takes. It’s a different mentality but it’s kind of fun. It’s fun while you are in the studio to envision what it will sound like live. When you are writing a song, it is fun to think about what it will be like to create it in the studio. They both go hand in hand, and one feeds the other.”
“They are both parts of the creation process, and I enjoy being in the studio and I thoroughly enjoy watching the songs come to life on stage, and people singing them back, that’s the best part,” he added.
Future plans
On his plans for the future, Hubbard shared, “To keep writing songs, keep making records, and to keep playing songs. I am really excited to get back out on the road this year to play these new songs and connect with the fans. That’s what this year is going to look like.”
Bowery Ballroom show in New York City
In a few weeks, on January 31st, Hubbard is excited to perform at Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan, as part of his album release party for his self-titled solo album. “That will be the first time that I will be playing a lot of these new songs,” he said. “It will be fun. Also, it’s actually my birthday that night so we are going to have a party, it’s going to be good.”
When asked about his pre-show rituals, he said, “I usually huddle up with the band, and I say a little prayer, and I do a little chant and maybe take a shot and hit the stage. That’s usually what we do. Other than that, we circle up and get our head right for the show.”
Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall on Long Island
On August 30, 2022, he enjoyed performing at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh on Long Island as part of “Guys with Guitars.” “That show was awesome,” he exclaimed. “That was a lot of fun, the crowd was rowdy. I hope to be back that way for sure. I love Long Island and the fans up there, it’s always a good time. Any time I get a chance to play up there, I am in.”
For young and aspiring artists, Hubbard encouraged them to “move to Nashville.” “Just be yourselves, sonically and musically, and make music that feels authentic. Don’t change anybody else’s sound or style. Just create your own lane, that’s what I’ve had a good time doing,” he said.
Dream duet choices
Hubbard listed Justin Timberlake, Ed Sheeran as his dream collaboration choices in music. “Justin is at the top of my list, for sure,” he said.
He also praised Sarah Buxton for the background vocals that she has done on Florida Georgia Line’s records. “I love Sarah, she is an incredible person and a great writer and singer. She has been an instrumental part of my music career. I love having her add her special sound to anything that I am a part of, she is great,” he said.
Hubbard is also proud of his collaborations with Tim McGraw (“May We All”) and Luke Bryan (“This is How We Roll”). ” I am all about that, especially any time I get to make music with friends. I love collaborating, for sure,” he said.
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Hubbard said, “Never Would’ve Imagined.”
Tyler Hubbard: The husband and father
If he were to look back in a rearview mirror over the last decade, Hubbard reflected, “I see a lot of fun times and a lot of good memories. I see music taking me on a ride that I never expected in my wildest dreams, so I am very grateful over the last 10 years, and I am thankful for the fans, the songs, the shows, and the travel… It has led me to my wife and now, we have three kids, and they are incredible.”
In his personal life, he is married to his wife Hayley, and they have three kids (two sons and a daughter). “We have a two-year-old, a three-year-old, and a five-year-old. We are busy and loving life, and I am very grateful for the last decade,” he said.
On his favorite motto to live by, he said, “I just ride in the seat next to Jesus cause I know He knows the way home.”
He acknowledged that every day he lives life is a career-defining moment for him. “To be honest, meeting my wife, having my kids, and getting a chance to make a solo album and be a solo artist, and the success of ‘Cruise’ have all been important. My life has been full of defining moments, and I am grateful for all of them,” he said.
On his definition of the word success, Hubbard said, “Success at this point is defined by looking around and seeing my family and my kids, and the fact that I am able to do that I love. Getting to be a songwriting and an artist, and getting to do something that I love that pays the bills is the biggest gift ever. I consider that a success, and I am in a really happy place.”
For his fans, he remarked about his solo album, “I hope they love it, and I hope they get to know me better by listening to the album. I find they find joy and inspiration from the music, and encouragement. I hope it gets them excited for the live shows.”
His eponymous debut solo album is available for pre-order on digital service providers by clicking here.
American long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine once said: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” Hubbard embodies this inspirational quote by the track and field legend.
To learn more about Tyler Hubbard, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and check out his Facebook page.
Read More: Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line releases solo track ‘Me For Me’
