From Dorm Room to Country Star: Hudson Westbrook on His Unstoppable Rise [Q&A]
In just a year, Hudson Westbrook has captivated the country music world, seamlessly blending the authentic sounds of Texas country with a fresh, innovative edge.
Since releasing his first single, "Take It Slow," in April of last year, Westbrook has grown to over 3.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. “I was a college kid nine months ago, and now I am writing songs everyday, flying from place to place and getting to play shows for thousands of people,” Westbrook shares. “It feels like I am living my dream.”
His debut self-titled EP features some of Westbrook’s biggest hits, including "House Again," "Take Your Time," and "5 to 9." He’s brought his self-taught talents to iconic venues like Billy Bob’s in Texas, playing for passionate crowds who sing every word. This July, he’ll reach another milestone when he takes the legendary Red Rocks stage, opening for Parker McCollum—a major moment in a journey fueled by raw talent and loyal fans.
“I am gaining respect from people, and I am an actual name in the game,” he says. “It’s not just TikTok, it’s not just Instagram, it’s in-person ticket sales. It’s so cool to see.” The moment Hudson realized his music was more than just a compelling social media presence was when he heard fans from all over the country screaming and singing along to his personal country melodies. "After that first headline tour, I saw everyone singing my lyrics in person," he adds. "That was like my first time seeing the TikTok-to-in-person [translation]. I could have never seen it getting here, but now that I am here, it’s where I deserve to be."
As his success skyrockets, Westbrook has opened up about how, even while living out his dreams, he sometimes misses the little moments of normal life. “It was fun at first, I was like this is awesome, I am going everywhere,” Westbrook confesses. “ And then after a while I miss my family… having free time… and seeing my grandma, my mom and going to football games.”
He handles those moments now by reaching out to the people closest to him to remind himself where it all started. “The best thing you can do is constantly talk to your family, your friends and the constants in your life,” he adds.
Before becoming an overnight sensation, Westbrook was attending Texas Tech University. He wrote music from his dorm room, balancing classes and a job at the local feed store. Alongside him were his friends, now his bandmates, who he says will stick by his side as his career continues to grow. “The reason I haven’t gotten Nashville players and studio players is because [the original band] saw Hudson in the garage with nothing going on and lost,” he beams. “Just the chemistry… I always [would think] you don’t need chemistry to have a band, and now I [know] that’s the most important thing.”
Writing from the depths of his heart and mind, drawn from personal experience, Hudson knows his music resonates with those who can relate to his journey. “I feel like that’s why it’s working,” Westbrook says. “People, no matter how niche you think it is, will relate, which is crazy to think about.”
Determined to connect with his fans, Hudson will occasionally greet concert goers waiting outside of venues, taking time to talk with them and share in the moment. “I love the idea of [trying] to come off as normal as possible to them, because I am,” he says. “It’s just getting them excited and letting them meet me.”
Despite his rapid rise, Westbrook remains grounded, keeping close to his roots as he continues to build a deeper connection with his fans. “They had faith in a kid who was a college kid, I think there is something so special about that,” he adds.
While continuing to write, release, and perform across the country, Westbrook keeps fans engaged by dropping teaser clips of unreleased projects on his social media. His latest sneak peek, a clip from his upcoming song "Sober," had fans flooding the comments, begging for the full track. “I just love the demand,” Westbrook says. “'Sober' is super special because it is on the same day that we released my first song.”
Fans will have plenty of chances to catch Hudson Westbrook live in the coming weeks and months, as he continues his 'Take Your Time Tour' and gears up to kick off his 2025 Summer Tour this June.