Tucker Wetmore Rides a Wave of Success: From Platinum Debut to Anticipated Album Release
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Country music is buzzing with the name Tucker Wetmore, a dynamic artist who is rapidly carving his own space in the genre. This week marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, a confluence of celebratory moments that underscore his undeniable talent and rising star power. Fresh off the heels of his very first nomination for ACM New Male Artist of the Year, a testament to his impactful entry into the scene, Wetmore has gifted fans with “Casino,” the final tantalizing glimpse into his highly-anticipated debut album, “What Not To,” set to drop this Friday, April 25th. Adding to the excitement, this week also commemorates the one-year anniversary of the release of his life-altering, RIAA Platinum-certified No. 1 single, “Wind Up Missin’ You.”
“Casino,” penned by the accomplished songwriting quartet of Josh Jenkins, Alex Palmer, John Pierce, and Michael Tyler, delves into the familiar yet ever-compelling territory of love as a risky gamble. The track paints a vivid picture of a heart caught in a high-stakes game, fully aware of the unfavorable odds but utterly unable to walk away. Wetmore’s delivery, smooth and imbued with a touch of raw emotion, perfectly complements the song’s narrative. The irresistible hook and the slick, neon-lit sonic landscape create an anthem for anyone who has ever laid their heart on the line, even when intuition screamed otherwise.
The release of “Casino” arrives hot on the heels of Wetmore’s recent triumph at Country radio. Earlier this year, “Wind Up Missin’ You” soared to the top of the charts, solidifying his presence as a force to be reckoned with. His current lead single, “3,2,1,” which impacted airwaves earlier this month, further underscores his momentum. The track made an immediate splash, debuting as the No. 1 most-added song with an impressive 73 first-week stations. Now steadily climbing the Country charts, “3,2,1” serves as another powerful indicator of Wetmore’s swift ascent as one of the genre’s most sought-after new artists.
The anticipation is palpable for Wetmore’s debut album, “What Not To,” which is poised to arrive on Friday, April 25th. This substantial 19-track collection promises an intimate look into the experiences and lessons that have shaped Wetmore’s 25 years. Produced by the seasoned Chris LaCorte, the album intricately weaves together interconnected themes, a tapestry of highs, lows, and the wisdom gleaned along the way. Wetmore himself describes these connections as “like red yarn connecting a bunch of pins on a wall,” hinting at the thoughtful cohesion that underpins the entire project.
At the heart of the album lies the title track, “What Not To,” a deeply personal song that explores themes of struggle, compassion, and ultimately, salvation. The poignant lyrics, “Momma said you don’t pray no more/breaks my heart, so I do it for you,” offer a glimpse into Wetmore’s vulnerability and his profound connection to his roots. This raw honesty, coupled with his undeniable musical talent, is what resonates so deeply with his growing fanbase.
Hailing from Washington, Tucker Wetmore has already achieved remarkable milestones in a remarkably short period. His debut singles, “Wine Into Whiskey” and the aforementioned “Wind Up Missin’ You,” both earned coveted spots on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and achieved RIAA Platinum certification. In less than a year, he has amassed over 855 million streams, a staggering figure that speaks volumes about his widespread appeal.
Wetmore’s journey has been marked by strategic partnerships and significant opportunities. He signed a major-label record deal last summer with UMG Nashville in collaboration with Back Blocks Music, a move that has undoubtedly amplified his reach. His music has also graced the soundtrack of the star-studded film “Twisters,” with two featured tracks, “Already Had It” and “Steal My Thunder” (a collaboration with Conner Smith), further expanding his audience. Making his debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry was another pivotal moment, a rite of passage for any aspiring country star. He also released his debut EP, “Waves on a Sunset,” offering an earlier taste of his musical versatility.
Wetmore has also been dedicated to bringing his music directly to his fans. He joined Kameron Marlowe and country megastar Luke Bryan on tour, gaining invaluable experience and connecting with audiences nationwide. This was followed by his first-ever headlining tour, the aptly named “WAVES ON A SUNSET TOUR 2024,” which saw sold-out venues, a testament to his rapidly growing fanbase.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be another banner year for Wetmore. He is set to extend his headlining efforts with dates across the UK, the US, and Europe, further solidifying his international presence. He will also be joining Thomas Rhett’s highly anticipated “BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025” as direct support, an incredible opportunity to reach an even wider audience.
Musically, Wetmore’s sound is a compelling blend of his diverse influences. Growing up with a cross-genre musical upbringing, he seamlessly incorporates elements of classic country storytelling with the rhythms and sensibilities of reggae, rock, and even hip-hop. This unique fusion creates a sound that is both familiar and fresh, appealing to a broad spectrum of listeners while remaining firmly rooted in the heart of country music.
Tucker Wetmore enters 2025 as an artist firmly on the radar of industry tastemakers. He has been recognized as “One to Watch” by esteemed publications and platforms such as Billboard, MusicRow, VEVO, Spotify, and the Grand Ole Opry. With his debut single, “Wind Up Missin’ You,” already earning him his first No. 1 on the Mediabase Country chart, and with the imminent arrival of his debut album, “What Not To,” Tucker Wetmore is undoubtedly riding a powerful wave of success, poised to become a defining voice in contemporary country music.
Photo credit: Tanner Johnson