Aaron Watson is no stranger to the taste of success, as he has been navigating the country music scene for over two decades. Against all odds and without backing from a major record label – Watson made history in 2015 by claiming No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with the debut of The Underdog. He became the first independent male artist to achieve the coveted and challenging task. When Country Radio accepted the Texas native with open arms, he received widespread recognition and built an adoring fanbase. Watson was the epitome of a breakout artist, but his career suddenly stopped when his vocal cords gave up on him. 

During a performance in 2022, he felt like he was swallowing glass and experienced discomfort. Initially, he tried to "plow" through the pain and made Rocco lemon tea with honey to solve the unknown problem. He had to adhere to doctors' orders and cancel a string of shows to prevent further damage. Although Watson had to undergo surgery and was placed on vocal rest, his passionate community stuck by his side. 

"We were having a lot of mainstream success in the radio world," Watson told Fandom Daily. "Then we got run out of town a little bit because a label didn't sign us, and then I had issues with my vocal cords. My fans they're such a blessing to me in my career. They are so faithful." 

Watson has always placed his tight-knit fandom first, as it wasn't his medical emergency that curated his unbreakable bond with his fans. His listeners have been rallying behind him since 1999 when he first broke into the scene with Singers and Songwriters and his early 2000 collection, Texas Cafe. 

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They have resonated with his authenticity and unique sound, which flawlessly intertwines Americana, rock, and Texas country elements. Watson's lyricism is incomparable. His songwriting tends to tug at heartstrings, whether he's singing about love, faith, personal struggles, or even a dirt road party in the Lone Star State. 

"I've been doing this for a long time. I have become friends with them," he said with a beaming smile. "Sometimes it's not even about the music, they just know me. They want to support me, my music, and my family. I've started up this little fan club community, where they can text me, and I can make little things throughout the week. For instance, record a song or show 'em what I'm doing. It's just kind of like a little exclusive insight into my world. It's just something I can do to make them feel a little more warm and fuzzy for supporting me," he added. 

As soon as Watson received the green light to sing again, he started to plot his musical comeback to give the fans what they've been longing for – original music. The chart-topping artist stormed straight to Music Row to tap the best and brightest songwriters in Nashville, but he said he was quickly turned away. 

"I was at a reputable high-end publishing company that a guy I have known forever runs. I went to him and said, 'I really want to raise the bar, and I would like the opportunity to write with some of your writers.' He basically said that I'm probably not something they would be interested in and that their time is valuable. That stung a little bit to hear him say that. I was kind of like, 'Well, I'm done with you, and now I'm going to write one of the best albums ever by myself." 

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Without hesitation, Watson took rejection as a redirection. The seasoned artist exclusively told Fandom Daily that his forthcoming record is titled Wild Ones Like Me. Watson explained that he has approximately 25 songs to weed through for his redemption album. 

"We've got probably 25 songs that we've recorded," Watson confirmed before detailing his master plan. "Our goal is to put out the best album in country music. I'm a baseball guy. So, the Yankees never start the season thinking, 'Let's come in third this year.' They want the championship, and I do too. After 25 years of touring, 20 albums, 3000 shows, and No.1 records, we have done things independent artists haven't done. I just feel like I'm in the next phase of my career. The first 25 years were just the warm-up. We're planning out our country music invasion," he added in confidence. 

The hitmaker has yet to confirm a release date as he is fine-tuning the record to perfection. Watson is expected to have songwriting credits on each track, which became a priority when he received a "no" from the industry. Not only did he want to prove the publishing giants wrong, but he wanted to serve as an example for his children. 

"Songwriting is my favorite thing. I love waking up early in the morning, sitting on the porch, watching the sunrise, and writing. I'm always working on songs. I'm in this phase right now where I'm being creative, it's all I can think about," said the father of three. "It's more than business now, it's really personal. Back then, I was just a guy trying to make a living for his family. Now, it's more than that. My oldest son is getting into the music industry, my daughter is watching me, and my middle son loves business. They are all watching me and need to see me succeed." 

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He continued, "They need to see what I've told them. I've learned that a winner is just a loser who kept losing till they finally won – that's what a winner is." 

Until Watson drops his highly anticipated collection, he is making his fans and family proud on his Armadillo Dance Hall Tour. Watson just wrapped up his headlining leg with Jenna Paulette, a Texas cowgirl with powerhouse vocals. Fast-rising star Jarrod Morris is now slated to open for the country crooner. Tickets are available for purchase, here. 

Photo Credit:@rileyfisherphoto