Kelsey Hart isn't just on the rise, he's on fire. 

Fandom Daily caught up with the breakout country artist right before he took the stage at New York City's iconic Irving Plaza. Hart has been captivating audiences as the opening act on Restless Road's wildly successful tour, and his recent stop in the Big Apple proved that he's a powerhouse in the making. 

At his pre-party, Hart conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity, and it was clear that touring alongside the chart-topping trio has significantly impacted his artistry. 

"They've really shown me how to just have fun on stage," he said. 

Hart described how captivating Restless Road's energy can be and how it has inspired him to push his boundaries on tour. Restless Road's electric performances night after nght has been both a masterclass and a source of inspiration for Hart, who's quickly becoming a fan favorite in his own right. 

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"It's contagious," he added. "Their energy, the way they interact with the crowd – I've taken a lot from that." 

Hart continued to share how grateful he is for the group's support as he grows his audience. He specifically pointed out how dedicated the Restless Road fan community is, continuously selling out venues nationwide. 

"It's wild to watch fans travel and follow the tour," he said. "To everyone who's come out, I'm beyond thankful. That kind of support means the world."

His growing fanbase is already all in. During the tour, one dedicated listener revealed a tattoo of a scannable QR code that links directly to one of Hart's songs – a moment that left the singer speechless. 

"It's just amazing to see when people connect with my music in such a deeply personal way. I don't know how long that tattoo will be scannable," he joked, shaking his head in disbelief. "But man, it's cool."

Hart isn't just soaking in every moment, he's holding his own and proving he belongs on some of the genre's biggest stages. His set is infused with magnetic energy and emotional punch. In fact, Hart’s more than just an opener, he's the one everyone's talking about on the way out. The vocalist easily commands the spotlight and connects effortlessly, often stepping to the edge of the stage to lock eyes with fans singing every word back to him. That mix of authenticity and showmanship has industry insiders labeling him one to watch in 2025. 

His latest single, "I Went To The Bar," is a raw, unapologetic breakup anthem that captures the messy aftermath of lost love. 

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"It's inspired by a breakup," he told Fandom Daily. "I think a lot of people have been through that kind of experience, where you're just trying to get through it in whatever way you can." 

On the track, Hart heads straight to a neighborhood dive, drowning heartache in whiskey and chasing away memories with old friends and a few too many shots. The result is a cathartic, full-throttle anthem that fans have already started adopting as their own personal soundtrack when coping with a broken heart. 

He penned the track alongside Blake Bollinger, and Erik Anderson. "I Went To The Bar" marks a bold step forward in Hart's already impressive trajectory. The song also builds on the momentum of a recent career milestone –  his first gold-certified record for the heartfelt ballad "Life With You." The 2023 track became a hit thanks to its emotional storytelling inspired by his own wedding and honest lyrics – a signature trait of Hart's songwriting.

"That recognition means everything," Hart said of the prestigious honor. "It's what I've been working for since the beginning. Every late night, every show, every song, it all adds up to moments like this."

The fan-favorite is included on his debut album, which was released just last year. Hart's 15-track project also features "Burn My Summer," "Drink About Me," and "Missin' You." As the tour goes through North America – he's solidifying himself as a future headliner, and fans are more than ready to be part of his rapid rise.

Photo Credit: Curb Records