Troy Cartwright's journey from playing small bars in Dallas to becoming a prominent songwriter on Nashville's Music Row is nothing short of remarkable. The Texas native, who honed his skills at Berklee College of Music, has rapidly risen through the ranks of the country music scene. His latest single, "Lincoln Continental," showcases his storytelling prowess, and the response displays his fast-growing fanbase. 

While visiting New York City, Fandom Daily sat down with the breakout star to discuss his stream-worthy track and to hear first-hand how he turned his knack for songwriting into a flourishing career.  

Like many musicians, Cartwright tackles themes spanning from love, heartbreak, and partying. However, he's far from an ordinary songwriter, as he tends to pump fresh air into common concepts. "Lincoln Continental," penned by Cartwright, Parker Welling, and Bobby Campbell, is a perfect example of his unique approach. Inspired by an old car he saw on the road in East Nashville, the song weaves a narrative that spans generations – linking the past with the present. 

"I was thinking about all of the history that the car has seen and lived through –  all these moments in history," he recalled. "It reminded me of kind of my grandfather's love story with my nanny. I was trying to write something about love and trying to tell a story. It starts out about my nanny and papa. The second verse is about me meeting and falling in love with my wife. It's kinda wrapped up all in this Lincoln Continental, being like the getaway car. I like getting to make those songs where you're taking something like a car and making it a love story." 

The imagery-rich lyrics and heartfelt delivery have struck a chord in fans, many of whom see their stories reflected in Cartwright's music. His ability to create "little three-and-a-half-minute movies" in song form is a hallmark of his work, inviting listeners to embark on emotional journeys with each track.

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"I hope when people listen to this stuff, they feel I put my heart into it. I've done everything I can, and I hope that energy transfers. That's what's so much fun about making music, just putting this thing out there for millions of people to hear," Cartwright pointed out. 

With a staggering 150 million streams under his belt and 2023 marking his pinnacle with over a million streams weekly, he has emerged as a powerhouse in the music industry. His social media presence has skyrocketed, amassing a dedicated following of over 700,000 enthusiasts. His buttery vocals, impressive range, and authenticity leave fans hungry for more. Whether through live performances or his engaging podcast, he has cultivated a community of devoted listeners. 

"I love playing shows and hanging out after to talk to fans," the vocalist told Fandom Daily. "Hearing how my music resonates with them and becomes part of their lives is incredibly special." 

Looking ahead, Cartwright has big plans. His series of singles released throughout the year will culminate in a new album later this summer, promising a collection of songs that capture his latest creative phase. 

"Each album is like a timestamp of what I was feeling at the time," claimed Cartwright. "This new record will have a mix of love songs, heartbreak songs, and everything in between."

Although the breakout star has yet to confirm a release date, he did tease a fall tour to share the new music. 

"I don't want to say too much," he said with a secretive smile. "We're trying to get back out there. We just finished up the Unlove You Tour," which brought Cartwright to 13 massive markets and nine that he has never played before. 

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Fans can look forward to more of the heartfelt, story-driven music that has made him a standout artist in Nashville. His journey from Dallas to Music Row is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and timeless appeal. When asked about his rapid rise in the competitive space, he said his secret to success was – confidence. 

"I never felt intimidated by the songwriting culture in Nashville," he admitted. "I've been in love with writing songs for so long that it felt like I was finally where I was meant to be." His self-assurance and ability to connect with other creatives opened doors and led to numerous opportunities.

In fact, the Big Machine Publishing artist has penned additional songs for other hitmakers. The forthocming tracks are slated for release later this fall. He has worked alongside chart-topping artists like Ryan Hurd, Josh Abbott Band, Nickelback, and several others. 

His advice to aspiring songwriters is simple yet profound: "Write every day, learn to write by yourself, and be patient. It takes time, but being able to write great songs will always be valuable." This approach has clearly worked for Cartwright, who is on the verge of his best year yet. 

Photo Credit: Photo by Erika Rock.