Tucker Wetmore isn't just breaking into the country scene,  he's taking it by storm. In under a year, the rising star has gone from a small-town newcomer to one of the genre's most talked-about names. His debut album, What Not To, has already made history – ranking at No.15 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, marking the biggest country debut by a new artist in 2025. He also managed to rack in over one billion global streams, all while cultivating a devoted fandom.

His tight-knit community didn't happen by accident. It's the result of his genuine connection with fans and his relentless authenticity. Since his very first single, Wetmore made it clear that he's not just a performer but someone who truly listens and relates to his audience. 

He's known for sharing his own struggles, vulnerabilities, and lessons through his music, which resonates deeply with listeners who see their own stories reflected in his songs. Fans will hear this side of Wetmore in his stream-worthy 19-track project, as What Not To is as raw and unfiltered as it gets. 

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It's an intimate coming-of-age soundtrack capturing Wetmore's first 25 years – chaotic nights, painful growth, broken hearts, brotherhood, anxiety, and the long road to redemption. Every song hits with the weight of real experience.

Tracks like the explosive "Brunette" (which earned him the biggest streaming debut of his career) and the electric fan favorite "Drinkin' Boots" bring arena-ready energy. Meanwhile, the album's namesake, "What Not To," strips it all down, laying bare the emotional cost of mistakes and the clarity that comes from knowing what not to carry into the next chapter of life.

"That's the deepest song I've ever been a part of," Wetmore shared during an intimate press conference. "It was just a bunch of dudes, my really good buddies, just talking – wearing our hearts on our sleeve for a couple hours. And we ended up getting a song out of it."

If What Not To does one thing remarkably well, it's this – it introduces the real Tucker Wetmore. Not the guy you've seen in Instagram snippets or TikTok videos, but the flawed, thoughtful, passionate artist behind the hits. The album is laced with confessional writing and vivid imagery, delivered through Wetmore's signature blend of grit and warmth.

"Everything happened so fast last year that nobody really got the chance to get to know me," he says. "This album is my first chance to scratch the surface on letting people know who I am."

The depth isn't accidental. Wetmore had hundreds of songs to choose from – years of writing sessions in Nashville and painstakingly curated the tracklist to reflect both his personal truth and his artistic range. He co-wrote 11 of the 20 tracks, but the others were written by close friends, another testament to his loyalty and love for the craft.

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"I'm huge on outside songs," he says. "Sometimes other people can say things better than I can. I'm wise enough to know that and I want to bring my buddies up with me."

Wetmore's latest single, "3,2,1," is a prime example of why fans can't get enough of him. It's a heartbreak anthem with a hook made for the radio, and it's not just climbing the charts - it's also become a major fan favorite at his shows. The music video, directed by Shane Drake, taps into that bittersweet feeling of a summer love slipping away. It's nostalgic, cinematic, and so unmistakably Wetmore. 

He's not afraid to experiment with sound, either. From the moody vibe of "Bad Luck Looks Good On Me" to the raw sting of "Goodbye Whiskey," What Not To is packed with emotional highs and lows and bold musical choices. Producer Chris LaCorte played a major role in shaping the album's daring edge.

"We were constantly bouncing ideas off each other," explained the powerhouse. "Even last-minute stuff. It was fun, and that's what made this record special."

Wetmore has been quick to express his gratitude for the rapid momentum behind his rise and the strong bond he has built with his fanbase. In a conversation with Fandom Daily, he acknowledged the meaningful ways fans are showing up – from singing every word at his shows to diving deep into the lyrics online. Their passion stems not just from the strength of the music itself, but from the emotional connection they feel through his storytelling, thanks to LaCorte's support during the writing and recording process. 

"I try to write songs that pull from my own personal experiences, but I say things in a way where people can relate to them, no matter what they're going through," he explains.

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That relatability is part of what makes Wetmore such a compelling force in modern country. His fans aren't casual listeners, they're invested in his story, because it mirrors their own. Whether it's navigating heartbreak, chasing dreams, or simply learning what not to do, Wetmore's music speaks to a generation trying to figure it all out.

With his debut album behind him and a growing wave of momentum ahead, Wetmore is in a league of his own. 

"No matter what happens, I'm going to look back ten years from now and say, I'm proud of my debut album. That's what this is all about."

And judging by the way country music fans are rallying behind him, it's safe to say they're just as proud and fully along for the ride.

Photo Credit: Tanner Johnson