Grant Gilbert's "West of Fort Worth" Blazes a Texas-Sized Trail in Country Rock
Grant Gilbert, a rising country rock artist from Santo, Texas, has released his latest single, "West of Fort Worth," on January 10, 2025, through River House Artists. This new track showcases Gilbert's evolution as a songwriter and performer, paying homage to his Texas roots while blending contemporary country sounds with rock influences.
"West of Fort Worth" is a heartfelt tribute to Gilbert's upbringing, as he describes it as "what I've been chasing and trying to say as a songwriter for a long time. I love it even more since it's about where I'm from. It's as real as it gets for me". The song, which runs for 3 minutes and 19 seconds, is now available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Gilbert's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by a diverse range of influences. Raised on a cattle ranch, he was exposed to his grandparents' Texas swing and fiddle tunes, as well as his father's appreciation for Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and 1980s country hits. This eclectic musical background has shaped Gilbert's unique sound, which he describes as a blend of country and rock.
During his college years at Texas Tech University, Gilbert immersed himself in Lubbock's vibrant live music scene. He secured a coveted residency at the famous Blue Light, following in the footsteps of established artists like Wade Bowen, William Clark Green, and Josh Abbott. This experience honed his performance skills and helped him develop his distinctive style.
Prior to "West of Fort Worth," Gilbert released several successful tracks in 2024, including "Drunk Since Dallas," "This Ain't That Song," and a collaboration with Clayton Mullen titled "Things a College Town Taught Me". These releases have contributed to his growing popularity, with Gilbert amassing over 48,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Gilbert's discography also includes his EP "Between The Highways," featuring tracks like "Six Pack State of Mind" (a collaboration with Josh Abbott) and "Take Me Out To The Bar". His earlier releases, such as "She Goes Home (Dirty Breakup Song)" and "God & Everybody," have garnered millions of streams, showcasing his ability to connect with listeners through relatable lyrics and catchy melodies.
