Texas country artist Garrett Bradford isn’t afraid to be different. With his new two-part album Honkiest of Tonkers, Bradford leans into his Texas roots while also expanding his sound for a broader audience. The first installment, Part 1, delivers the boot-stomping, gritty anthems fans have come to love—while Part 2, dropping April 11, 2025, promises a deeper dive into personal stories and heartfelt ballads.
For Bradford, being unique isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. “I’d rather lean toward unique, even at the danger of being weird,” he told me during our interview at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. It’s a sentiment that comes through loud and clear in Honkiest of Tonkers – Part 1, with songs like “Peterbilt Pipe Dream” and “Honky Tonk Devil” celebrating the often-overlooked world of truckers and honky-tonk heroes.
The Song That Changed Everything
Bradford’s big break came unexpectedly with his song “This Way of Life,” which found its way onto the hit show Yellowstone. What’s surprising? This recording was never meant to be anything more than a demo. “The song I put the least amount of effort into did the best for me,” he admitted.
Bradford met Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan while doing lawn care work. Their friendship eventually led to an opportunity most artists only dream of: a song featured in a key montage on one of TV’s biggest shows. “I recorded it in a barn 30 minutes after I wrote it,” Bradford recalled. “Three days later, it was on the show.” Bradford had assumed he would be recording a different version with a full band, but the stripped-down, acoustic recording perfectly captured the cowboy way of life Sheridan was looking for.
That pivotal moment with Sheridan marked a turning point in Bradford’s career. “Taylor believed in me and lit a fire under me,” he recalled. “I really needed that encouragement.” It was that spark that fueled Bradford’s passion for country music and paved the way for the release of his debut EP in 2020.
In 2023, his exceptional songwriting earned him recognition as the winner of the Texas Songwriter U competition, a prestigious program created to discover and nurture emerging talent, presented by Jack Ingram, Liz Rose, BMI, and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association.
This year, we’re proud to have named Bradford one of our 2025 Artists to Watch, further solidifying his remarkable talent and the bright future ahead of him.
Part 1 Track Listing
- Honkiest of Tonkers (Garrett Bradford)
- Bad Girl Good (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)
- Keep On Drivin’ (Garrett Bradford, Jami Grooms)
- Do You (I Do) (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)
- Watching You Burn (Garrett Bradford, Logan Jarvis, Greg Manuel Sr., Greg Manuel Jr.)
- 50 In The Fast Lane (Garrett Bradford)
- Peterbilt Pipe Dream (Garrett Bradford)
- Bulletproof (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr., Greg Manuel Jr., Kristina Van Dyne, Yale Van Dyne)
- Honky Tonk Devil (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)
Listen to the Title Track Now
Digging Deeper with Part 2
While Part 1 focuses on gritty Texas stories, Part 2 will dive into more personal territory, featuring songs inspired by Bradford’s family, like his grandfather and father. “If you’re looking for some sad songs, Part 2 has got ‘em,” he shared.
Bradford’s ability to tell deep, emotional stories is evident in his song “She Loves Horses.” A ballad about love gone wrong, this track explores the journey of a man who finds the perfect woman, only to break her heart and turn her love into hatred. Written with Tammy Hyler, it delves into the complexities of love and regret. Bradford shared, “I’m really proud of that song,” he shared. The song stands out for its blend of raw emotion and country authenticity, solidifying Bradford’s place as a genuine storyteller.
The Beauty of Simplicity
One of the biggest lessons Bradford has learned so far? Sometimes simplicity hits hardest. “The song is more important than all the little things around it,” he explained. Despite his tendency to overthink and be his own worst critic, his most impactful work often comes from trusting his instincts.
Looking ahead, Bradford’s goal for 2025 is simple yet powerful: Be unique. He’s even considering a live album where he can share his “weirdest” songs and the stories behind them—offering fans not just music but moments of laughter and connection.With Honkiest of Tonkers proving his ability to blend Texas grit with heartfelt storytelling, Garrett Bradford isn’t just making music—he’s carving his own trail through the country landscape, one raw, honest song at a time.
For more information, visit https://garrettbradford.com/.
