This past Saturday evening, Irving Plaza buzzed with anticipation as fans packed the iconic venue for the first night of Dylan Gossett‘s headlining performances in Manhattan. Before the main event, rising country-rock artist Waylon Wyatt took the stage, delivering a setlist that not only warmed up the crowd but left a lasting impression as his debut New York City show. Performing alongside Dylan Gossett and his ensemble is no easy feat, but Wyatt stepped up to the plate, some fans even knew his name before he even stepped out on the stage, an assertion of his blossoming stardom in the industry.

At just 18 years old, Waylon Wyatt is carving a name for himself as one of the most promising, up-and-coming voices in contemporary folk and country music. Born and raised in the small hamlet of Hackett, Arkansas, Wyatt grew up surrounded by the rural landscape and down-to-earth values that shape his music. Drawing inspiration from red-dirt legends like Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan, his songs blend sentimental storytelling with vulnerable, unpolished authenticity that sticks with listeners like the sweetest honey on the shelves.

Wyatt’s journey into music began at 15, crafting lyrics after long days working on construction sites alongside his father. These experiences, rich with grit and monotonous moments of contemplation, found their way into his songwriting, shaping the narratives that define his early work. His debut singles, “Everything Under The Sun,” “Arkansas Diamond,” and “Back To Then,” quickly garnered attention, amassing over 5 million combined streams across platforms. This rapid rise in popularity was fueled by his breakout success on TikTok, where his relatable, soul-stirring sound earned him millions of views.

With a natural talent for weaving evocative tales of love, longing, and small-town life, Wyatt has become a voice for a generation yearning for originality. His music reflects the simplicity and struggles of everyday life, capturing emotions that transcend geographical and generational boundaries.

Wyatt recently released his highly anticipated debut album, “Til The Sun Goes Down,” on November 15, 2024, featuring a mix of previously released singles and never-heard-before tracks such as “O.D.,” a catchy yet reflective melody exploring the intoxicating nature of newfound love. Despite his age, Wyatt has a natural knack for crafting lyrics and “O.D.” confesses to his talents as not only an instrumentalist but also a songwriter and storyteller. “O.D.” is by far my favorite track off the new release and hearing it live added a whole new depth to the music; you could feel the emotion staggering in his polished vocals with every word sung. Wyatt uses stark, unflinching imagery to convey the obsession that comes with falling in love, his lines evoke both the physical and psychological weight of being “head-over-heels” for someone. The title itself—O.D.—is a double entendre, referencing both the idea of overdose and the overwhelming flood of emotions that come with finding your special person. To honor his debut full-length, Waylon Wyatt is scheduled to embark on his first ever headlining tour this coming March, performing in intimate venues that will truly bring his music to life. Tickets hit the market yesterday and, although he might not be in the limelight yet, it won’t be long before the public finds a special place in their heart for Wyatt. Grab tickets now and be one of the few to say you witnessed Waylon Wyatt live before he became a mainstream sensation!

Last Saturday night, the legendary Irving Plaza played host to an ethereal evening of country-folk music as Dylan Gossett headlined a sold-out show in Union Square. But it was 18-year-old Waylon Watt, Gossett’s opening act, who left an indelible impression on the crowd, proving that the future of red-dirt country is in safe hands.

Hailing from a small, rural village in Arkansas, I can only imagine how intimidating it must’ve been for Wyatt to step out to the packed New York City venue, however, he took to the stage with a quiet confidence that belied his youth. Dressed simply—black loafers, blue jeans, and a worn sweatshirt with a baseball cap from the family-owned, small business Embry Outdoors—he exuded a genuineness that immediately connected with the audience. With just an acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder and a voice as raw as it was powerful, Wyatt’s performance was a study in heartfelt simplicity.

Although, I stepped into Irving Plaza with no expectations, and a vague knowledge of Waylon Wyatt, I quickly became entranced. I believe the set opened with “Arkansas Diamond,” one of his breakout singles, which set the tone for a night steeped in redolent storytelling and rich acoustic soundscapes. Wyatt’s voice, warm yet edged with moxie, filled the venue as he sang about the beauty and hardships of small-town life. The crowd, initially reserved, quickly became hypnotized by his presence, nodding along and cheering by the song’s end. It might’ve been the beer or maybe the intimate atmosphere curated, but by the final song in the set, many were singing along and swaying to the hums of Wyatt’s guitar.

Wyatt’s stage presence was understated yet magnetic. He interspersed his set with brief, sincere anecdotes, often met with laughter and cheers. His humility and gratitude shone through, particularly when he spoke about his hometown and upbringing as well as his appreciation for Dylan Grossett granting him the opportunity to open the show, calling it “a dream come true.” Although many predicted him to be young by appearances, attendees were shocked to find Wyatt was only 18 and still a senior in high school, however, this only made the crowd more enthralled by his musical prowess.

Musically, Wyatt’s performance was seamless, supported by only crisp acoustic guitar work that paired perfectly with his vocals. The stripped-down arrangement placed the focus squarely on his lyrics and delivery, underscoring his strengths as both a songwriter and performer. It was definitely a strategic move to center only Wyatt on stage, without a band to back him up, as it kept attention solely on him during his premiere live performances, and he was spectacular on his own, but I personally cannot wait to see the music be tackled by a full live band accompanying him.

By the time Wyatt closed his set with the rousing “Stranger To Me,” the crowd was fully immersed, clapping and singing along to the chorus. What started as a polite applause for a relatively unknown opener evolved into a whistling ovation—a testament to his ability to win over an audience with sheer talent and authenticity.

Waylon Wyatt’s performance at Irving Plaza was nothing short of remarkable. At just 18 years old, he already displays the songwriting depth, vocal aptitude, and stage presence of a seasoned artist. While the evening may have been headlined by Dylan Gossett, it’s safe to say that Wyatt left the stage with a few hundred new fans and a bright future ahead of him.

If Saturday’s show was any indication, Waylon Wyatt is not just a rising star—he’s one destined to shine brightly in the world of country and folk music.

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