From Billboard Hits to Reinvention: Country Rising Star Caldwell’s Next Chapter

Byline: Daniel Fusch

“If you can relate to this song, you’ve probably been through some real [struggle]. Just know it gets better.” With that TikTok caption, Caldwell both introduces one of his new songs and shares his core message: You’re not in this alone. Things are bad, but you’ve got this. Caldwell’s music blends the soul of country, the grit of hip hop, and the energy of rock into a sound that’s both fresh and fierce. The music reflects his life, which he lives on the edge, whether in a stand hunting hogs or touring in Nashville. In a struggling economy where people need both hope and a companion in rough places, Caldwell’s new country is capturing attention.

A Rising Star

Caldwell’s last release charted at #33 on Billboard. Having done records with Sexyy Red, Red, Fivio Foreign, ModSun, and Yung Pinch and having even toured with the Backstreet Boys (which Caldwell describes as “a story in itself”), the young artist has also hit #1 on iTunes and Amazon with two separate records. Now he’s preparing to launch a new album. “It’s going to flip everything you thought you knew about me,” Caldwell promises his fans. “It’s bold, it’s honest, and it’s gonna catch a lot of people off guard, in the best way.”

While the new album promises a sharp creative turn, it’s still aligned with Caldwell’s overall trajectory. He has always been an artist who rejects industry labels, drawing on a variety of musical traditions to create something raw. His music speaks to listeners where they hurt and helps them heal, often by reminding them of their own inner grit. “I’m not here to fit into a box; I’m here to build my own lane,” Caldwell explains. There is a fearlessness to his lyrics, and his records are characterized by an insistent trust in his own voice.

Gut Instincts, Grit, and Hard Work

For Caldwell, making it as a musician isn’t just about finding the right fans. It’s also about finding the right talent, the right team. “It’s the hardest part,” he shares. “There are a lot of sharks in this industry, people who talk a good game but don’t have your best interests at heart. I had to learn the hard way, but once I realized my own value and started building the right team around me, things started clicking. Trusting yourself is everything.” 

He advises other rising musicians to trust their instincts and avoid opportunists who want to take advantage of their talent: “Protect your energy. If someone feels off, they probably are. Your gut knows what’s up.”

Besides trusting his gut, the other thing that has helped Caldwell get so far so quickly is his relentless work ethic. “Do the work. Period,” he advises. “Everyone wants a shortcut, but this game doesn’t reward people who skip steps. You have to show up every day, and earn it.”

“Get Out The Way”

To Caldwell, the road forward isn’t easy, but it’s as beautiful as a country sunrise, and he is ready for it. “In a few years, I see shelves stacked with Grammys, a global fanbase, and a sound that shifted the culture,” he remarks. “I’m not chasing trends; I’m creating my own wave. I want to be the biggest name in music, on my terms.” 

His recent single “Get Out The Way,” featuring Billboard-charting rapper Fivio Foreign, captures that spirit: honest, uncompromising, and ready to take on any obstacle that life or the industry might thrust in his path. It’s a spirit Caldwell hopes his music can help kindle in his listeners, as well. “Get Out The Way” is expected to be the lead single on his upcoming album, likely dropping this fall. Based on what his listeners have heard from him so far, the album will be raw, real, and one wild ride.