It’s time to put Drake Milligan on your radar.
The up and coming country singer opened some eyes on America’s Got Talent this year, finishing third in last night’s Season 17 Finale.
And while Drake’s journey on the show is coming to an end, his career in country music is just beginning:
Drawing attention for his rich country vocals and captivating on-stage presence, he brought his original song “Sounds Like Something I’d Do,” to the show for his audition, the finale, and then joined Jon Pardi for a special performance of “Last Night Lonely” during the finale.
The lead single from his debut album, the song will head to country music radio on September 19th.
However, his debut album, Dallas/Fort Worth, is officially out… TODAY.
Not gonna lie, one listen to this album, you’d think it was straight from the ’90s.
Produced by the great Tony Brown (George Strait, Reba McEntire) and songwriter/producer Brandon Hood, the 14-track project features Milligan’s deep baritone voice, catchy hooks, and plenty of tasty fiddle and steel licks.
You also got a feature from the great Vince Gill and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitar player James Burton.
“As a lifelong country music fan, it has been my dream make a full-length record that pays homage to traditional country roots, while still bringing new sounds and energy to the genre.”
The album’s title comes from Milligan’s home town, and he specifically made some production and style choices to reflect the duality of the different cities:
“As a native son of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I’ve always been intrigued by the difference between the two cities.
First there’s Dallas: a city determined to prove that everything really is bigger in Texas. Then, just 30 miles to the west, there’s Fort Worth: a city that holds true to its Stockyard roots with a taut rope around its cowboy brand.
My goal was to bring those same distinctions to the two parts of this album. On ‘Dallas’, the songs have a little more polish on their boots. On ‘Fort Worth,’ there are nods to those traditional Honky-Tonkin’, Western swingin’, cowboy culture roots that I’m based in.”
Needless to say, Milligan has everything it takes to become a household name in country music, and I’ve gotta feeling this is just the beginning for the young buck.
If this is the future of mainstream country music, I’m 1,000% here for it.
Dallas/Fort Worth Tracklist:
Sounds Like Something I’d Do
Kiss Goodbye All Night
Hating Everything She Tries On
She
Bad Day To Be A Beer
Hearts Don’t Break Even
Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’
Tipping Point
Don’t Look Down
Goin’ Down Swingin’ (feat. Vince Gill)
Save It For A Sunny Day
Long Haul (feat. James Burton)
Cowboy Kind Of Way
Goin’ Down Swingin’ (feat. Vince Gill)
Bad Day To Be A Beer
Fall Tour Dates:
Sep 16– Los Angeles, CA @ Desert 5 Spot
Sep 17 – Los Angeles, CA @ Desert 5 Spot
Sep 18 – San Bernardino, CA @ The Brandin’ Iron Saloon
Sep 21 – Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry’s
Sep 23 – Fort Worth, TX @ Billy Bob’s Texas
Sep 24 – San Antonio, TX @ The Rustic
Sep 30 – Indianapolis, IN @ Tin Roof
Oct 1 – Detroit, MI @ Tin Roof
Oct 7 – Gretna, LA @ Gretna Heritage Festival
Oct 8 – Sheridan, AR @ Timberfest
Oct 13 – Bonham, TX @ Powder Creek Pavilion
Oct 14 – Houston, TX @ Armadillo Palace
Oct 15 – San Angelo, TX @ The Hangout (part of the Texas Strong Concert Series)
Oct 20 – Memphis, TN @ Lafayette’s
Oct 21 – Lexington, KY @ Tin Roof
Oct 22 – Louisville, KY @ Tin Roof
Oct 29 – Richmond, VA @ River City Roll
