Tyler Hubbard is an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician, previously best known as one-half of the duo Florida Georgia Line. The ‘Georgia' part of FGL, Hubbard developed a passion for music early on, playing guitar and writing songs during his teenage years. He met Brian Kelley at Belmont University in Nashville, and together they formed Florida Georgia Line, quickly rising to fame with their 2012 breakthrough hit ‘Cruise.' The song became one of the best-selling country singles of all time, solidifying the duo’s place in modern country music. Over the next decade, Hubbard and Kelley released multiple chart-topping albums, blending country with pop and hip-hop influences, and achieving major success with hits like ‘This Is How We Roll,' ‘H.O.L.Y.' and ‘Meant to Be' with Bebe Rexha.
In 2021, Hubbard and Kelley announced they would be pursuing solo careers while remaining supportive of each other’s endeavours. As a solo artist, Hubbard signed with EMI Nashville and released his self-titled debut album in 2023, featuring singles like ‘5 Foot 9' and ‘Dancin’ in the Country.' His catalogue grew again last year with sophomore solo album ‘Strong' featuring the likes of ‘Back Then Right Now' and fast-rising single ‘Park.' Beyond music, Hubbard is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting causes like disaster relief and children’s charities. With his solo career gaining momentum, he remains a prominent figure in the country music industry, bringing his distinctive style and heartfelt songwriting to new audiences and we were thrilled to catch up with him in London this week to talk all about it.
Welcome to England Tyler, first and foremost, thank you for your time today and how's the jet lag?
It's not too bad, to be honest, I'm coffee'd up and feeling ok right now! It's great to be here. I watched a couple of movies on the plane over, had a glass of wine and slept for about six and a half hours and I woke up in London! (laughing)
It's been 10 years since you last played C2C – a lot has happened to us all since then! Does it feel like a dim and distant memory?
Oh wow! I do not remember it being 10 years, that's really wild. It's cool to be back and be part of this incredible line up this year. I'm looking forward to adding to the memories of London on this trip. I'm here with my wife and we had a day off yesterday and walked around the city a bit, had some good food, good coffee and we had a great time.
In the 10 years since you've been here last how have you changed and evolved as a songwriter?
Oh man. I think by virtue of just living life you change and evolve. Ten years ago I had no kids and was just about to get married – life was a lot different to what it is now! Songs come from life experience so I'd like to think that my songs have changed over that time too – I'm now a husband and father and the beauty and the chaos that comes with all that has to have an influence on what it is you have to say.
Somedays I want to write a great song that's just ‘right in the moment,' you know and then somedays I want to step into another personality or write about another season in life. It just depends on how I feel each day – that's what keeps things fun.
You've utilised some great co-writers on your solo albums. People like Ashley Gorley, Canaan Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Jesse Frasure – when you go into a room with other people what strengths are you bringing to the room? Lyrics? Beats? Melodies? Or does it just depend on the day and the people involved?
It depends on the day. Sometimes I come prepared with a title, sometimes it's a chorus. One of the things I enjoy about co-writing is trying to figure out what the objective in the room actually is. It's important to figure out who you are writing for because there can be multiple artists involved. I'm usually the one that says, ‘Hey guys, what's the goal here today?' I enjoy trying to figure out what the goal is for the day and how we are going to get there. It's always a challenge and when you land one that feels right on the money, there's no better feeling!
Has there ever been a situation where you've walked away from a write thinking that you got nothing out of that and then it turned into a massive song?
(laughing) Usually, If I feel like we got nothing it means that we probably did get nothing! It's a good question though because there are days where you leave a room with little to show for your time and effort and that can be really defeating. Then my wife will quickly remind me that that's a reminder to appreciate the days when you do get something great.
With the write for ‘Meant to Be,' I left that day with the song barely even finished and I walked away thinking that it was a kind of super-simple, mediocre kind of song with nothing great about it but Bebe wanted to come back the next day and finish it, which was a good sign but even when we had finished it I didn't think it was going to be anything special and happily ate those words with how it turned out and what it did for us! (laughing) You just never know, man!
‘Meant To Be' is just one of 20+ number ones you have under your belt now. What keeps you striving for more and what are the metrics of success for you now at this point in your career?
Man, I think just making music that I can be proud of. It's important to feel something for the songs that you have to sing live every night too so they have to say something to you or your fans. I want to have fun doing my job and I hope that that can translate into something meaningful and joyous for the people coming to the shows.
Obviously, selling out shows always feels good but I don't know if I define success by ticket sales alone but I do think they play some sort of part in it. For me, the more tickets we sell, the better, obviously! (laughing) But it's the people I want to see leaving the show with a smile on their face that is more important. Another metric of success to me, personally, is to try and maintain a balance in my life too – that is a goal I have at this stage in my life.
‘Park' is the latest radio hit for you – climbing the top 30, as it is. I love the drive (all puns intended) behind that song. Tell me more about it.
We were on a beach retreat writing a bunch of songs and there isn't anything really special behind it. Jesse Frasure had a great track which then went on to inspire the idea and we ran with it. Ashley Gorley is on the song too so when you write with him you are just trying to keep up with him, really! (laughing)
Halfway through the write I was kinda reminded about a story way back from high school about getting caught parking in a church parking lot and we we were writing and reminiscing about those days, when you are 15 years old trying to ‘park' with girls! It was a fun day where a song just falls out, those are the days I was talking about, that you have to be grateful for when they happen.
The UK is a nation of deep-cut lovers – Country fans over here always look beyond the shiny hits for more depth and substance. Are there any songs on ‘Strong' that people like me are not asking you enough about? I love ‘American Mellencamp' and ‘BNA' particularly.
That's a good question. I really like ‘Wish You Would,' that's a fun song. It feels a bit different to the rest of the songs on there – we'll be playing that one in the set this weekend in London, Glasgow and Belfast. I'm super-excited to see people singing that one back to me.
You've always sung and written about your faith. From ‘Way Home' right back into your FGL days with ‘Drinkin Beer, Talkin' God, Amen.' It must be important to you, writing about faith.
I would say so, it's a huge part of my life, a fundamental foundation of who I am. My faith is a big part of who I am and sharing my thoughts on it is important to me.
‘5ft 9' was an important early solo hit for you after disbanding FGL, even more important considering the subject matter. That must have been a relief to you. Did you worry about going out as a solo artist or did you just embrace it like a duck to water?
A little bit of both! (laughing) It was an exciting time but there were a lot of emotions at play also. There was the obvious kind of pressure that you would imagine in a situation like that. The fear. The unknown. All that. Anytime you head off into the unknown it can be a bit scary. After I released those first few songs, though, I could feel the support and the love and that made me feel validated & inspired – it was somewhat humbling too.
You were very much involved with Morgan Wallen at the start of his career. I think he's taken what he learned with you in terms of big arenas and performances and run with it. Do you feel a sense of pride watching what he's done with his career?
Yeah, I'm proud of Morgan, I think it's incredible to see what he has done. I remember being out on tour with him and he was the opening act on a three band bill – it was him and Dan + Shay and us in 2019 – that's really not that long ago is it? (laughing) To see where he has gone in those past few years has been incredible – it's a testament to great songs and what the power of amazing fans can do for you. He has a good team around him and I'm proud of him.
Your Instagram recently has some great pictures from a writing retreat you went on to the Hemmingway House – what can you share with us about new music and the year to come?
I've been writing a lot and working in the studio on lots of new stuff. I spent two days awesome days at the Hemmingway House in Idaho with some of my favourite artists and writers and we wrote a few good songs, one of which, the new Chris Tomlin song ‘No Greater Love,' is already out now.
I don't think any of my new music will come from that retreat but we wrote several really cool songs at a really incredible place.
A lot of artists play the C2C festival and then announce their own headlining shows. It won't be another ten years till we see you back here again, will it?
I'll be back! It will NOT be another ten years, I can promise you that! I'm excited to be here for these shows and we're gonna plant some seeds and make some connections and then we'll see about coming back as soon as possible.
Don't forget to catch Tyler Hubbard this weekend in London, Belfast and Glasgow at the C2C festival.
