For nearly a decade, Koe Wetzel has captivated a devoted cult audience with his genre-blending music, unpredictable live performances, and notorious party persona. Now, with the release of his new album ‘9 Lives,' available via Columbia Records, Wetzel is ready to showcase a different side of himself and reach a broader audience. Listen here.
Produced predominantly by Gabe Simon, known for his work with Noah Kahan, alongside a host of trusted collaborators including Josh Serrato, Amy Allen, Carrie K, and Sam Harris, ‘9 Lives' highlights Wetzel's versatility as both a writer and an interpreter of songs. “The way Gabe Simon goes into making music, he cares so much about it,” Wetzel says. “He extracted everything from me; I was the most open I’ve ever been. You can hear it in the songs.”
Recorded at iconic locations such as Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, Melody Mountain in Stephensville, Texas, and Nashville's Blackbird and RCA Studio A, the album exudes a palpable energy. Tracks were recorded live, capturing the urgency and rawness of Wetzel's sound. ‘9 Lives' features a mix of rocking country anthems and introspective ballads, including a cover of XXXTentacion’s ‘Depression & Obsession' and a tribute to Texas music legend Charlie Robison with ‘Reconsider.'
With standout tracks like the swaggering ‘9 Lives (Black Cat),' the atmospheric ‘Damn Near Normal' and the rowdy ‘Bar Song,' Wetzel delivers a compelling mix of honesty and grit. The album closes with ‘Last Outlaw Alive,' a loping celebration of a dying way of life that encapsulates Wetzel's unique ethos.
Wetzel's diverse musical influences and personal growth shine through in this album. “I've grown up a little bit. I’m no longer the 20-year-old kid that's partying down and getting thrown in jail all the time. ‘9 Lives' reveals a vulnerable side that people may not be used to hearing,” Wetzel explains.
For more information on Koe Wetzel, including tour dates and ticket purchases for his upcoming shows with Morgan Wallen and his headlining Damn Near Normal World Tour, visit KoeWetzelMusic.com and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
9 Lives Track List:
‘Last Outlaw Alive' (Josh Serrato, Ben Burgess, Sam Harris)
‘Continued' Skit
‘9 Lives (Black Cat)' (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon)
‘Depression & Obsession' (XXXTentacion cover: Jahseh Onfroy)
‘Damn Near Normal' (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Carrie Karpinen, Sam Harris)
‘Leigh' (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon)
‘Twister' (Ropyr Wetzel, Steve Rusch, Ben Burgess, Josh Serrato)
‘High Road' with Jessie Murph (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Gabe Simon, Carrie Karpinen, Jessie Murph, Laura Veltz, Josh Serrato)
‘Reconsider' (Keith Gattis cover: Charles John Brocco, Keith Quenton Gattis)
‘Hatchet' (Gabe Simon, Mike Coogan)
‘Sweet Dreams' (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Josh Serrato, Gabe Simon, Sam Harris)
‘Runnin’ Low' (Ropyr Wetzel, Amy Allen, Sam Harris, Gabe Simon, Ben Burgess)
‘Bar Song' (Blake “Shy” Carter, Breyan Isaac, Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, Dave Gibson)
