In a rapidly evolving music landscape, an 18-year-old artist from Dripping Springs, Texas, is proving that authenticity, talent, and a savvy understanding of digital platforms can pave a unique path to stardom. Ty Myers, initially known as a blues guitarist, has swiftly transitioned into a trending country heartthrob, captivating a Gen Z audience and reshaping perceptions of contemporary country music. His journey from a cattle ranch in Texas to the global stage, marked by viral TikTok moments and a critically acclaimed debut album, is a compelling story in today’s news.
Roots in Rhythm and Ranch Life
Born in 2007, Ty Myers’s musical destiny seemed almost preordained. He grew up on a sprawling family cattle ranch outside Austin, Texas, immersed in a musical lineage that included a singer-songwriter father, a great-uncle who co-founded the band Lonestar, and another great-uncle who plays keys for George Strait. Myers picked up the guitar at the tender age of seven and began writing his own songs by eight, later performing live with his father from age 11. His early influences spanned blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, soul icon Otis Redding, and country giant George Strait, contributing to a distinctive blend of traditional country, blues, and Southern rock that defines his sound.
However, a sports injury during his freshman year of high school sidelined him from football and baseball, inadvertently steering his focus entirely to music. This pivotal moment coincided with his mother creating a TikTok profile for him, with his sister quickly becoming the “mastermind” behind his burgeoning online presence. In early 2023, Myers independently released his first songs, and it wasn’t long before his debut single, “Tie That Binds,” went massively viral on TikTok, accumulating millions of streams and drawing the attention of major record labels.
From Viral Sensation to Major Label Deal
Myers’s meteoric rise culminated in mid-2024 when, after being pursued by labels from Nashville to Los Angeles to New York, he signed a significant deal with RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records. This pivotal moment underscored his undeniable talent and the industry’s recognition of his unique appeal. Barry Weiss, CEO of RECORDS, notably expressed his excitement, stating that it’s rare to encounter a 17-year-old singer-songwriter who possesses Myers’s comprehensive abilities.
His debut album, “The Select,” released on January 24, 2025, is a testament to his blended artistry. The album, whose title subtly references Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises,” weaves bluesy guitar riffs with low-slung soul-rock grooves. Comprising 16 tracks, Myers is credited as the sole writer on 12 of them, showcasing his profound introspective songwriting that explores themes of resilience, love, and heartache.
Chart Success and Digital Dominance
“The Select” quickly spawned major hits, most notably “Ends of the Earth.” This waltz-time ballad has garnered over 152 million global streams and earned RIAA Gold certification, steadily climbing the country radio charts and even making its debut on the Billboard Hot 100. His overall global streams have surpassed an impressive 636 million, a testament to his widespread digital resonance.
Myers’s ability to connect with his audience extends beyond streaming numbers. He strategically uses TikTok to tease new music, as seen with his latest single, “Through a Screen,” released on August 15, 2025. This ’70s-style ballad about online romance resonates deeply with his Gen Z fanbase, further cementing his status as a digital phenomenon. His clean-cut, heartfelt image provides a distinct contrast to the more rugged archetypes currently dominating the country scene, positioning him as a refreshing heartthrob for a new generation.
The Road Ahead
Myers is not just a studio artist; he is also a formidable live performer. His 66-date “The Select Tour” has seen widespread sold-out shows across the country, with additional dates added to meet fervent fan demand. He has shared stages with country legends like Willie Nelson, Cody Johnson, and Randy Rogers Band, further solidifying his presence in the live music arena. Recognitions such as Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month, inclusion in their 21 Under 21 all-genre list, and being hailed as an “Artist to Watch” by Spotify and GRAMMY.com underscore his rapid ascent.
Currently, Myers is recording his next album at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a hallowed ground known for producing soulful sounds. As Ty Myers continues to blend traditional sounds with modern digital strategies, his journey signals a significant and trending shift in how new artists achieve widespread recognition, proving that talent, coupled with a keen understanding of platform dynamics, can indeed turn a blues guitarist into a country sensation.
