By: Sadie Christine
“I think the best way that I’ve been able to describe my sound is that I’m not like traditional country, traditional blues, traditional this; it’s just kind of that California Americana sound that I grew up with.”
Wyatt Lowe has a deep appreciation for music and his own artistry. In our insightful conversation, we talk about all things: his newest single, “The Road Back To You”, this new era of music, music influences, and the journey of returning back to what you love.
Wyatt Lowe is an eclectic artist who doesn’t stick to just one genre or sound. When asked how he would describe his unique sound, Wyatt talked about the musical influences he had from growing up in California, where there was so much music throughout different parts. Explaining, “I grew up in Southern California, so for me down there, I grew up listening to a lot of equal parts blues, punk, and that Bakersfield country sound as well.” Noting influences such as Social Distortion out of Orange County, Neil Young and his Heart of Gold and Harvest Moon records as well as Merle Haggard and Buck Owens with that Bakersfield sound. Wyatt’s great uncle was Merle Haggard’s original bass player in the 1960s so the Bakersfield country energy has always inspired him. Wyatt adds, “I think my sound has always blended all of that. I definitely lean more towards that California Americana, which is kind of a hybrid.” Wyatt notes that, “the best way I’ve been able to describe my sound is that I’m not like traditional country, traditional blues, traditional this; it’s just kind of that California Americana sound that I grew up with. Definitely that alternative rock country, but it’s got that kind of edgy attitude to it.” Other notable influences included Tiger Army and The Blasters, which are both bands out of California which have that “Rockabilly” sound he also likes to dive into.
2026 marked Wyatt’s return to music with his first single, “The Road Back To You” since 2021. Wyatt explains that, “This new era is a new brand, a new face, and a new positioning. All of it is new, and it’s a debut solo project for me away from bands I’ve been in, even my own band in the past.” When asked about the writing process for this song and why this was the perfect song to introduce this next chapter in his music, Wyatt explains, “This song really captured what I felt like a great Americana rock record should be, which was equal parts band chemistry and groove, but also a lyrical message that fits. As a musician first, I wanted the band to be in sync, and I wanted there to be a groove and energy, and I felt like this really captured that. It also captured that deep lyricism that I hope people can connect with and find meaning in, and that is why I felt like this was the best music to put out that really captured what I wanted to do, which was equal parts music-forward, band-driven, and energetic song, but with song meaning and lyrics.”
Wyatt adds that the writing process was quite straightforward and fast. He mentions how the inspiration came to him in Amsterdam via England on the way back to the States. “The song, for me, was really personal in the sense that it was that realization you have when you’re so far away from everything you know, everyone you know, every place you know, and finding that you’re so alone in the world at that moment in time.” Wyatt adds that “I had this idea of wanting to talk about the feeling of wanting to reconnect with a person, a place, or a thing in a moment of time where you’re alone and isolated and separated from that.” Adding, “The song was morphed into different meanings over the last six months. It means different things to different people.” Both the music and the lyrics came together quite organically and fast, “I knew that in the recording process I wanted the guitar to be very front and center. That’s why it comes in as a very heavy intro, and the solo, again, I talk about singing with the guitar, and I wanted it to feel like it was crying out its message. So I think the song captures that, and I’m really happy with how it came out. Overall, it was a gratifying experience to see all the pieces fall into place. It didn’t feel forced.”
“The Road Back To You” is also his pick during our signature segment of “What is Your Era”, which asks artists to pick a song from their discography they feel resonates the most with them today. Wyatt explains that he is in the process of moving houses and is reflecting on the change and sentimental feeling that brings. Wyatt mentions how this was the first house he brought his young kids home from the hospital and all the memories he has made living there for the last four years. He realized that the last song he played and recorded content for in the house was “The Road Back To You,” a moment he described as “very poignant” and filled with “that kind of melancholy feeling.”
Beyond the personal connection, Wyatt explained that the song reflects where he is professionally as well. After years of feeling like the music industry had become “such a business” and losing sight of what he loved about making music, he sees this chapter as “a reset period to get back to what I love.” He added that the song represents this current point in time.
He also gave an honorable mention to “New Road,” a guitar-driven track from his album, Brand New Heart that similarly reflects on looking forward.
The topic of “Mount Rushmore” lists have been circling the internet for a few months now. When asked who would be on Wyatt’s “guitar player Mount Rushmore,” his thoughtful answer showcased just how much passion he has for guitars and music.
He started with B.B. King and how he stands out for his ability to “sing” through his guitar, praising his subtle, deliberate playing and signature tone. Noting that he “wasn’t the flashiest in terms of his guitar playing, yet deliberate and very tone-driven,” making him a standout influence on the blues side of his playing.
His second choice was Chet Atkins, whom he described as a foundational influence on countless guitarists. He highlights Atkins’ traditional finger-picking style and his impact on country and rockabilly music. Calling him “an icon and a legendary guitar player,” he noted that when he thinks of Gretsch guitars, Atkins is the first name that comes to mind.
For his third pick, he chose Jeff Beck, calling him “probably my favorite English guitar player.” He explained that much of his own musical personality is tied to English music and culture, making Beck a natural choice. He also described Beck as “your favorite guitar player’s favorite guitar player,” a testament to the legendary guitarist’s influence and respect among fellow musicians.
Rounding out the list was Duane Allman. He reflected on the lasting legacy Allman left despite his short life, saying that “for how short of a life he lived playing in The Allman Brothers, he just left such a legacy on guitar players.” He also connected Allman’s playing style to what he values most in a guitarist: someone who can “kind of sing with their guitar” and make it sound effortless.
He also gave honorable mentions to Freddie King, Brian Setzer, and Billy Gibbons, noting that they would be worthy stand-ins on the list.
To wrap up our conversation, we asked Wyatt if there was anything else he wanted fans to know about upcoming music. Sharing that this summer, as well as throughout the year, fans can expect new releases that he can’t wait for people to hear. On top of his own original music projects, Wyatt is currently developing a recording studio in Utah, “Redline Recorders.” You can follow him along in the process of getting that ready on social media, where he takes fans through the specifics of this new project.
Wyatt is a very eclectic artist who is inspired by a wide range of music and musical artists, also sharing his love for UK music such as Oasis, Sam Fender, and Johnny Marr. Adding that his English guitar pick for the guitar player Mount Rushmore was between Johnny Marr and Jeff Beck.
Thank you to Wyatt for a great conversation! Make sure to stay up to date with him on social media and be sure to stream “The Road Back To You” on all streaming services now!
Stay Wild, Stay Authentic, Stay Country
