Did someone hit the wrong button? Are we hacked? Did the algorithm mess up?
No wait, we don’t do algorithms here. We’re safe.
But yeah, we get it. The word “country” might give you flashbacks of cowboy hats, pickup trucks, and beer in red solo cups. But don’t freak out just yet. Because if you zoom in a little, you’ll see that within each genre, there are subgenres. And yes, indie pop has a lovely little cousin called country pop. S,o technically… and emotionally… it fits right in!
And when it’s done like Tristan Hutton does it, we’re not even talking about “fitting in”. We’re talking about standing out.
The thing that hit us right away? The songwriting.
It’s smart, honest, and touching. The kind of writing that doesn’t waste words. Every line feels like it was written at 3 AM, when the world is quiet, and you're sitting with thoughts that actually matter. It’s emotional but never cheesy. Just the right amount of sting to land right in the chest. Ouch, but the good kind of ouch.
Then, the chorus comes in. And that flow? Oh boy. It just slides. Effortlessly. It’s got that kind of rhythm that takes you without yelling, and before you know it, you’re hooked. This song has a message: slow down. Enjoy your family. Be here. Not on your phone. Not at work. Just... here.
Tristan is a proud dad. And when a proud dad meets other proud dads, well, sometimes that creates a beautiful ripple. That’s exactly what inspired this track (you’ll find more about that a bit further down, don’t worry, we’ve got you). But you don't have to lose yourself in that parent role. You're still a man. Or a boyfriend.
The production is super clean but not sterile. It breathes. It lets the emotion come through. And the vocals? He doesn’t hold back! The more the song goes on, the more he gives. And that last chorus? It’s like a full-body hug and a punch to the soul at the same time.
Yes. We’re emotional. Deal with it.
I've spent far too long at the bar with other dads or at the school gate talking to other parents, and the reality is that our children tend to rule our lives. Parents just talk about their kids over and over. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that despite bringing us joy and purpose, children don't have to define who we are, and I reckon that's worth holding on to. But that's a tricky conversation to have with someone, isn't it? So I decided to sing it instead!
I'm Tristan Hutton, an independent modern country artist from the south coast of the UK. Music has always been a part of my life, but I think I always lacked the courage to really put myself out there. As I've gone through life, I'm pleased to say those concerns have melted away, and I'm finally allowing music to bring me the joy I wish I had let into my life sooner! I'm a big modern country fan and am loving immersing myself in the UK country scene, from performances at local country music bars to the Country On The Coast festival in April 2025.
I always try to keep my songwriting simple and authentic. I find that if I write about stuff that means something to me, the songs almost write themselves. Nothing is forced. One of the things I guess I’m most proud of as an artist is the fact that I produce and mix all my tracks myself. No pro studio setup, no session musicians, no engineer, and no budget. Just lil’ old me in my attic (my happy place). I love having total creative control over my music.
It also means that when someone listens, adds one of my songs to their playlist, writes an article about me or plays one of my tracks on their radio station, it means so much more, because I haven’t just turned up for a writing or vocal session, I’ve poured hours and even days into every layer of a track. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
We're supposed to be out here floatin'
Doing things that people like us do
Living every day straight road coastin'
But is it livin' if you're only passin' through
We're supposed to let empty spaces
Fill us up until all that remains
Are the memories of those places
And this residue runnin' though our veins
But I, can't survive, if I trade what once defined me
To become somethin' I can't be
Cos I'm not givin' up on who I am just
Waiting here for that last train home
And I'm not kickin' stones around in the dust
Another year of this time on loan
I'm plenty more than just a school run has been
And I won't let myself loose my way
Through the smile lines and fadin' signs of life
Yeh through the smile lines and fadin' signs of life
I'll be me for one more day
(Ooooh)
We're supposed to keep a pristine routine
Goin' through, the motions every day
But what if we found space in between
Stoppin' our light, just slippin' away
So hold on to what makes you you
I'll do same and we'll light up this small town
And we'll sit here in a year or two
Knowin' that they couldn't keep us down
But I can't survive, if I trade what once defined me
To become somethin' I can't be (I can't be)
Cos I'm not givin' up on who I am just
Waiting here for that last train home
And I'm not kickin' stones around in the dust
Another year of this time on loan
I'm plenty more than just a school run has been
And I won't let myself loose my way
Through the smile lines and fadin' signs of life
Yeh through the smile lines and fadin' signs of life
I'll be me for one more day
Late nights, long drives, tired eyes and we
Still fight for our lives and our sanity
(Oh yeh)
Cos I'm not givin' up on who I am just
Waiting here for that last train home
And I'm not kickin' stones around in the dust
Another year of this time on loan
I'm plenty more than just a school run has been
And I won't let myself loose my way
Through the smile lines and fadin' signs of life (fading signs of life)
Yeh through the smile lines and fadin' signs of life
I'll be me for one more day
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