Tyler Hubbard Brings The Party To Australia With His Feel-Good Music

The brains behind country power duo Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Hubbard discusses his new album and first Australian solo tour.

As the Georgian half of Florida Georgia Line – the record-breaking pioneers of bro-country centred on God, girls, beer, and trucks – Hubbard has accrued 21 number ones, clutches of awards, and legions of fans over his 14-year career.

Recently releasing his second solo album, a follow-up to last year's eponymous debut, he's looking forward to spending some quality time in Australia.

"The tour in October will be my first as a solo artist. We've usually been able to squeeze in a couple of vacation days here [when playing Queensland's CMC].

"I've hiked in the Gold Coast hinterland, which was pretty awesome, but I'm excited to be here for some extended time to explore the country."



Fans of his catchy, upbeat melodies need not worry that the new album 'Strong' (released in April) marks a wild adventure into the sonic unknown.

"Music can make us feel lots of different things. I like music that makes me feel good. If I can make music that makes you want to have a good time, I'll take it. There's plenty of other things that don't make us feel good.

"I wrote most of the 13 songs on the road last year in the US and Canada. The first track, 'Wish You Would', sets the pace. I'm excited for the fans to soak up the album and show up in October, ready to party and sing. My shows are a good time. They're high energy and a lot of fun."

Hubbard's genre-bending collaborative choices defied country's conventions long before Beyonce got her sticky mitts on 'Jolene'.

In addition to working with fellow country artists, like Tim McGraw (who's "become a friend"), Tyler also partnered with Bebe Rexha on 2017's smash hit 'Meant To Be' and Nelly on the irrepressible ode to driving 'Cruise'.

However, to manage expectations, Hubbard warns there are "no collaborations on this album. It's only me, but I'm looking forward to collaborating sometime soon, ideally with Jack Harlow or Lil Wayne."



Having written for the likes of Jason Aldean and Kane Brown, Hubbard sees himself as "a songwriter first and foremost. I enjoy thinking about where a particular song can live. Who would this song be good for? It's not easy.

"When making my albums, I shuffle through a lot of songs, trying to figure out what makes the most sense. It comes down to timing, narrative and strategy. I don't have any regrets about other artists cutting songs that I've written. It's a huge honour that never gets old."

What's left for the 37-year-old father of three? "I'd like to continue travelling the world and see where the music takes me.

"Creatively speaking, I want to keep doing what I love: writing songs, getting to play shows, and hang out with the fans. I'm grateful for the life I live and what I get to call my job. I love it so much. I just want to keep doing that."

Tyler Hubbard 2024 Tour Dates

Sun 6 Oct - Forum Melbourne
Wed 9 Oct - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
Sun 13 Oct - The Star Theatre (Gold Coast)

Also appearing:

Fri 4 Oct - Deni Ute Muster (Deniliquin)
Fri 11 Oct - Savannah In The Round (FNQ)
Sat 12 Oct - Over Yonder Country Music Festival (Brisbane)