Artists to Watch #4

Hailing from Statesboro, Georgia, Dylan Marlowe has emerged as a promising new talent in the Nashville country music scene. He arrives replete with a sound that marries the traditional country aesthetic with rock influences, often accompanied by a sartorial preference for camouflage and a discernible cheerfulness in his voice.

Marlowe’s childhood was predominantly focused on baseball until an encounter with music during his final year of high school in 2015 profoundly altered his trajectory. A friend’s guitar piqued his interest in music, leading him to discover his passion for songwriting and guitar playing.

Although his most significant musical epiphany occurred in his senior year, Marlowe recalls an earlier affinity for music, nurtured by an eclectic household. His father, once a drummer in a heavy-metal, Christian-rock band, introduced him to rock and roll, while his mother’s preference for country music provided him with a fusion of genres that would later define his musical identity.

Inspired to pursue his burgeoning interest in music more seriously, Marlowe attended college for a year and subsequently joined his father’s business for two years. With his father’s encouragement, Marlowe embarked on a full-fledged musical career.

The influences of artists such as Linkin Park and Kenny Chesney, favorites of his parents, resonate in his work. Moreover, Marlowe’s exploration of traditional country music led him to appreciate artists like Tracey Lawrence and Keith Whitley, with Eric Church being a particular catalyst in his musical development.

Before the onset of the pandemic, Marlowe relocated to Nashville, where he seized the opportunity to hone his songwriting skills, expand his network, and refine his artistry. His popularity soared in 2021 after a video of him performing a country rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License” on social media, drastically increased his following, amassing over a million views on YouTube. This success spurred him to release the cover on streaming services, as well as his own original songs, such as “All About It” and “I’ll Keep The Country.” His songwriting prowess also earned him recognition, with Jon Pardi’s “Last Night Lonely” achieving the number one spot and marking Marlowe’s first significant milestone as a songwriter.

His 2022 release, “Why’d We Break Up Again,” is yet another testament to his high-energy performing style. Recognized by Spotify as a Hot Country Artist to Watch in 2023, Marlowe has experienced a year filled with noteworthy firsts and is poised to make a more substantial impact in 2024. His achievements include a number one songwriting credit, a debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage, marital vows, and the release of his inaugural EP, Dirt Road When I Die on Sony Music Nashville in conjunction with Play It Again Entertainment.

The EP, Dirt Road When I Die, is a blend of banjo-inflected country and intense rock tones, features tracks that confirm his deep connection to country music. Marlowe unexpectedly released “You Were Right (Nat’s Song)” on his wedding day as a tribute to his wife, further illustrating his personal and musical journey’s entwining.

The EP includes “Record High,” a composition marked by its moody resonance, embellished with dobro and electronics, and delivering a portrayal of heartbreak with profound sincerity.

Marlowe’s collaborations extend to Avery Anna’s “I Will (When You Do)” and Kasey Tyndall’s “Place For Me.” In October 2023, he introduced his collaboration with Dylan Scott, “Boys Back Home,” currently making its mark on country radio. The track garnered more than 3.2 million global streams in its initial week.

His touring resume is as impressive as his recording achievements, having opened for HARDY on the the mockingbird and THE CROW FALL TOUR alongside Lainey Wilson, and sharing the stage with Jordan Davis, Morgan Wallen, and Scotty McCreery. In February 2024, he commenced his headlining DIRT ROAD WHEN I DIE tour, which has seen tickets sell out for the majority of performances. Marlowe continues to captivate audiences with his engaging live shows and resonant lyrics, contributing to his robust social media following of over half a million.

Most recently, in February 2024, Marlowe released “You Did It Too”, a single inspired by a moment of frustration with online criticism. The cover art for the single includes the review from Country Central staff writer Creed Miller, which Marlowe confirmed in a post, indicating the review served as unexpected inspiration.

Marlowe is also slated to perform at CRS 2024 during the Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat event alongside Lady A, Chayce Beckham, Ella Langley, and Josh Ross.

Label: Sony Music Nashville/ Play It Again Entertainment
Hometown: Statesboro, Georgia
Current City: Nashville, Tennessee
Hot Release(s): “You Did It Too”; “Boys Back Home”; “Record High”
Musical Influences:  Tracy Lawrence, Keith Whitley, Linkin Park, Nickelback, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church
If You Like: Morgan Wallen, Eric Church, Chase Rice
KEEP UP WITH DYLAN MARLOWE: www.dylanmarloweofficial.com
Socials and YouTube: @DylanMarloweMusic