Tx2Tn Podcast Ep 143 with Wade Forster

Wade Forster is an Australian country music singer, songwriter, and professional rodeo cowboy from the Queensland outback. Born and raised on a cattle station, he embodies the rugged rural lifestyle, working long days in the saddle while pursuing music that reflects themes of hard times, heartache, loss, love, and outback grit. His style is authentic, no-frills neo-traditional country with storytelling lyrics drawn from personal experiences—no poetry, just real stories. Influences include his rodeo background, early exposure to country tunes via truck radios, and artists like Tyler Childers, whose cover of “Oneida” in 2021 went viral and propelled his career.Career Highlights• Beginnings: Self-taught on a $50 guitar bought in 2017 while working a refrigeration job in Mount Isa. Started sharing covers online; attended the CMAA Senior Academy of Country Music in Tamworth in 2023.• Breakthrough: Won the 44th Toyota Star Maker in January 2024, earning national recognition as an independent artist. Nominated for a Golden Guitar Award.• Collaborations and Milestones: Rode with and performed alongside American star Cody Johnson at a Townsville rodeo; opened for Luke Combs in front of 25,000 fans at Rod Laver Arena. Hosted a free pop-up show in Fort Worth, Texas, in July 2024, drawing 300 fans. Co-headlined The Low Down Under Tour with The Lowdown Drifters in the US in January 2025, selling out venues like Cain’s Ballroom (Tulsa) and Gruene Hall (Texas).• Accolades and Reach: Over 40 million global streams without major label support. Built a strong US fanbase through social media and surprise performances. In 2025, kicked off a world tour starting with Gympie Music Muster.• Tours: Currently on The Dying Breed Tour in 2025, with dates including September 17 at The Basement (Nashville, TN), September 18 at Off Broadway (St. Louis, MO), September 19 at Mercury Lounge (Denver, CO), and more through October, often with opener Kade Hoffman. Upcoming international shows in Australia and beyond.Releases• Debut Album: The Beginning (2022), recorded at Hillbilly Hut Studio using rodeo winnings. Features raw tracks on depression, rural life, and personal struggles; amassed millions of streams.• Notable Singles and EPs (many self-released or independent): • “Last of a Dying Breed” (2024, official lyric video). • “Chemistry” (2024, official music video released September 12, 2024). • “Gooseneck Party” (latest release). • “Take That Buckle Home” (2025 album/single). • “One Night Stand” (2025). • Others: “The Drifter,” “Midnight in Texas,” “Honky Tonk Bulldoggin’ Man,” “Cigarettes,” “Fighting Tears.” His music blends heartfelt ballads with uptempo rodeo anthems, praised for honesty and relatability.Performances and ReceptionA high-energy live performer with rodeo-honed stage presence, Forster has played festivals, rodeos, and arenas across Australia, the US, and Europe. He’s known for intimate acoustic sets and full-band shows that connect with working-class audiences. Reviews highlight his gravelly vocals, authentic storytelling, and “outlaw cowboy” vibe, drawing comparisons to Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton. As an independent artist, he’s built a grassroots following via Instagram (979k+ likes), Facebook, and YouTube (5.68k subscribers).Forster’s music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. Visit wadeforster.com for tour tickets, merch, and updates, or follow @wadeforstermusic on Instagram and Facebook.