August 16, 2024 – Rising Nashville-based outlaw country artist Tony Martinez is making a bold statement with the release of his debut full-length album, Everywhere West, via Slumerican. The 13-song collection, co-produced by Martinez and rapper Yelawolf, is already earning Tony comparisons to such legendary artists as George Strait, Randy Travis, George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings.
PRESS HERE to listen to Everywhere West.
The album includes previously released singles like “Crazy” featuring a cameo from Yelawolf and “Try,” as well as the newly released single “Back To The Wall.” Accompanying the album’s release, Tony also dropped the official music video for “Back To The Wall,” directed by Patrick Tohill. PRESS HERE to watch.
“August 16th is going to be a day that will forever be imprinted in my mind, heart, and soul. The release of my debut album Everywhere West is finally here,” Martinez shares. “It’s something I’ve dreamt about my entire life and I couldn’t be more proud of how it turned out along with everyone involved in making it. This is a testament to never giving up, no matter how many times you fail along the way. I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Everywhere West isn’t just an album; it’s a journey through Tony’s life, filled with the highs and lows that have shaped him into the artist he is today. Co-produced with Yelawolf, the album blends folk, rock, blues, and R&B with traditional country and western, creating a diverse collection of songs that showcase Martinez’s versatility as a musician and storyteller.
The title track, “Everywhere West,” has quickly become a personal favorite. The scream at the beginning of the song is wild and untamed, perfectly setting the tone for the rest of the album. It feels like a call to the open road, evoking images of a lone cowboy riding a black horse with the wind in his hair. Martinez’s voice is powerful and evocative, transporting listeners to a different time and place. It’s the kind of country music that makes you feel alive, with spine-chilling steel guitar riffs and lyrics that cut straight to the heart.
Another standout track is “Crazy,” a rollicking tale of heartache and a relationship gone bad. Featuring a cameo from Yelawolf, the song has already been praised by outlets like BrooklynVegan and Holler Country. The stripped-down acoustic recording of “Try” is another highlight, showcasing Martinez’s achingly beautiful vocals against a backdrop of raw emotion. It’s a song that dares you not to cry, with lyrics that resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever experienced heartbreak.
Everywhere West isn’t just about love and loss; it’s also about resilience and triumph. The album opens with the outlaw anthem “Ain’t Nothin’ Gonna Slow Me Down,” a powerful declaration of Martinez’s determination to keep moving forward despite the challenges he’s faced. And he’s faced more than his fair share—at the age of 30, Martinez was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), an autoimmune disease that nearly cost him his eyesight and his life. But against all odds, he not only survived but thrived, channeling his experiences into music that is as inspiring as it is entertaining.
The production on Everywhere West is top-notch, with contributions from an elite group of musicians including Alex Lyon on bass, Peter Keys on piano and keyboards, and Cowboy Eddie Long on steel guitar. The album was recorded at three studios in Nashville: East Iris, Darkhorse, and Blackbird, resulting in a rich, textured sound that’s both polished and authentic.
Martinez’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. Born and raised in Colorado and Phoenix, he got his first big break in 2014 when country star Jake Owen saw him perform and invited him to join his Days of Gold Tour. From there, Martinez went on to play pedal steel for JP Harris and tour with Whitey Morgan, honing his craft and building a loyal fan base along the way. His life took another unexpected turn when he connected with Yelawolf at a bar gig in Nashville, leading to a longtime friendship and a record deal with Slumerican.
Now, with the release of Everywhere West, Tony Martinez is ready to take the country music world by storm. This album is more than a collection of songs; it’s a testament to his resilience, his talent, and his unwavering passion for music. Whether you’re a longtime fan of outlaw country or new to the genre, Everywhere West is an album you won’t want to miss. It’s the kind of music that speaks to the soul, with poetry, powerful vocals, and unforgettable melodies that will stay with you long after the last note fades.
Everywhere West Track Listing
- Ain’t Nothin’ Gonna Slow Me Down
- Someone Else
- Crazy
- White Label Lies
- I’ve Lost More (Than What I’ve Got Today)
- Try
- Believe I’ll Be Leavin’
- Back To The Wall
- Wrong Like The Weatherman
- See You On Broadway
- Alabaster Rose
- Everywhere West
- I Won’t Say No To You
Tony Martinez’s life is comprised of miracles, and now he’s ready to share his life story and original music with the world. While Everywhere West chronicles all phases of his incredible journey, he hopes these songs evoke emotions in listeners so they know they’re not alone in whatever they are facing in life.