The Texas singer-songwriter opens up about Ramblin’, returning to his roots, life as a new father, and finding inspiration in family, faith, and the Texas Hill Country. 

Dylan Gossett is no secret to Texas. The former Aggie has blown up since the last time we spoke with him. Between touring with Charlie Wesley Godwin to his own tour, we had the opportunity to sit down with him ahead of his new album release. 

You’ve described Ramblin’ as a “homecoming” and a counterbalance to Westward. What did coming home and stepping away from nonstop touring teach you about yourself that ended up making its way into these songs?

The early songs were all relatable to everyone. I was living a normal life and writing about it. Being on the road you lose perspective and have new experiences to write about. Now, I am back with my wife and son at the lake and it makes it easy to write about. I do my best writing about personal stories and it gave me a new reset of writing which is great. 

You’ve said, “I’m grounding myself in this music,” and you talk about relationships with friends, your wife, your family and your faith. What does “grounding yourself” look like for you now?

It is the same things. Faith is the most important thing. It is my moral compass and direction for everything. I try to act accordingly on that. I rely on my wife and son for the family aspect. I have such a good support system so they make it easy.

There’s such a strong sense of place throughout Ramblin’ — sunflower fields, trees, clotheslines and the Hill Country. How important was it to you to let those specific Texas details become part of the storytelling on this record?

Very important. You cannot talk about the Hill Country without talking about those things. I am addicted to writing about nature and surroundings. It deserved to be on the album.

You’ve called “Headed Back To Austin” the heart of Ramblin’. What does Austin represent to you now that maybe it didn’t represent before you spent all those years on the road?

You don’t know you miss it until you’re gone. It is talking about home and not being used to being away from family that long. It is the groundingness of when you are back home with your family. You feel more grateful for the places you live. More appreciative.

“Clothesline” feels like a really specific and personal story that becomes something universal. What was happening in your life when that song came together?

It was an idea or thought that flourished. I wrote it with Colton who is in the band. I had an idea and wrote it one day. It is about a bad relationship and pulling through that. I am in a great relationship with my wife, so it is one of those songs that just came from an idea. 

Has becoming a dad changed what you want to say in your songwriting, or changed the way you hear your own songs?

I have thrown him into a couple songs already. It changes the way you view the world. Everyone always says time moves so fast, but once you have a kid you really see it. 

You’ve gone from “Coal” blowing up to selling more than 200,000 headline tickets, playing festivals like ACL and Stagecoach, making your Grand Ole Opry debut, and touring with artists like Mumford & Sons. Do you feel like you’ve actually had time to process how quickly all of this has happened?

I don’t know. In some ways yes. It is one of those things that moves so fast, like a rat race. Now you think about things like okay what are our numbers and other logistics. Two years ago could have been the peak. If I can make music for a living I am set. I try to not move the goal too often. I want to be as grateful as possible. 

When people listen to Ramblin’ from beginning to end, what do you hope they understand about Dylan Gossett that they might not have understood from Westward?

Take it as songwriting and storytelling where westward might have been lacking in that field. It is an overall better product. We kept some songwriting elements and added new songs. 

Is there a tour spot you are most looking forward to?

College Station. I used to see shows at Wolf Pen. I love the crowd and the people. Austin next year will be cool too. Texas shows are the best. New York is also a favorite market. 

Dylan’s new album comes out on Friday, Sept. 25! You can stream it anywhere you get music. You can purchase it on his website here. Look at his show dates to catch a show here!

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Cover Photo Harrison Hargrave

Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University, and in her free time she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.