Koe Wetzel

Biography

Ropyr Madison Koe Wetzel, born July 14, 1992, in Pittsburg, Texas, is an American singer and songwriter known for his genre-blending style that fuses rock and country music. His mother, a touring country singer, exposed him to the music world from a young age, with Wetzel first performing on stage at six years old. While his mother introduced him to country, his father was a fan of hip-hop, and a cousin introduced him to alternative rock bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden. Although passionate about music, he initially prioritized sports, playing football as a linebacker for Tarleton State University. Eventually, his interest in music took over, and he dropped out in 2012 to pursue it as a career.

Musical Career

In 2012, Wetzel formed the band "Koe Wetzel and the Konvicts" and self-released an EP titled "Love and Lies". The band toured extensively, building a loyal following, particularly among college students, with their energetic live shows and relatable, rowdy lyrics. Their first full-length album, "Out on Parole," was released in 2015. However, his 2017 album, "Noise Complaint," is considered his breakout work, featuring popular songs like "February 28, 2016," "Something to Talk About," and "Tell It All Town". Following this success, the band name was dropped, and he began performing under his own name with a backing band.

His 2019 album, "Harold Saul High," charted on the Billboard 200. In 2020, he signed with the major label Columbia Records and released "Sellout". This was followed by "Hell Paso" in 2022, which reached No. 3 on Billboard's Country Albums chart. His latest album, "9 Lives," released in 2024, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

Musical Style

Koe Wetzel's music is often described as a mix of outlaw country, rock, grunge, and Americana. He has referred to his unique sound as "Hillbilly Punk-Rock". His lyrics often deal with mature themes and are known for their explicit content, drawing from personal experiences. His influences are diverse, ranging from country legends like Johnny Cash and George Jones to rap icons like The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac, and grunge pioneers such as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Out on Parole (2015)
• Noise Complaint (2016)
• Harold Saul High (2019)
• Sellout (2020)
• Hell Paso (2022)
• 9 Lives (2024)

Live Albums

• Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour (2025)