'Westward' by Dylan Gossett: Story Behind the Debut Album and Hit Single Coal
The release marks Dylan Gossett’s full-length debut, featuring the viral single ‘Coal’ and personal stories from two years of touring.
Dylan Gossett released his debut album Westward on July 18, 2025, via Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records. The 17-track album is entirely self-written and produced, based on two years of his life on the road and explores themes of love, faith, family, and travel.
The lead single Coal first gained traction in 2023, going multi-platinum and passing 500 million streams. Other notable tracks include acoustic Hangin’ On, and Smell of Rain, which was inspired by Gossett’s first anniversary with his wife in Dublin.
Gossett began with YouTube lessons and TikTok performances, eventually selling over 72,000 tickets during his 2024 headline shows. The album starts with the hymn-infused opener Lord Will You Carry Me and closes with Baptized by Rain, balancing personal reflection and hope. Westward positions Gossett as a rising voice in country scene, focused on storytelling and a raw, stripped-back sound.